Press Release

“At Tampa International Jet Center, we endeavor to go above and beyond basic needs and provide for customers’ special and unique needs. We think of ourselves not as a portal to the airport, but an extension of the overall travel experience,” said Botana.

“Avfuel is pleased to have Tampa International Jet Center (TIJC) become an integral part of our network of premier FBOs,” said Avfuel Director of Marketing Marci Ammerman. “A flagship location such as TIJC is ideal for our contract fuel users and AVTRIP members. We look forward to working with Phil Botana and his team on everything from marketing to quality assurance.”

Tampa International Jet Center represents a revolutionary new standard for corporate aviation support and firstclass service. Amenities and aircraft services are world-class. With ramp access granted to ground vehicles and the Southeast US’s largest aircraft canopy (12,500 square feet), TIJC is ideal for the discerning passenger. Even more convenient: with 108,000 square feet of hangars, the FBO can always offer overnight or long-term storage. Customers can either stop over for a while or receive a lightening fast “quick turn.”

Pilots will enjoy a dedicated crew lounge with large TV, private bath with shower, and snooze room. They can also plan flights and use WSI in a sleek briefing area. Among the many other amenities available, crews have access to luxury crew cars and courtesy transportation to airlines and local restaurants.

Tampa International Jet Center’s state-of-the-art facilities are designed around one goal - to exceed the expectations of the most discriminating flyers. In creating the finest aviation facility on Florida’s West Coast, this FBO spared no expense to ensure that guests will always enjoy the extra comforts they expect and deserve.

ABOUT AVFUEL CORPORATION
Avfuel Corporation serves the global aviation industry via a network of 600 Avfuel-branded dealers and over 2,000 fueling locations worldwide where Avfuel Contract Fuel is available. Avfuel is the leading independent supplier of aviation fuels and services to FBOs as well as to a diverse market of specialty carriers including airlines, freight companies, military special operations, helicopter users, and corporate flight departments. An Avfuel-branded FBO is an independent FBO for whom Avfuel supplies fuel, services and business solutions, including AVTRIP and the jet fuel savings program, Avfuel Contract Fuel. Avfuel also offers flight-planning services for domestic and international customers.

Contacts:
Avfuel Corporation: Marci Ammerman, Director of Marketing, 734-663-6466, Toll Free: 800-521-4106, mammerman@avfuel.com, URL: www.avfuel.com
Tampa International Jet Center: Phil Botana, President, 813-319-8000, ` philb@tampajet.com; FBO Services: customerservice@tampajet.com; URL: www.tampajet.com

(TPA) appoints new Line Service Manager
Tampa, FL - November 30, 2010 - The Tampa International Jet Center (TIJC) is pleased to announce it has appointed Clayton Lackey Line Service Manager. "Clayton has proven himself a great contributor and leader since joining our team several years ago," says Phil Botana, President of TIJC. "Our Line Crew Team members have great respect for Clayton's work ethic and management style. He holds the same commitment to consistently providing excellent support to our customers as the rest of our management team."

In his new role, Lackey, is responsible for all day-to-day operational aspects of the Line department: hiring, scheduling, planning, training and equipment. "Clayton's abilities to organize the work, and commitment to insuring our team is properly trained on all aspects of their jobs will allow our company to continue to grow and keep our customer's assets safe, adds Botana."

Lackey, originally from Illinois move to Tampa in 2007 and joined Tampa Jet's team. He holds a Bachelors of Business Administration degree from the University of Illinois. He began his business career working in his family's cleaning business overseeing marketing and sales. He began his aviation career at Flightstar Corporation, Savoy, IL, after he help to sell the family business.

In his spare time Lackey enjoys playing golf (scratch player) and spending time with his wife and new baby daughter.

Tampa International Jet Center (TPA)
Ranked #1 in Florida and #3 in the Americas
Tampa, FL – May 5, 2010 – The Tampa International Jet Center (TIJC) is pleased to announce it was rated the # 3 FBO in the Americas by Aviation International News’ 2010 FBO (aviation Fixed Based Operator) Survey. This ranking once again makes TIJC as the #1 rated FBO in all Florida.

