Franklin county enters into negotiations with "Fly High" to serve as airport FBO

Franklin County commissioners have agreed to begin negotiations with a new fixed base operator for the Franklin County-Apalachicola airport.

The county has agreed to work with a company out of North Carolina called “Fly High” to take over the FBO position – the company would provide services like fueling, hangaring, aircraft rental and maintenance, and flight instruction.

Over the past year the board has been seeking a new company to manage the airport – the contract for the current fixed base operator ended this month though it was extended by 90 days while commissioners continued their search.

Representatives from ‘Fly High” said they view the FBO as the first impression people have of the county so they train their workers in all aspects from answering the phone to getting rental cars when people need them.

There are still a few issues that have to be worked out before the contract is signed.

For one the current operator doesn’t want to leave.

AIATC has informed the board that it would like to extend its contract by 10 years –something the county is not going to willingly do.

The current FBO also has the right to stay in its existing building for 90 more days – and the county needs the building if they reach an agreement with new company.

The board is also questioning how long of a contract they would like to sign.

The current FBO had a 20 year contract, but commissioners said that was too long.

The board wants to see the new company bring more jobs to the airport before agreeing to a long term contract.

Representatives for Fly High said they would start with about 5 people but hope to create 11 jobs at the airport over time.

The board agreed to accept “Fly High” as the new Fixed base operator but did so contingent on the company and the county attorney reaching an agreement on a shorter contract. 

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