MRO & Manufacturing
Sheltair Opens New MRO Hangar at Tampa International Airport
Sheltair Aviation unveils a new $15M MRO hangar at Tampa International Airport, expanding facilities for large business jets and aircraft maintenance.
This article is based on an official press release from Tampa International Airport.
Sheltair Aviation and Tampa International Airport (TPA) officials celebrated the opening of a new hangar facility on Thursday, marking a significant expansion of the airport’s maintenance, repair, and overhaul (MRO) capabilities. Located on the north side of Runway 10-28, the new complex,known as Hangar 4300,adds nearly 60,000 square feet of combined hangar and office space to the airport’s general aviation infrastructure.
The opening ceremony, held on February 12, 2026, highlighted the facility’s role in supporting the region’s growing business aviation sector. According to the airport’s official announcement, the project is designed to attract a dedicated MRO provider while currently offering storage solutions for large-cabin aircraft.
The newly completed facility at 4300 W. Tampa Bay Blvd. features 50,880 square feet of hangar space and 8,344 square feet of attached office and shop space. The complex also includes a 50,000-square-foot apron to facilitate aircraft staging, fueling, and maneuvering.
Designed to accommodate modern business jets, the hangar is equipped with a 30-foot-high main door and a specialized 45-foot-high tail door system. This configuration allows the facility to house large-cabin and narrow-body aircraft, including up to three Boeing Business Jets (BBJ) simultaneously. Safety features include a foam fire suppression system that meets National Fire Protection Association codes for full MRO operations.
According to reporting by Aviation International News, the complex represents a $15 million investment and was constructed over a 15-month period. While the facility is currently being used for aircraft storage, Sheltair has stated it is targeting a single occupant to provide MRO services for business jets or airline-category aircraft.
This development is the ninth hangar complex for Sheltair at Tampa International Airport, following a four-hangar expansion completed in 2023 on the south side of the airfield. The new north-side location aims to balance the airport’s support infrastructure and meet increasing demand for private aviation services.
“The new MRO hangar represents the future of business aviation at Tampa International Airport. From day one, our goal was to create a facility that not only meets today’s operational needs but anticipates tomorrow’s.”
Lisa Holland, President and CEO of Sheltair Aviation
Airport officials emphasized that the project aligns with TPA’s broader master plan to enhance general aviation services. Brett Fay, TPA’s Vice President of General Aviation, noted that the investment responds directly to market demand while upgrading the service level available to operators.
The completion of Hangar 4300 signals a shift in Sheltair’s strategy at TPA, moving beyond standard FBO (Fixed Base Operator) storage toward specialized maintenance infrastructure. By constructing a facility purpose-built for MRO operations,complete with high-tail clearances and shop space,Sheltair is positioning TPA to compete more aggressively for heavy maintenance contracts that might otherwise go to competing hubs in the Southeast. The decision to build on the north side of Runway 10-28 also diversifies the airport’s operational footprint, reducing congestion around the main FBO complex on the south side.
What is the primary purpose of the new hangar? Can the hangar accommodate commercial airliners? Who owns the facility?
Sheltair Aviation Unveils New MRO Hangar at Tampa International Airport
Facility Specifications and Capabilities
Strategic Importance for TPA
AirPro News analysis
Frequently Asked Questions
While currently used for aircraft storage, the facility is purpose-built for Maintenance, Repair, and Overhaul (MRO) operations and is marketing for a single tenant provider.
The facility is designed for large-cabin business jets and narrow-body aircraft, such as the Boeing Business Jet (BBJ) or Airbus ACJ family.
The facility was developed and is operated by Sheltair Aviation, a private aviation services company, on leased ground at Tampa International Airport.
Sources
Photo Credit: Tampa International Airport