Avfuel Welcomes Sheltair’s Newest FBO at Gwinnett County Airport Following $17 Million Investment

Avfuel Corporation has officially added Sheltair Aviation’s newest Fixed Base Operator (FBO) at Gwinnett County Airport (KLZU) to its global branded network. Effective April 2, 2023, this expansion marks a significant milestone in the ongoing modernization of regional aviation infrastructure in the Atlanta metropolitan area.

The development follows a competitive Request for Proposals (RFP) process, resulting in Gwinnett County awarding Sheltair a 40-year lease. According to the official press release, Sheltair has committed to a $17 million infrastructure investment program to revitalize the airport’s North Ramp, taking over facilities previously operated by Gwinnett Aero.

This strategic move not only strengthens the multi-decade relationship between Avfuel and Sheltair but also highlights the growing reliance on public-private partnerships to fund critical Airports upgrades without burdening local taxpayers.

Infrastructure and Investment at Briscoe Field

Revitalizing the North Ramp

Located just 33 miles northeast of downtown Atlanta, Gwinnett County Airport, also known as Briscoe Field, serves as a vital general aviation hub. Industry data cited in the provided research report notes that KLZU is the third-busiest airport in Georgia, recording 119,000 takeoffs and landings in 2022. It acts as a crucial gateway for the county’s expanding bioscience, technology, and manufacturing sectors.

To support this growing demand, Sheltair’s $17 million commitment will fund extensive facility improvements. The project scope includes the redevelopment of nearly 220,000 square feet of existing hangar space. Furthermore, the company plans to construct a state-of-the-art FBO terminal, a new restaurant, and a modern office complex.

“Airports across the country are reckoning with aging facilities that can still be of service, but they need this partnership and private Investments to make it happen. We embrace this true public-private partnership that makes it a win-win-win for the airport owner, the users, and Sheltair.”
— Milo Zonka, Vice President of Real Estate for Sheltair, via the company’s release.

The Avfuel and Sheltair Partnership

Enhancing the Guest Experience

As an Avfuel-branded location, the new KLZU facility will offer operators competitive fuel pricing, AVTRIP loyalty rewards, and streamlined payment processing via the Avfuel Pro Card. Sheltair, recognized as the nation’s largest privately-owned aviation network with over 16 FBOs, aims to bring its “Family First” customer service ethos to the Atlanta market.

“We intend to exceed expectations and are dedicated to making Gwinnett County Airport the best it can be; Avfuel is an important part of that. The advantages Avfuel offers add value for our guests, and we look forward to extending that value to our network’s latest FBO addition.”
— Lisa Holland, President of Sheltair.

Avfuel leadership echoed this sentiment. Joel Hirst, Senior Vice President of Sales at Avfuel, emphasized the supplier’s eagerness to support Sheltair’s all-in commitment to Gwinnett County and the broader general aviation community in Georgia’s largest metro area.

Broader Industry Context and Recent Developments

Sustainability and Philanthropic Initiatives

The alliance between Avfuel and Sheltair extends beyond traditional fuel supply and FBO operations. According to recent industry developments spanning through 2026, the two companies are actively collaborating on environmental and educational initiatives.

On the Sustainability front, Avfuel and Sheltair have partnered with aircraft manufacturer Embraer to supply and store Neste MY Sustainable Aviation Fuel (SAF) at Melbourne Orlando International Airport. This initiative directly supports the business aviation sector’s ambitious goal of achieving net-zero carbon emissions by 2050.

Additionally, the partners co-sponsor the “Future Takes Flight Scholarship” program. As recently as October 2025, the companies announced the latest recipients of this fund, which distributes $30,000 annually to support the education and training of students and professionals within the business aviation community.

Continued Network Expansion

Sheltair’s growth trajectory has remained aggressive following the KLZU acquisition. In November 2025, the company unveiled a new FBO at Sarasota–Bradenton International Airport (KSRQ), a project backed by a massive $40 million investment. Meanwhile, the successful transition at Gwinnett County has catalyzed further commercial general aviation development at the airport, with new RFPs issued in late 2025.

AirPro News analysis

The $17 million investment at Gwinnett County Airport perfectly illustrates a growing trend in regional aviation: the reliance on robust public-private Partnerships. As municipal budgets tighten, local governments are increasingly turning to established private operators like Sheltair to fund necessary infrastructure modernizations. By securing a 40-year lease, Sheltair gains long-term operational stability in a high-traffic, economically expanding region, while Gwinnett County benefits from upgraded facilities without direct taxpayer expenditure. Furthermore, Avfuel’s integration into these expanding networks ensures consistent fuel volume and brand visibility in key corporate aviation markets.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)

What is the total investment Sheltair is making at Gwinnett County Airport?
According to the press release, Sheltair has committed $17 million to improve and expand the airport’s facilities, which includes redeveloping 220,000 square feet of hangars and building a new terminal.

When did the Sheltair FBO at KLZU officially join the Avfuel network?
The location officially became an Avfuel-branded FBO on April 2, 2023.

