AirFlite has been voted once again to the #2 spot for the best FBO in North America by the flight crew readers of Aviation International News. For over 20 years AirFlite has been proud to have been ranked in the top 10 of this prestigious magazine’s survey. AirFlite would also like to congratulate five of our associates who were recognized individually several times over for the “Above and Beyond” award, Greg McQueary-Line Service Manger, Bora Nhek-Line Service Supervisor, Chan Hou-Line Service Supervisor, Diana Hernandez-Customer Care Representative and, John Tary-Aviation General Manager. AirFlite knows that a great organization is made up by great individuals, and we are proud to have so many recognized in the survey and many more who, everyday, work tirelessly to create the best customer experience possible. Thank you so very much for your votes and patronage, and we hope to continue to earn your business by exceeding your expectations.

For the entire article visit:

http://www.ainonline.com/sites/default/files/resource_center/ain_2013_fbo_survey-americas.pdf

The winter holidays have arrived at AirFlite in the form of a beautiful lobby. So, from our family to yours, happy holidays and a happy new year!

An Antonov 124 carrying a communications satellite arrived in Long Beach to offload it’s cargo to Sea Launch AG, a Swiss company that provides most direct and cost-effective route to geostationary orbit for commercial communications satellites by launching them through a sea based platform.

Boeing’s new 787 Dreamliner stopped into AirFlite to visit KLGB. The aircraft was quite impressive and there were many who ventured from all parts of the airport to see the first visit of the 787 to KLGB. The 787-8 Dreamliner will carry 210 – 250 passengers on routes of 7,650 to 8,200 nautical miles (14,200 to 15,200 kilometers), while the 787-9 Dreamliner will carry 250 – 290 passengers on routes of 8,000 to 8,500 nautical miles (14,800 to 15,750 kilometers).

In addition to bringing big-jet ranges to mid-size airplanes, the 787 provides airlines with unmatched fuel efficiency, resulting in exceptional environmental performance. The airplane uses 20 percent less fuel than today’s similarly sized airplanes. It will also travel at a similar speed as today’s fastest wide bodies, Mach 0.85. Passengers will also see improvements on the 787 Dreamliner, from an interior environment with higher humidity to increased comfort and convenience. Composite materials make up 50 percent of the primary structure of the 787 including the fuselage and wing.

Long time clients, Mercy Air, stop over once again in one of their Bell 222 aircraft. Since 1988, Mercy Air Services has been providing state-of-the-art emergency medical air transportation to residents of Southern California and Nevada. 24 hours a day, 7 days a week, Mercy Air is continuously advanced life support (ALS) staffed with a flight nurse and flight paramedic. With the ability to provide on-scene EMS transport, inter-facility transfers, specialty care and specialty team transfers, Mercy Air provides the most progressive and advanced transport care available.

AirFlite is proud to now be an Air Elite fuel and service provider. Air Elite is the new premier brand offered by World Fuel Services. WFS has been well known for proving fuel to all segments of the fuel market including land, sea, and air since 1985. With recent activity, WFS now has over 1,000 FBO’s under their umbrella. The Air Elite distinction is only afforded to the top few locations offering both a premier facility and excellent service. We at AirFlite are proud to continue our history of great service under the new Air Elite marquee.

AirFlite received some very impressive Helitankers, also known as air cranes on October 18^th, on their way to Australia. This was their last stop before boarding a ship at the port of Long Beach. This journey will take about a month. The helicopters are one of the most versatile, powerful, and cost effective aerial heavy lift and firefighting helicopters in the world. A ram scoop hydrofoil allows the Helitanker to refill from fresh water and sea water sources in less than 45 seconds. A flexible hose snorkel also can draw water from any water source 18 inches or deeper as fast as 45 seconds. The 2,650 gallon tank drops water, retardant, or foam mix.

The Touchstone Television production “Criminal Minds” chose AirFlite as a location for their upcoming episode entitled,  It Takes a Village which is the first episode of the new season, and is scheduled to air, September 21, 2011. It should be an exciting scene involving a Gulfstream 450, helicopter, SUV’s and a shootout.

Earth Day Planting

As part of this year’s Earth Day activities, AirFlite hosted an eWaste drive, a Goodwill drive, and a paper shredding/recycling drive in our main hangar. Our associates also participated in planting drought resistant plants at our main entrance and our patio area. By planting drought resistant plants, AirFlite will be able to cut down on water usage and still have greenery year-round. What a great way to show our environmental support and spruce up our facility all at the same time.