“Moving to #3 ranking in the AIN’s Top FBO and making their top 40 list every year since we opened speaks volumes about our entire organization and ownership,” says Phil Botana, President of TIJC. “Our team members go ‘above and beyond’ every day to provide top quality service, so it’s very gratifying that customers have recognized our efforts. Many companies strive a lifetime to obtain this level of distinction, but to have achieved it consistently over our first 5 years in business is phenomenal! It makes me very proud to be leading this great group of people.”

“We spared no expense when we built our facilities, so we could bring Tampa a showplace to support private aircraft. We strive to support the same very high service standards which Tampa International Airport aspires to in their quest to sustain their high national ranking among airports.”

We are committed to maintaining what we have achieved”, Botana adds. Having a great owner, committed Team Members, and appreciative customers make efforts to survive the current economic conditions seem achievable.”

AIN conducts an annual survey of pilots, dispatchers and users of FBOs regarding how they rate various aspects of the services provided. This year AIN received 1,679 responses from pilot/readers who where selected to participate. Each respondent evaluated an average of 14.5 FBOs. See the AIN attached article, which more fully describes the survey.

TIJC’s full service FBO at Tampa International Airport which opened in October with an all new $11 million dollar facility, features a 14,000 sq. ft. terminal area, three storage hangars and also boast a 12,500 sq. ft. canopy for covered aircraft arrivals and departures. As a first-class FBO, Tampa International Jet Center offers a full range of pilot and guest amenities including snooze rooms, high-speed internet access and an exclusive on-site, commercial kitchen with staff chef to provide catering services.

Tampa International Jet Center (TPA) awarded Netjets’ Preferred FBO status
Tampa, FL – December 1, 2008 – The Tampa International Jet Center (TIJC) has been designated the Preferred FBO for Netjets at Tampa International Airport.

Tampa International Jet Center has been notified that Netjets has designated our FBO as it Perferred service provider at Tampa International Airport.

“We are quite proud to have earned this important distinction with Netjets. After three years supporting just a portion of their service needs in Tampa, they have finally recognized and rewarded our people’s efforts with the Perferred designation,” said Phil Botana, President. “This means a large increase in business for us and we feel our efforts over the past three years have earned this reward. We now support three of the four major fractional programs.”

Each year Netjets has more than 1,100 aircraft arrivals in Tampa, and they are growing 5 – 8% per year

Tampa International Jet Center (TPA) announces Online Reservations.

Tampa, FL – October 3, 2008 – Tampa International Jet Center (TIJC) has implemented a new program that allows customers to make service requests and reservations online.

“We are continually striving to improve service levels, making it easier and more convenient to conduct business with TIJC,” said Phil Botana, President. “Therefore, we felt the need to offer customers the ability to communicate with us via the internet regarding their planned arrival and the variety of services they require when they visit our Tampa facility. This new communications option allows us to compete more favorably with the large FBO chains.”

Customers can access the easy to complete form via the Tampa International Jet Center home page, www.tampajet.com. Once their request is completed, it is immediately sent to our customer service department. This new service saves our customers the time and cost of calling us to make reservations. Upon receipt of each request, our CSR Team Members will make all desired arrangements and confirm back to the customer that all requirements have been completed, along with provide confirmation numbers as appropriate.

“With Super Bowl coming to Tampa next February, we think our customers will really appreciate the convenience of this new service,” Botana adds. “Of course we love to talk with our customers, so the old fashion method – telephone – 813-319-8000 will still work too.”

This new service is now up and running. Customers can make aircraft arrival, hangar, rental car, catering and hotel requests via the new online reservation system.

Tampa International Jet Center (TPA) Brightens Local Children's Christmas
Tampa, FL - January 11, 2008 - The Tampa International Jet Center (TIJC) made brightening some local orphan children's Christmas morning a priority for 2007 holidays, by making a significant donation of toys to The Children's Home of Tampa.

"In the past TIJC has held a secret Santa event among employees as part of the holiday season," said Phil Botana, President. "This year our people thought it would be more worthwhile to put our efforts toward helping some less fortunate children. So we solicited help from our tenants and collected toys to be donated to a local orphanage."

"It was great," adds Julie Silberman, TIJC's Customer Service Manager, "when we delivered the toys - we where met with an overwhelming feeling of gratitude and appreciation from the kids and the management of the Children's Home."

