News Release

ACI Jet says “adios” to Airport Drive location; opens for business at brand new San Luis Obispo aircraft operations facility

ACI Jet announced today the commencement of operations from its brand new FBO and operations facility at San Luis Obispo County Airport in California. The design of the new facility was inspired by the coastal mountain region of California. Natural wood finishes combined with exposed steel and neutral colours create a space that seamlessly transitions travellers to this stunning region of the world. 

Design of the new facility began in 2005 with groundbreaking on the showroom hangar and corporate offices commencing in 2018. The new facility exceeds all guidelines established for environmentally friendly industrial design, including CalGreen certification.

ACI Jet's new address, 4751 Aviadores Way, has a story. The winning name was submitted by one of the company's aircraft maintenance technicians in an airport-wide street naming contest. The Spanish word “aviadores” translates to “aviators” in English. “Aviadores Way” commemorates ACI Jet's registered trademark, Aviators Doing Aviation. 

“We're a company built by aviators, operated by aviators and dedicated to producing the next generation of aviators,” stated Bill Borgsmiller, president and CEO of ACI Jet. “Aviadores Way is a lasting testament to the commitment we made more than 20 years ago: aviators turning our passion for flight into uniquely memorable customer experiences and community benefits.”

Even the street number, 4751, has significance. On the morning of the Orange County board of supervisors' vote determining which FBO operator would secure a major lease at John Wayne Airport, Santa Ana, California (KSNA), ACI Jet's CEO was assigned the transponder code 4751 for his flight from San Luis Obispo to attend the hearing. Transponder codes are assigned by air traffic control to identify aircraft on its radar scopes. Later that day, ACI Jet would be awarded the leasehold at John Wayne airport, paving the way for the next 35 years of operations at one of southern California's busiest general and private aviation airports.

The company's aircraft maintenance, repair and overhaul (MRO) operation will also move its administrative and sales operations to the new building, featuring two dedicated conference rooms, an expanded secure parts and tooling space, and two dedicated offices for clients to use while their aircraft are undergoing maintenance. The client office space is integrated with the FBO and designed to mimic a five-star hotel. Preferences for accommodations, dining, transportation and even office equipment and snacks make the visit to ACI Jet for maintenance feel like home.

“Maintenance customers have a front row seat when their aircraft are being serviced,” stated Dave Jensen, senior vice president of aircraft maintenance. “From the window of their fully furnished, private office on the second floor, they have full view of their aircraft, access to real-time data about their maintenance visit schedule and a team of people focused on their experience. We're transforming the aircraft maintenance experience to one commensurate with the private jet travel experience that these same planners and managers provide their aircraft owners.”

“The Showroom hangar is what I'm most excited about,” enthused Kellee Valentine, ACI Jet's senior vice president of flight operations. The Showroom hangar primarily houses ACI Jet's managed fleet of private aircraft and features floor-to-ceiling glass walls, visually removing the barrier between our FBO customers, the general public and the airport environment. The customers in the FBO lobby and drivers along Route 227 are treated to an impressive view of aircraft within the hangar.

Mr. Valentine continued, “We brought these beautiful planes to San Luis Obispo Airport as we've grown our fleet and established our partnership with Bombardier as an authorised service facility. Now we will showcase these planes and share the excitement and sense of adventure that aviation invokes with everyone who visits our facility.”

ACI Jet is also pleased to offer portions of its new facility for community events. Stunning views from its conference and meeting rooms, including a balcony overlooking the airport, feature the beauty of nearby vineyards and coastal mountain ranges that give San Luis Obispo its scenic appeal. The expansive ground-floor lobby can support a range of activities by local community groups and businesses. Aviation-related groups looking for meeting spaces are especially welcomed. FBO vice president, Andrew Robillard, remarked that “members of California's vibrant aviation community are encouraged to stop by to say hello and see our new digs. And of course, we welcome aviators from near and far to experience what has been described as 'the finest FBO in North America.'”

The new FBO and headquarters will house many of the company's more than 300 employees when occupancy returns to 100%.