Signature Flight Support announced the addition of two locations to its global FBO network during NBAA2014 this week.

The company's licensed location, Blue Heron by Signature Flight Support of the Turks and Caicos Islands, will officially open for business on November 15, 2014 at Providenciales International Airport (MBPV).

The new FBO will provide customers with a modern and contemporary facility, consisting of a 6,800 square foot terminal, with lounges and office space, 11 acres of aircraft parking and hangar facility. The FBO will offer full ground handling, fueling and the full portfolio of Signature’s services including its loyalty and rewards programs Signature Status and Signature TailWins.

Blue Heron by Signature Flight Support, Turks and Caicos Islands.

Maria Sastre, President and Chief Operating Officer for Signature Flight Support said, “Our Blue Heron by Signature Flight Support FBO at Providenciales International Airport is spectacular. We are confident that our discerning customers will find this to be an extraordinary location in an extraordinary destination. The sleek and modern facility supported by well-trained staff will provide the world-class service experience that our customers expect from Signature around the globe.”

Blue Heron Aviation, Ltd. recently announced that it has hired Louis Jennings to be its general manager in the Turks and Caicos. Jennings has extensive experience in managing FBOs and was most recently the general manager for multiple FBOs in North America.

“At Blue Heron Aviation, it is our first priority to make our part of the travel experience as seamless as possible for guests and clients, whether they’re here for business or leisure,” Mr. Jennings said. “Turks & Caicos Islands invokes an ideal of luxury. Because we are the first islanders our visitors meet when they arrive and the last they see when they leave, we’re the caretakers of that ideal. The Turks and Caicos GA market has seen substantial growth over the past decade and we anticipate that this trend will continue. Our new FBO will offer the highest quality of service and facility which are essential to success in this expanding market. The design of the FBO boasts modern technology and energy efficient features such as solar power. We are excited to be working with Signature Flight Support who will bring their expertise and knowledge of the global market, enabling us to deliver the service expected of a world-class FBO."

The Turks and Caicos Islands consist of 40 islands and cays located 550 miles southeast of Miami, Florida and just below the Bahamas chain. The destination is fast becoming one of the most sought after vacation destinations in the Caribbean due to its world class hotels, villas, restaurants and spas, award-winning beaches, crystal-clear waters and exceptional outdoor adventures. The world’s third largest barrier reef surrounds Turks and Caicos providing superior scuba diving, deep sea fishing and fly fishing. The islands boast 350 days of annual sunshine and a tropical marine climate.

Acquisition of Wiggins Airways at Manchester Airport

The second addition to the Signature Flight Support network comes with the acquisition of the FBO assets of Wiggins Airways, Inc. from Ameriflight, LLC at Manchester - Boston Regional Airport (MHT) in Manchester, New Hampshire. The transaction is expected to close in October.

Signature Manchester, New Hampshire will provide FBO services including fuel and ramp servicing, deicing and anti-icing, passenger and crew services, and charter handling. The campus consists of a passenger terminal and three hangars totaling 87,000 sq. ft. capable of housing large cabin business aircraft. The facility operates its own fuel farm for Jet-A, AvGas, automotive fuel and diesel.

Rampside at Wiggins Aviation, MHT.

Maria Sastre commented, “Signature Manchester, New Hampshire adds to an already strong portfolio for Signature in New England. It is a great choice for business and general aviation customers traveling to the Boston or the region’s leisure destinations. We are pleased to welcome the Wiggins Airways staff to the Signature family and we look forward to welcoming our customers to Manchester, New Hampshire.”

“We are proud to turn over the controls of our World Class FBO at Manchester - Boston Regional Airport to Signature Flight Support, a World Class FBO Operator,” said Jim Thomforde, CEO of Wiggins Airways. “The Wiggins team commitment to safety, service excellence, and efficiency will continue with Signature Flight Support, said Thomforde. This is truly a win-win for both companies as well as our employees, customers, the Manchester - Boston Regional Airport and the Greater Manchester Area. I know Signature will prove to be an excellent partner to the Airport, the community and provide security and opportunities for the Wiggins Employees.

Founded in 1929, Wiggins Airways was at the forefront of aviation growth in the Northeast since its inception. Beginning with scheduled passenger flights, Wiggins Airways grew to encompass such diverse operations as scheduled and charter cargo flight operations, passenger charter operations, and FBO operations.

Strategically situated in the heart of New England, Manchester-Boston Regional Airport is located less than fifty miles north of Boston, Massachusetts and less than an hour's drive from the region's most popular ski areas, scenic seacoast beaches and peaceful lakefront resorts. MHT is the premier aviation gateway for the region and is ranked as the fourth largest airport in New England for passenger volume.

Significant expansion of global FBO portfolio in 2014

2014 was an exceptional year for Signature Flight Support as it expanded its global portfolio of Fixed Base Operations.

The company grew in the United States, Canada, the Caribbean and the UK adding 15 locations through acquisition, licensing or as Signature Select affiliations.

In addition to Wiggins Aviation at Manchester, NH., Signature acquired Maguire Aviation of Van Nuys, CA (VNY), Jet Systems at White Plains, NY (HPN), JETS FBO at London Biggin Hill, UK (BQH), Metro Flight Services at Detroit, MI (DTW), Scottsdale AirCenter at Scottsdale, AZ (SDL), FBO 2000 at Antigua (ANU), St. Kitts (SKB) and Nevis (NEV).

Licensed locations also increased during the year with agreements signed with the abovementioned Blue Heron Aviation, Ltd. of the Turks and Caicos (MBPV), plus InterDel Aviation Services Inc. of Vancouver, British Columbia (CYVR) and SkyService of Canada at Toronto (CYYZ), Calgary (CYYC) and Montreal (CYUL).

Signature Select, Signature’s licensing program for independent FBOs welcomed Sun Air Jets of Camarillo, CA (CMA) to its global network, while Sonoma Jet Center of Santa Rosa, CA (STS) completed their Signature Select transition.

“Signature’s growth during 2014 is unprecedented," said Maria Sastre. "We want to ensure our customers’ needs are being met as we continue to expand our footprint. Each of our new locations provides our customers with premium, world-class service and facilities.”