Tampa Jet collected several dozen gifts and toys worth more than $2,000 (estimate) over a two week period. The collection efforts culminated on December 19th with our annual holiday tenant/customer/employee appreciation luncheon, with most attendees bringing something to contribute for the children. Next year TIJC plans to be more organized and start collections earlier, as well as dedicate funds it has used in the past for things like Holiday Cards, to significantly increase the size and scoop of this Holiday Giving Effort. TIJC hopes to be able to supply gifts to additional worthy organizations.

"The last three years, and especially 2007, have been very good to all of us at Tampa Jet," added Botana. "I am please with the caliber of people we have, and proud they choose to undertake this wonderful effort. Our lives have been blessed, and they want to share our good fortune with people less fortunate. Next year we will do this significantly better."

Photo: Julie Silberman delivers the gifts to The Children's Home of Tampa personnel.

TIJC is a full service FBO at Tampa International Airport which opened in October 2004 with an all new $12 million dollar facility, features a 14,000 sq. ft. terminal area, four storage hangars and also boast a 12,500 sq. ft. canopy for covered aircraft arrivals and departures. This first-class FBO, which has received customer recognition and TOP FBO honors each year since opening, offers a full range of pilot and guest amenities including complementary OJ, gourmet coffee and home baked cookies, free high-speed internet access and an exclusive on-site, commercial kitchen with staff chef to provide catering services.

Tampa International Jet Center (TPA) announces monthly drawing winners.
Tampa, FL - October 5, 2007 - The Tampa International Jet Center (TIJC) has implemented a new Customer Feedback to insure it is truly meeting the needs and expectations of its customers.

"We know we operate a good FBO but we intend to continually improve," said Phil Botana, President. "Therefore, several months ago we implemented a new feedback program. We solicited comments from customers who utilize our company, via a Feedback or Comment card. The cards ask just three questions: Did we meet expectations? What can we improve? Which of our staff stood out?"

More than 60 pilots have participated since the program was begun in late June of this year. More than 98% of all respondents indicate that TIJC consistently exceeds customer service expectations. Also, respondents have highlighted many of our Team Members as having made their experience special. Several good ideas have been suggested - and are being acted upon - that should further improve our customer's experiences in the future.

Customers, who identify themselves on their comment card, are eligible to be included in a monthly drawing, as a way of rewarding them for taking the time to provide us feedback. We are grateful to all who have offered comments or suggestions, as it will allow us to be a better company. We wanted to especially congratulate the lucky winners of our monthly winners. The lucky pilots are noted below:

Congratulations! And Thanks!!

TIJC is a full service FBO at Tampa International Airport which opened in October 2004 with an all new $12 million dollar facility, features a 14,000 sq. ft. terminal area, four storage hangars and also boast a 12,500 sq. ft. canopy for covered aircraft arrivals and departures. This first-class FBO, which has received customer recognition and TOP FBO honors each year since opening, offers a full range of pilot and guest amenities including complementary OJ, gourmet coffee and home baked cookies, free high-speed internet access and an exclusive on-site, commercial kitchen with staff chef to provide catering services.

Tampa International Jet Center (TPA) announces plans to celebrate three successful years.
Tampa, FL - October 5, 2007 - The Tampa International Jet Center (TIJC) is planning a birthday celebration for completing three very successful years of operation. TIJC will celebrate in conjunction with its regular monthly customer appreciation luncheon on October 25, 2007. All customers, friends and prospects are welcome!

"We have exceeded our plans and targets for our first three years," said Phil Botana, President. "Our wonderful staff has allowed us to reach many lofty achievements. We have filled over 125,000 square foot facility with tenants; gained a significant market share; and received consistent, positive feedback from our customers on our commitment to quality service. Further, TIJC has annually received consistently high ratings in both AIN's and Pro Pilot's FBO surveys, which indicates the company is providing value to our clients."

"We wanted to say 'Thanks' to our employees and customers," added Botana. "We look forward to our monthly luncheons to get everyone together, enjoy their company and just keep in touch. This month will be more special: in addition to upgrading our menu, we plan to hold a drawing for model aircraft and a few other surprises. It will be a good excuse to have some fun."

Moving from the new FBO on the block to the dominant FBO is a great milestone. Doing it in three years is a serious accomplishment. TIJC enjoys over 40 aircraft based as of October 1, 2007.