What services will the new FBO offer?
The facility will provide competitive fuel prices, AVTRIP rewards, Avfuel Pro Card transactions, and Sheltair’s signature customer care, alongside a planned new terminal, restaurant, and office complex.

Sources

• Avfuel Corporation Press Release

This article is based on an official press release from Gulfstream Aerospace Corp.

Gulfstream Reimagines Customer Engagement with Inaugural ‘Skyward’ Event in Savannah

On April 7, 2026, Gulfstream Aerospace Corp. announced the successful conclusion of “Skyward,” a newly reimagined premier customer and industry event. Held at the Savannah Convention Center near the company’s worldwide headquarters in Georgia, the three-day conference marked a significant evolution in how the aerospace Manufacturers engages with its global operator base. According to the official press release, the event gathered nearly 2,000 attendees representing over 30 countries across six continents.

Skyward replaces Gulfstream’s long-standing biennial “Operators & Suppliers Conference,” a staple of the company’s customer relations strategy that historically focused heavily on safety, operational issues, and technical updates. The rebranded and modernized event signals a shift toward a highly interactive, customizable, and collaborative forum. Attendees were able to tailor their schedules based on individual operational needs, participating in robust technical sessions, leadership updates, open forums, and industry innovation showcases.

As the business aviation sector navigates a complex landscape in 2026, characterized by supply chain constraints and stringent Sustainability mandates, Gulfstream is utilizing Skyward to underscore its massive ongoing Investments in its global customer support network and to gather real-time feedback from the operators on the front lines.

Evolution of the Customer Experience

From Traditional Conference to Interactive Forum

The transition from a traditional corporate presentation format to the dynamic Skyward model reflects broader modern corporate event trends. Gulfstream has recognized that ultra-high-net-worth B2B markets require personalized, data-driven, and collaborative customer service. By bringing together operators, suppliers, and internal experts, the company aims to foster a transparent environment for sharing developments and addressing operational hurdles.

Lor Izzard, Senior Vice President of Gulfstream Customer Support, emphasized the strategic importance of this gathering. Appointed to his current role in January 2025 after a long tenure that began in 1999, Izzard oversees sales support, service center operations, and field support.

“Skyward is our premier customer event and the largest gathering of Gulfstream operators and suppliers worldwide. This event provides an engaging forum for us to bring customers and industry partners together with our team of experts to share developments and gather feedback in real time.”

“Customers place their trust in our worldwide support network, and we are committed to strengthening that partnership through expertise, transparency and meaningful collaboration. The insights shared during Skyward help drive our path forward and ensure we deliver an aircraft ownership and service experience that exceeds expectations.”

Strategic Expansion Amidst Industry Challenges

Bolstering the Global Support Network

To understand the significance of Skyward, it is essential to contextualize the event within Gulfstream’s recent operational milestones. According to company data, Gulfstream currently has more than 3,500 aircraft in service globally. Its next-generation fleet is expanding rapidly, featuring the newly certified G700 (which received certification in India in February 2026), the G800, G600, G500, G400, and the super-midsize G300, which completed its First-Flight in December 2025.

Supporting this growing fleet requires immense resources. Gulfstream reports that customer support now accounts for over 25% of its total worldwide headcount, translating to more than 5,500 employees. The company’s Field and Airborne Support Teams (FAST) expanded by over 40% in 2024, with new bases opening in 2025, including a facility in White Plains, New York, to provide rapid, on-site aircraft-on-ground (AOG) support. Furthermore, in late 2025, Gulfstream opened a new Texas Repair and Overhaul Center in the Dallas-Fort Worth area to increase in-house component support for wheels, brakes, and landing gear.

AirPro News analysis

At AirPro News, we view the Skyward event not merely as a corporate meet-and-greet, but as a proactive strategic maneuver. In 2026, the global aviation supply chain is facing severe bottlenecks, with structural shortages in engine components and parts. Because new aircraft deliveries are delayed industry-wide, operators are forced to fly older fleets longer, which exponentially increases the intensity of Maintenance, Repair, and Overhaul (MRO) needs.

Gulfstream’s aggressive expansion of its FAST network and in-house repair centers is a direct response designed to insulate its customers from these global supply chain frictions. By gathering 2,000 stakeholders in Savannah, Gulfstream is actively managing expectations, ensuring transparent communication regarding parts availability, and showcasing its expanded in-house support capabilities to reassure operators during a turbulent period for aviation logistics.

Sustainability and Workforce Development

Addressing the Mechanic Shortage

A notable feature of the Skyward program was its focus on professional development. The event offered attendees the opportunity to earn credits toward Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) Inspection Authorization (IA) renewal requirements. This initiative directly supports the professional development of maintenance technicians. By integrating these credits into the conference, Gulfstream is demonstrating a tangible commitment to combating the ongoing global aviation mechanic shortage, investing directly in the teams that keep their operators flying safely.

