Shelter activates hurricane response plan

FBO chain Sheltair has activated its Hurricane Response Plan at aviation facilities threatened by Hurricane Matthew.

While forecasters can’t predict the exact track of the storm, Sheltair officials are anticipating the temporary suspension of its FBO operations at Fort Lauderdale/Hollywood (FLL) Pompano Beach, (PMP), Orlando (ORL), Daytona Beach (DAB), Jacksonville (JAX) and Savannah (SAV) starting Thursday, Oct. 6, and extending through Saturday, Oct. 8.

“Sheltair has long recognized not only the potential threat to our airport facilities from severe weather but the need to be capable of resuming operations quickly to support recovery efforts within hours of a storm’s departure,” stated Sheltair’s Chairman, CEO and founder Jerry Holland. “Accordingly, our company is well prepared to withstand a storm that may be of historic proportions and to reopen as quickly as possible to support the arrival of FEMA crews, Air National Guard, or any other agencies inbound to offer help.”

Sheltair operates 17 FBOs and manages more than 3 million square feet of aviation related properties throughout Florida, Georgia and New York.

At each of the affected Sheltair FBO operations all non-essential personnel have been sent home and updates regarding the status of suspended operations have been sent to the aviation community. The company is also working in cooperation with appropriate airport authorities to ensure that aircraft, support equipment, and structures are prepared for hurricane force winds.

“We know from our experience with Superstorm Sandy in New York when Sheltair assisted Republic Airport in regional recovery efforts that each storm is different and can attack an aviation facility in unexpected ways. We also know the importance of the need to recover from a catastrophic storm in the shortest period of time because airports become even more important during weather emergencies. Our team is ready,” noted Warren Kroeppel, Chief Operating Officer.