SANDPOINT, Idaho – Phillips 66 Aviation-branded dealer Granite Aviation recently opened its doors for business at a new FBO facility, located at Sandpoint Airport (SZT). The $1.6 million facility boasts a new 3,700 square foot terminal, a 7,000 square foot hangar, four aircraft refueling trucks, deicer truck and a newly constructed 190-foot-by-900-foot aircraft ramp.
The Sandpoint Airport has experienced a recent spike in business and personal air travel as a result of increased tourism, local company growth and citizens transitioning from part-time to full-time residents. On-airport aerospace companies include Tamarack Aerospace Group (business jet winglets), Quest Aircraft (maker of the Kodiak turboprop aircraft) and Timberline Helicopters.
“Sandpoint has recently come on the radar as a top tourist destination,” said Andrew Berrey, Granite Aviation owner. “Nestled at the base of Idaho’s largest ski area, Schweitzer Mountain Ski Resort, and on the shores of Lake Pend Oreille, Idaho’s largest lake, it was inevitable that we would one day be discovered. Tourists flock to Sandpoint to take advantage of our four-season outdoor recreation activities, renowned restaurants and beautiful natural attractions. Granite Aviation is fully equipped to provide fuel, maintenance service, storage facilities and ground transportation to support travelers either passing through or enjoying a relaxing stay in Sandpoint.”
Berrey purchased the existing FBO equipment Jan. 1, 2014, and moved into the new facility two months later. He said he recognized the demand for a new FBO “with modern capabilities and conveniences to handle increased air traffic into the airport, as well as abundant storage for private aircraft and a full-service maintenance facility.”
Sandpoint, Idaho has recently been named “The most Beautiful Small Town in America” by USA Today, and “Number One Ski Town in the USA” by Rand McNally.
For more information: Granite-Aviation.com