TIJC is a full service FBO at Tampa International Airport which opened in October 2004 with an all new $12 million dollar facility, features a 14,000 sq. ft. terminal area, four storage hangars and also boast a 12,500 sq. ft. canopy for covered aircraft arrivals and departures. This first-class FBO, which has received customer recognition and TOP FBO honors each year since opening, offers a full range of pilot and guest amenities including complementary OJ, gourmet coffee and home baked cookies, free high-speed internet access and an exclusive on-site, commercial kitchen with staff chef to provide catering services.

Tampa International Jet Center (TPA) announces addition of leadership to its already great Customer Service team.
Tampa, FL - May 30, 2007 - The Tampa International Jet Center (TIJC) announced that Julie Silberman has joined the TIJC Team as Customer Service Manager.

"Julie has a strong background in FBO Services," said Phil Botana, President. "She has worked at two busy Florida locations for Galaxy Aviation so she understands what customers need as well as the seasonality of our business. Julie adds experience and maturity to the leadership of our customer care counter. She is already contributing a lot to our recruitment of new CSRs."

"Silberman's strong communications skills and out going personality will compliment our already great staff. Her knowledge of the industry will be a huge benefit in contributing to our efforts to continually raise above and beyond our customers expectations", added Botana.

Silberman worked for many years in the hospitality industry, in Florida, prior to entering the aviation services industry. Julie recently relocated to Tampa, where she previously lived for over twenty years, from the West Palm Beach area.

TIJC is a full service FBO at Tampa International Airport which opened in October 2004 with an all new $12 million dollar facility, features a 14,000 sq. ft. terminal area, four storage hangars and also boast a 12,500 sq. ft. canopy for covered aircraft arrivals and departures. This first-class FBO, which has received customer recognition and TOP FBO honors each year since opening, offers a full range of pilot and guest amenities including complementary OJ, gourmet coffee and home baked cookies, free high-speed internet access and an exclusive on-site, commercial kitchen with staff chef to provide catering services.

Tampa International Jet Center (TPA) announces the promotion of Judi Peterson to Vice President
Tampa, FL - April 30, 2007 - The Tampa International Jet Center (TIJC) announced that it has promoted Judi Peterson to Vice President.

"Peterson joined the TIJC start-up team in 2004 as Accounting Manger and has utilized her extensive accounting background and strong administrative skills to set up the companies administrative systems, human resource processes and internal controls," said Phil Botana, President. "Judi's incredible dedication and long hours during our early days of operations make her very worthy of this promotion. She has proven through her past contributions to our start-up and growth that her value reaches far beyond her financial skills.

Prior to coming to TIJC Peterson served as Executive Vice President - Finance at a Tampa advertising agency for 16 years and also oversaw Marketing and Strategic Planning & Development. For 20 years before that she held various positions which developed her knowledge in accounting, deep discount mortgages, inspections and funding in the banking and construction industries.

Peterson comes from aviation lineage. Her father managed airports and was the Maintenance Manager & A & P Mechanic for Continental Airlines for over 20 years. She also held a pilots license, duel engine, until a few years ago when time constraints and relocations connected with her husband, John's, military career made it impossible to continue flying.

As Vice President, Peterson in addition to her financial duties will oversee day-to-day operations when Phil Botana is not on site.

TIJC is a full service FBO at Tampa International Airport which opened in October 2004 with an all new $12 million dollar facility, which features a 14,000 sq. ft. terminal area, four storage hangars and also boast a 12,500 sq. ft. canopy for covered aircraft arrivals and departures. This first-class FBO, which has received customer recognition and TOP FBO honors each year since opening, offers a full range of pilot and guest amenities including complementary OJ, gourmet coffee and home baked cookies, free high-speed internet access and an exclusive on-site, commercial kitchen with staff chef to provide catering services.

Tampa International Jet Center (TPA) ownership consolidation and promotion!
Tampa, FL – January 8, 2007 – The Tampa International Jet Center (TIJC) announces that the David A. Straz Jr. Trust (DAST) has purchased Michael Azzarelli’s interest in the Jet Center and now owns 100% of the Tampa International Airport FBO. DAST has been an investor in TIJC from its inception.

The company also announced that Philip C. Botana, who has led the company since its start-up as General Manager, will remain with the company and serve as its’ President. Botana has over 34 years industry experience in leadership positions with major quality aviation service provider companies.

