Sheltair Has Activated Its Hurricane Response Plan at All of Its Aviation Facilities Now Threatened by Irma

Sheltair has activated its hurricane response plan in the face of what may be historically dangerous weather being generated by Hurricane Irma, now predicted to head for Florida by the end of this week.

While forecasters can't predict the exact track of the storm, Sheltair officials are anticipating the temporary suspension of their FBO operations at Fort Lauderdale/Hollywood (FLL), Pompano Beach (PMP) and possibly  Orlando (ORL), Daytona Beach (DAB), Jacksonville (JAX) and Savannah (SAV) starting Sept.  8, and extending through Sept. 10.

"Sheltair has long recognized not only the potential threat to our airport facilities from severe weather, but also the ability to resume 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," he explained.

Sheltair operates 17 premier FBOs and manages over three 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 are being sent home and updates regarding the status of suspended operations have been sent to the aviation community. The company is also working in close cooperation with appropriate airport authorities to ensure that aircraft, support equipment and structures are prepared for severe 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.

Unlike previous storms where a skeleton force was kept at Sheltair facilities, a full evacuation of impacted properties will be ordered by the company to protect their employees. Updates will be posted on the company's website at www.sheltairaviation.com.