CloudNine Acquires Channel Islands Aviation Fixed-Base Operation at Camarillo Airport (KCMA)
Ron Rasak and Nick Martino were constructing CloudNine’s executive hangar development at Camarillo Airport when the long-time aviation enthusiasts realized there was an opportunity to “fill a gap.” Channel Islands Aviation (CIA), one of four fixed-base operators (FBOs) on the airfield, was for sale. It was operated for 43 years by Mark and Janie Oberman.
“We watched from a distance, and then thought about the logistics of operating the FBO,” said Nick Martino, vice president of operations for CloudNine. “We knew the importance that it can play in CloudNine’s hangar development and our future growth. We are combining Ron’s business acumen with my love of the airport.” Rasak is CEO of CloudNine and RKR, Inc., a southern California commercial real estate development company.
At Camarillo, CloudNine is constructing four, 25,000-square-foot executive hangars, with an additional 5,000 square feet of office space. With the help of Nicholas Daddis, CEO and founder of FBO Advisors and Air Capital Group, CloudNine secured financing for both the hangar development and the acquisition of CIA through Signature Bank of Chicago.
By the end of May, CloudNine and CIA signed an acquisition contract. The legacy owners, with four decades and a lifetime of memories, then shook hands and transferred the keys to the next stewards of their family FBO.
Channel Islands Aviation opened with the airport in 1976. It’s the first and only full-service FBO at the airport with each of the remaining three FBO operators offering specialty aviation services.
“We plan on keeping the name,” said Rasak. “It’s got a great legacy and reputation throughout SoCal. It is well known and is one of the longest running affiliates of Cessna Aircraft Company in the country.”
Martino has a sentimental view of the acquisition. “I grew up in Ventura County. I was out here all the time and we are already out here with CloudNine, doing some FBO services (aircraft management) so it was logical for us to consider acquiring the full-service FBO. Quite honestly, It would have been difficult to watch someone come and take it over. This is home to me, and I want to continue CIA’s legacy and growth,” he said.
Rasak added, “We’re looking to hire mechanics, flight instructors, pilots and avionics technicians.”
Currently, CIA has 150 flight school students, with a majority being enrolled in Part 141 programs that include single engine, multi-engine up to airline transport pilot (ATP) certifications. As part of the purchase, CloudNine acquired six Cessna 172s and a Beechcraft Duchess. “It’s a very student-friendly airfield as we’re just outside Class B controlled airspace,” said Martino.
“We’re the only FBO on the airfield dedicated to piston general aviation,” said Rasak. “That’s one reason we have a tremendous amount of upside, especially since we can dovetail the hangar project with our full FBO services.”
Immediate goals of CloudNine include modernizing the business to streamline processes. “We also want to work with our Cessna and Cirrus services partners to draw aircraft owners from other airfields, like Van Nuys, Oxnard, Santa Barbara and Santa Ana,” said Martino. His vision extends even further as he points out CloudNine’s continued commitment to general aviation and community-focused outreach.
CIA is a Cessna Service Center, Cirrus Authorized Service Center and FAA Approved Part 145 Repair Station with Airframe Class 3 limited Cessna Citation 525/S550/560 power plant and accessories. As authorized factory service centers, CIA performs warranty work on new Cessna and Cirrus aircraft. The company is also a Garmin dealer.