“We are excited about our owner’s commitment to our business,” says Botana. “We have had great success over our first two years of operation building our clientele and business base, and we look forward to continued growth.”

“We appreciate Mike Azzarelli’s vision and guidance through our early stages of development. The project would not have developed without Mike’s determination. Yet, this change will insure that we can strive to remain an independent FBO for the foreseeable future and remain focused on providing the highest levels of customer service and support the to aviation markets we serve. DAST’s commitment to TIJC insures the financial strength to achieve our company’s growth plan. Our 30 plus employees and all our based customers are all pleased the company plans to remain private,” added Botana.

A DAST spokesperson said, “We are pleased with the significant growth Phil Botana and his team have achieved over the two short years the Jet Center has been open. We are strong supporters of Tampa and the Tampa aviation community and believe if we remain a high quality service provider, TIJC will be an excellent business for us over the long term.”

Tampa International Jet Center (TPA) lands important new tenant contract
Tampa, FL - July 6, 2006 - The Tampa International Jet Center (TIJC) is pleased to announce that it has entered into a long term strategic relationship with ExecuJet Charter Services - formerly of Clearwater. ExecuJet has relocated six turbine aircraft to the TIJC Tampa International facility. The two companies will do to develop and grow the aircraft charter/management market in the Tampa/St. Pete area in order to expand their respective levels of traffic.

"We are excited about ExecuJet relocating their fleet to our facility," says Phil Botana, General Manager of TIJC. "They are a top quality provider of management and charter services. They bring new activity to TIJC and our Airport that will be very compatible with our ongoing efforts to associate only with companies that complement our commitment to high quality service."

Peter Cunzolo, president and owner of ExecuJet adds, "We are excited to be at a top rated facility like TIJC. We know it will help us continue to grow our business. Own aircraft owners are all thrilled that we have been able to improve our facilities position, which adds value the total private travel experience. We are impressed with the corporate aircraft environment that Mike Azzarelli and Phil Botana have created here and we look forward to mutually benefiting from the expansion of the Tampa market with clients who demand 'the best'."

ExecuJet operates six (6) turbine aircraft, ranging from King Air 200 to Falcon 50, all available for Part 135 charter.

TIJC's full service FBO at Tampa International Airport was rated the #1 in Florida and #4 in the Americas by Aviation International News' 2006 FBO (aviation Fixed Based Operator) Survey. TIJC's recently completed facilities features a 14,000 sq. ft. terminal area, four 27,000 sq. ft. storage hangars and boasts a 12,500 sq. ft. canopy for covered aircraft arrivals and departures for up to Global Express and G550 size aircraft . As a first-class FBO, TIJC offers a full range of pilot and guest amenities including snooze rooms, high-speed internet access and an exclusive on-site, commercial kitchen with staff chef to provide catering services.

Tampa International Jet Center (TPA) ranked #1 in Florida and #4 in the Americas
Tampa, FL - March 30, 2006 - The Tampa International Jet Center (TIJC) is pleased to announce it was rated the # 4 FBO in the Americas by Aviation International News' 2006 FBO (aviation Fixed Based Operator) Survey. This ranking places TIJC as the highest rated FBO in all Florida.

"We are so proud that the pilots who participate in this FBO rating survey expressed their appreciation of the great efforts of our wonderful employees," says Phil Botana, General Manager of TIJC. "Our team members go above and beyond every day to provide top quality service, and it's very gratifying that customers have recognized our efforts. Many companies strive a lifetime to obtain this level of distinction, but to have achieved it after only 17 months of operation is phenomenal."

"We spared no expense when we build our facilities, in order to bring Tampa an absolutely fabulous quality FBO. It is really wonderful that our customers have shown their appreciation for what we have built," adds Mike Azzarelli, president and owner of the Jet Center. "This recognition makes all our efforts worthwhile."

AIN conducts an annual survey of pilots, dispatchers and users of FBOs regarding how they rate various aspects of the services provided. This year AIN received a record 15.8% response from the 12,582 pilot/readers who where selected to participate. See the AIN attached article, which more fully describes the survey.

