South Lafourche Airport’s FBO Under New Management, Port Commission Now Owner and Operator of GAO FBO
(GALLIANO, LA) – The Greater Lafourche Port Commission is pleased to announce that as of February 1, 2016, GLPC is both owner and operator of the South Lafourche Airport’s Fixed Base Operator (FBO), which will now be known as GAO FBO. FBO services had previously been bid out to outside vendors since 2007.
Airport Manager Richard Osborne believes that GLPC is up to the task. “This new challenge of running the FBO ourselves gives us an opportunity to market the airport more competitively within both the aviation and business communities,” said Osborne. “As FBO owner and operator we can offer lower fuel prices and enhanced customer service, all with the backing of a port commission known for its strong, steadfast leadership.”
The new GAO FBO is committed to ensuring that quality, customer service, and satisfaction are paramount. In order to attain this goal, many positive changes will be occurring in the upcoming months that should be visible to past and existing customers and will also be appreciated by future airport patrons. Some of the FBO services available now include 24-hour self-service 100LL and Jet A fuel, free Wi-Fi, aircraft ground handling, hangar leasing, passenger and terminal lounge, ramp and hangar parking, courtesy vehicle, rental cars, aircraft washing, and a pilot weather station. Additional airport and pilot information can be found at http://www.portfourchon.com/explore.cfm/airport/.
“Since the Port Commission acquired the airport in 2001, it has grown into something bigger and better than any of us could have imagined,” said Chett Chiasson, Executive Director of the Greater Lafourche Port Commission. “This new opportunity to run GAO FBO gives us the room to develop airport business on our terms and further strengthen our airport’s niche as an economic driver in our community.”
As the fastest-growing airport in the state of Louisiana, the South Lafourche Airport is constantly expanding its customer base and upgrading its facilities and infrastructure. As a result, GAO’s flight operations have increased from 550 in 2001 to over 20,000 in 2015.
The GAO airport complex includes 1,200 acres of industrial park property available for lease, which provides opportunities for future development. There are also several airport upgrades in the works, including a new terminal building, hangars, runway strengthening, and a connector road linking the airport and industrial park to LA 3235, enhancing its connection to Port Fourchon and continuing to improve intermodal transportation and commerce in the region.
The Greater Lafourche Port Commission, a political subdivision of the state of Louisiana, facilitates the economic growth of the communities in which it operates by maximizing the flow of trade and commerce. We do this to grow our economy and preserve our environment and heritage. The Port Commission exercises jurisdiction over the Tenth Ward of Lafourche Parish, south of the Intracoastal Waterway, including Port Fourchon and South Lafourche Leonard Miller, Jr. Airport.