Sheltair is expanding its FBO network to Sarasota Bradenton International Airport (KSRQ).
Sheltair officially broke ground at the airport on Tuesday, April 30, to construct a brand new, modern private aviation complex, which is scheduled to begin operations in the fourth quarter of 2025.
During the groundbreaking ceremony, Lisa Holland, President and CEO of Sheltair, expressed her excitement about entering the SRQ market, stating that “we look forward to bringing Sheltair’s award-winning brand and services along with a Family First, Fuel, Build, Serve mission statement to the area” and looks forward to becoming members of the Community. She also expressed her appreciation to the Airport’s and Sheltair’s teams as well as Sheltair’s long-term partners and friends for everyone’s support.
“I can’t begin to express how excited we are to be in the Sarasota market,” states Lisa Holland. “We recognize the potential that it holds for us, and we look forward to working with the community to bring our Family First mission to the area.”
Sheltair’s decision to expand to KSRQ was driven by the airport's robust business and general aviation flight activity and the demand for based aircraft storage opportunities. The airport’s rapid growth necessitated an additional private general aviation complex and service provider; in Sheltair, the airport gained an award-winning FBO partner and property developer.
"We are thrilled to announce the arrival of Sheltair as the third fixed base operator at SRQ,” said Rick Piccolo, President and CEO of Sarasota Bradenton International Airport. “Situated on 24 acres within the new north quad airport development, this addition will provide another choice for the general aviation community and bring numerous job opportunities to the Sarasota-Bradenton area."
The addition of Sheltair Sarasota marks the company’s 17th FBO location and 13th in Florida.
Sheltair’s development at KSRQ is expansive, providing prime space for various aviation businesses and leisure travelers alike. The crown jewel of the development is a 10,705-square-foot terminal situated on 15 acres of apron space that will have a large airside canopy.
The FBO will include an open and inviting lobby for passengers and pilots, in addition to an exclusive lounge area for private use when discretion is of the utmost necessity. Further amenities include waiting areas, crew rest facilities, and conference rooms for business on the go. The terminal will also host local aeronautical businesses looking to gain high visibility at KSRQ with several large office options. High-end finishing touches will provide the luxurious atmosphere for which Sheltair is known.
While the FBO terminal will accommodate its guests, two commercial storage hangars on the property will accommodate all classes of aircraft—including those up to the large cabin class and additional business office needs. Hangar A will boast 29,655 square feet of hangar space with 5,940 square feet of offices. Hangar B will feature 16,875 square feet of hangar space and 3,465 square feet of offices.
Sheltair’s investment in infrastructure at SRQ tops $40 million, providing a premier gateway to all Sarasota has to offer while supporting the region’s economy with tourism, business connectivity, and job opportunities.
The Sheltair team looks forward to hosting a grand opening ceremony in the fourth quarter of 2025 when the terminal and hangar complex are complete.
In the coming years, Sheltair’s property development team plans to unveil future expansion plans to its SRQ property, which will also include the development of a 60,000-square-foot Aircraft MRO facility and up to four additional hangars at 20,000+ square feet each.