TIJC's full service FBO at Tampa International Airport which opened in October with an all new $11 million dollar facility, features a 14,000 sq. ft. terminal area, three storage hangars and also boast a 12,500 sq. ft. canopy for covered aircraft arrivals and departures. As a first-class FBO, Tampa International Jet Center offers a full range of pilot and guest amenities including snooze rooms, high-speed internet access and an exclusive on-site, commercial kitchen with staff chef to provide catering services.

Tampa International Jet Center (TPA) announces Outstanding Initial Year
Tampa, FL – November 7, 2005 – The Tampa International Jet Center (TIJC) announces its first year of operations was a resounding success.

“During our first 12 months of operations, we accomplished essentially all of our business plan goals,” announced Mike Azzarelli, TIJC’s President and Owner. Our initial phase of construction (three hangars totaling 96,000 square feet) is rented and we completed construction of an additional hangar. Unbelievably, we have attracted ______ new customers and (according to Tampa Airport reports) we achieved ___ % market share.”

“I think our customers appreciate the higher level of service we can provide by being an independent. The chains require their locations to “fit the mold” and cut costs when the company overall is not achieving its numbers. If our customers want nicer crew cars, cookies in the lobby, special attention with travel arrangements, or just smiling faces behind the counter, we enjoy the flexibility to do what it takes. That’s why TIJC is rapidly becoming the preferred FBO in Tampa”, says Phil Botana, Vice President and General Manger.

TIJC Customers seem to enjoy our monthly Customer Appreciation Cookouts (every Third Tuesday), appreciate our one year “accident free” operations, and

Additionally, TIJC has become the “venue of choice” for many upscale charitable events.

The enclosed photo shows some of TIJC’s world class CSRs with the new vehicles.

Tampa International Jet Center (TPA) Contributes to Hurricane Relief Tampa, FL – September 19, 2005 – The Tampa International Jet Center (TIJC) announces that it has committed to donate five cents per gallon from it retail jet fuel sales to Hurricane Katrina relief efforts of the American Red Cross. All sales between September 15 – December 31, 2005 will be included.

“Florida incurred our share of hurricane damage during 2004 which helps us understand, in a small way, the tragedy that thousands have suffered from Katrina,” says Mike Azzarelli, President of TIJC. “All of us at Tampa International Jet Center count our blessings and good fortune that we have been spared, and I feel good that we can do something to help those less fortunate. We feel that the Red Cross is doing great humanitarian work and is well equipped to bring relief to the most stricken areas.”

“Just like many FBOs around our great country, we are proud to be able to help people who are suffering from the aftermath of Katrina. I am very proud about the way so many Americans are raising to the occasion to help out. We all feel good that we can support the efforts to help the needy and perhaps speed their road back to a normal life”, says Phil Botana, Vice President and General Manger.

TIJC’s full service FBO at Tampa International Airport with an all new $11 million dollar facility, that features a 14,000 sq. ft. terminal area, three storage hangars and also boast a 12,500 sq. ft. canopy for covered aircraft arrivals and departures. Recognized by AIN as the top rated FBO in Tampa in 2005, Tampa International Jet Center offers a full range of pilot and guest amenities including quiet room, wireless high-speed internet access and an exclusive on-site, commercial kitchen with staff chef to provide catering services.

Tampa International Jet Center (TPA) announces Luxury Crew Cars Tampa, FL - September 7, 2005 - The Tampa International Jet Center (TIJC) announces upscale crew cars.

"In keeping with our commitment to provide the highest levels of "first class" service, Tampa International Airport (TPA) has added upgraded crew cars to its array of customer amenities. We now have an X-Type Jaguar and Convertible Mustang available for visiting flight crews," says Mike Azzarelli, President of TIJC. "We appreciate the fact that pilots don't want to hang around the FBO all day, so we felt we should provide them a classy way to enjoy some of the great attractions the Tampa area has to offer."

"We think our transient pilot customers will appreciate how we go to extra lengths to provide a higher level of service. These vehicles are just another example of why TIJC is rapidly becoming the preferred FBO in Tampa", says Phil Botana, Vice President and General Manager.

TIJC crew cars are available to transient pilots on a "first come, first serve" basis and are intended to be used for short same day missions. We suggest flight crews contact Jamison Stevens or any CSR on duty to make a request for the vehicles.