The Push for Sustainable Aviation

The press release noted that Skyward covered “topics and trends impacting business aviation.” Beyond supply chain issues, aviation decarbonization remains a critical regulatory and corporate focus in 2026. Gulfstream has positioned itself as a leader in this space. In October 2025, the company announced that its fleet had surpassed 3 million nautical miles flown on SAF blends. Discussions at Skyward likely featured heavy emphasis on SAF adoption, book-and-claim systems, and emissions reporting, reflecting the industry’s urgent push toward net-zero operations.

Frequently Asked Questions

What is the Gulfstream Skyward event?

Skyward is Gulfstream’s newly reimagined premier customer and industry event, replacing the former biennial “Operators & Suppliers Conference.” It is designed to be a highly interactive, customizable forum for operators, suppliers, and Gulfstream experts to discuss industry trends and share real-time feedback.

Where and when did the 2026 Skyward event take place?

The three-day event took place in late March and early April 2026 at the Savannah Convention Center in Savannah, Georgia, near Gulfstream’s worldwide headquarters.

How many people attended the inaugural Skyward event?

According to Gulfstream, nearly 2,000 attendees from over 30 countries across six continents participated in the event.

What is Gulfstream’s FAST network?

FAST stands for Field and Airborne Support Teams. It is Gulfstream’s rapid-response network designed to provide on-site aircraft-on-ground (AOG) support. The network expanded by over 40% in 2024 to better serve the growing global fleet.

Sources:
Gulfstream Aerospace Corp. Press Release

This article is based on an official press release from National Business Aviation Association (NBAA).

Navigating Florida’s Congested Skies

Florida’s airspace is among the most complex and congested in the United States, handling approximately 44,000 commercial and general aviation flights daily, alongside periodic space launches. To address these mounting challenges, the Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) established the Florida Task Force two years ago, collaborating with industry stakeholders, including the National Business Aviation Association (NBAA).

Following the task force’s recommendations, the FAA implemented a “capping-and-tunneling” initiative. This strategy restricts shorter flights to altitudes below 23,000 feet, reserving higher airspace sectors for longer-haul traffic. While this approach has improved capacity, NBAA Air Traffic Services (ATS) experts note in their recent release that operators still face significant hurdles when navigating the region.

To help flight crews and dispatchers mitigate delays, the NBAA recently issued a set of seven strategic recommendations for operating in Florida’s dynamic airspace.

Understanding the Airspace Bottleneck

According to the NBAA, the geographical shape of Florida creates a natural bottleneck for air traffic. Flights arriving from the north and west frequently converge with departures from South Florida and the Caribbean in the central part of the state.

“Florida airspace is like a funnel,” explained NBAA ATS Director Janice Planten, noting that traffic from multiple directions “converges in the middle of the state.”

While the capping-and-tunneling program provides some relief, NBAA ATS Senior Manager Dan Snell emphasized that air traffic controllers still face the complex task of blending climbing and descending traffic throughout Central and South Florida.

Key Strategies for Operators

Utilize FAA Planning Tools

The NBAA strongly advises operators to consult the FAA’s National Airspace System (NAS) Status page during preflight planning. This resource provides real-time data on airport delays and includes the FAA’s daily Operations Plan, which outlines specific constraints and the agency’s intended solutions.

Adapt to Altitude and Routing Constraints

When the FAA’s Jacksonville Air Route Traffic Control Center utilizes capping and tunneling, the NBAA recommends that crews on shorter routes proactively file for lower altitudes. Although flying lower may increase fuel consumption, it can significantly reduce departure delays. Furthermore, operators should clearly communicate their aircraft’s capabilities to Air Traffic Control (ATC), such as the ability to fly deep-water routes or accept non-standard routing.

Optimize Flight Plan Filing

Filing flight plans early ensures that an aircraft is registered as “known demand” within the ATC system. Conversely, the NBAA warns against “double filing” or submitting a new flight plan within an hour of the scheduled departure. Doing so generates a new system entry that often leads to further delays; instead, crews should request a reroute directly from ATC.

Maintain Operational Flexibility

If a destination airport is experiencing high volume and delay programs, the NBAA suggests considering nearby alternate airports. Additionally, collaborating with passengers to adjust travel times can help operators avoid peak congestion periods.

AirPro News analysis

We observe that the congestion in Florida’s airspace highlights a broader national challenge as general aviation, commercial airlines, and commercial space operations increasingly compete for limited airspace. The FAA’s capping-and-tunneling initiative represents a necessary tactical shift, but long-term relief will likely require continued modernization of ATC infrastructure and greater flexibility from operators. Until systemic capacity increases, adherence to the NBAA’s preflight and filing best practices remains the most effective way for private and business aviation to minimize disruptions.

FAQ

What is the FAA’s capping-and-tunneling initiative?

It is an air traffic management strategy that keeps aircraft on shorter flights below 23,000 feet, freeing up higher altitudes for longer flights to increase overall airspace capacity.

How many aircraft operate in Florida airspace daily?

According to FAA data cited by the NBAA, approximately 44,000 commercial and general aviation aircraft share Florida’s airspace on any given day.

Why shouldn’t pilots double file flight plans?

Refiling within an hour of departure creates a “pop-up” entry in the FAA’s system, which typically results in additional delays rather than expediting the departure.

Sources

• National Business Aviation Association