TIJC's full service FBO at Tampa International Airport with an all new $11 million dollar facility, that features a 14,000 sq. ft. terminal area, three storage hangars and also boast a 12,500 sq. ft. canopy for covered aircraft arrivals and departures. Recognized by AIN as the top rated FBO in Tampa in 2005, Tampa International Jet Center offers a full range of pilot and guest amenities including quiet room, wireless high-speed internet access and an exclusive on-site, commercial kitchen with staff chef to provide catering services.

Tampa International Jet Center (TPA)
announces improved US Customs availability
Tampa, FL - July 8, 2005 - The Tampa International Jet Center (TIJC) announced that the Hillsborough County Aviation Authority is relocating the US Customs facility to a more convenient location. The new site will prove to be very desirable for TIJC customers requiring Customs.

"Tampa International Airport (TPA) is making a great effort to provide our GA customers with easy access to US Customs by moving the Customs facility to a new centralized and stand-alone site," says Mike Azzarelli, President of TIJC. "Our customers will be able to clear customs in minutes, at a site immediately adjacent to our all new FBO (to the west), so their ground transportation can be 'standing by ramp side' within a few feet of their aircraft."

The improved Customs facility is just another way the Tampa International Jet Center has helped to bring corporate aviators a higher standard of service and a more competitive business environment. International arriving aircraft will now avoid the congested ramp conditions at the old location.

The Aviation Authority will construct a completely new, state-of-the-art Customs facility, which will meet the latest Customs/Boarder Patrol facility requirements. The new site will have ample aircraft parking. During construction of the new facility, a temporary structure is being set up on the new site and will be opened in early August 2005 to immediately accommodate all Customs bound general aviation aircraft arriving at TPA. The current facility will be closed at that time.

TIJC's full service FBO at Tampa International Airport with an all new $11 million dollar facility, features a 14,000 sq. ft. terminal area, three storage hangars and also boast a 12,500 sq. ft. canopy for covered aircraft arrivals and departures. Recognized by AIN as the top rated FBO in Tampa in 2005, Tampa International Jet Center offers a full range of pilot and guest amenities including quiet room, wireless high-speed internet access and an exclusive on-site, commercial kitchen with staff chef to provide catering services.

Tampa International Jet Center (TPA) Schedules Open House
Tampa, FL - April 7, 2005 - The Tampa International Jet Center (TIJC) announces plans to hold its Grand Opening - Open House on April 28th from 11 am to 7 pm in the lobby of their TPA FBO.

"We have only been open for few months and according to the 2005 AIN (Aviation International News) FBO survey TIJC is already the highest rated FBO in Tampa, so we want to thank our customers for their support, as well as to invite potential new customers to come see our great facility and meet our wonderful people," says Phil Botana, VP & General Manager of TIJC.

The event will feature samples of food prepared by our onsite chef, as well as special featured entertainment throughout the day. Our wonderful team of Customer Service Representatives will be providing tours of the facility.

"We are thrilled that TIJC has ranked up among the top 16 in the whole country, according AIN. Several hundred companies have visited the Jet Center since we opened in October and we look forward to earning the business of hundreds who are yet to come," said Mike Azzarelli, Owner and President of TIJC. "I want to hold the Open House to thank our customers in person and also to celebrate the beginning of construction of our new 32,000 square foot storage hangar."

TIJC provides a complete range of ground support to the planes of the corporate and fractional operators who visit Tampa each week.

TIJC's full service FBO at Tampa International Airport which opened in October with an all new $11 million dollar facility, features a 14,000 sq. ft. terminal area, three (soon to be four) storage hangars and also boasts a 12,500 sq. ft. canopy for covered aircraft arrivals and departures. This first-class FBO, Tampa International Jet Center offers a full range of pilot and guest amenities including snooze rooms, wireless high-speed internet access and an exclusive on-site, commercial kitchen with staff chef to provide catering services.


Tampa International Jet Center (TPA) announces pack with Southern Air Systems to provide Maintenance
Tampa, FL – January 3, 2005 – The Tampa International Jet Center (TIJC) is pleased to announce it has entered into an agreement with Southern Air Systems which provides for Southern to provide third party aircraft maintenance and base its growing aircraft management company at TIJC’s Tampa, FL facility. Southern occupies all of Hangar #1 at the brand new TIJC FBO facility.

“Having Southern as our onsite maintenance provider is a huge advantage for our customers,” says Phil Botana, General Manager of TIJC. “Southern’s move to Tampa from Lakeland (FL) has been a significant benefit to our start-up and the expanded maintenance capability will make our facility more attractive to transients.”

“Having a Tampa base for our managed fleet and maintenance is a great accomplishment. With __ total aircraft under management having our key people collocated with our maintenance base allows us greater efficiencies as well as allowing us to better support our customer’s needs”, said Darrell Egner, President, Southern Air Systems. “Having the opportunity to consolidate into an all new, first class facility really made the deal with TIJC attractive to us. This is truly a win-win arrangement.

Southern will provide a wide range of maintenance capabilities to its clients as well as customers of the Jet Center. Please use the following link to see more details of what they will provide:
www.Southernairsystemsmaintenance.com


Tampa International Jet Center (TPA)
named aviation service provider for Outback Bowl
Tampa, FL - December 6, 2004 - The Tampa International Jet Center (TIJC) is proud to announce it has been selected to be the aviation service provider for the Outback Bowl. The Outback Bowl is played annually on New Years Day at Raymond James Stadium in Tampa, FL.

"The Outback Bowl organization selected TIJC because of our brand new facility and extraordinary customer service attitude," says Phil Botana, General Manager of TIJC. "We are quite pleased about this selection after being open just two months. I think it speaks volumes about the quality of the organization we have but together."

"We expect a very exciting event. With Wisconsin and Georgia playing it should be a great game. We will be supporting the aviation support needs for both schools: their teams, bands, alumni and supporters. We hope to have some fun with the event, perhaps dressing up our team members in the two schools colors," said Mike Azzeralli, President of TIJC.

TIJC will provide airliner ground handling for the team planes, along with typical general aviation support to the dozens of private aircraft that will visit Tampa to attend the game and the week of activities surrounding it.

TIJC's full service FBO at Tampa International Airport which opened in October with an all new $11 million dollar facility, features a 14,000 sq. ft. terminal area, three storage hangars and also boast a 12,500 sq. ft. canopy for covered aircraft arrivals and departures. As a first-class FBO, Tampa International Jet Center offers a full range of pilot and guest amenities including snooze rooms, high-speed internet access and an exclusive on-site, commercial kitchen with staff chef to provide catering services.

Tampa International Jet Center to Open October 2004
Final construction phase and key personnel in are place for Tampa International Jet Center’s grand opening.

Salem, OR – August 27, 2004 - Tampa International Jet Center is proud to announce that it will provide full service FBO fueling and related services to Tampa International Airport (TPA), beginning October 2004. Final touches on construction and the acquisition of experienced line service and customer service staff members establish the completion of the 2 year project.

“All of the key elements are in place and we are proud to welcome new customers,” said Phil Botana, General Manager of TIJC. “The modern facility, staff experience and attention to detail will be the first thing our new customers will notice. “

The $11 million dollar, completely modern facility will feature a total of 160,000 sq. ft. including terminal area. The facility will also boast a 12,500 sq. ft. canopy for covered aircraft arrivals and departures. As a first-class FBO, Tampa International Jet Center will offer a full range of pilot and guest amenities including snooze rooms, high-speed internet access and an exclusive on-site, commercial kitchen with staff chef to provide catering services. Additionally, the FBO is taking a serious approach to customer service by having CSRs trained at the Ritz-Carlton Hotel “Legendary Service” program.

Air BP is a leading global marketer of aviation fuels, related products and support services. They provide aviation fuel, lubricants and related services at more than 1,600 locations in 90 countries around the world.


Tampa International Jet Center (TPA) announces plans to construct fourth storage hangar
Tampa, FL – January 12, 2004 – The Tampa International Jet Center (TIJC) announced its plans to begin construction of a fourth storage hangar at Tampa International Airport. The new structure will be 32,000 square feet tenant office and aircraft storage space.

“Demand has been strong for our initial phase of construction,” says Mike Azzarelli, President of TIJC, “that nearly all 96,000 square feet of tenant space has been committed. “We are gatified that the market appreciates the high quality we designed into TIJC and that has help us become nearly full after only two months of operation.”

“We are in discussions with several prospective tenants for the new building, and expect that it will be full upon completion of construction”, Azzarelli added.