Skyservice breaks ground on new FBO in Toronto

Skyservice Business Aviation broke ground on a brand new fixed-base operation (FBO) at Toronto Lester B. Pearson International Airport on July 3, 2018.

The company is virtually doubling its hangar space in Toronto and will retain its existing FBO facility at the infield at Pearson.

The new FBO is located on the south side of the field. It will provide 20,000 square feet of office and lounge space, and 100,000 square feet of hangar space, and will also be about 12 minutes closer in driving time to the heart of Toronto.

The twin FBOs will be independent operations with full amenities. The company’s corporate offices and management will continue to be housed in the original FBO.

Skyservice operates four FBOs across Canada, with locations in Calgary, Toronto, Ottawa and Montreal. The company was founded in Montreal in 1986 and opened a Toronto location in 1995.

It manages nearly 75 corporate aircraft on behalf of clients nationwide, and 36 aircraft in Toronto alone. The new Toronto FBO will allow the company to manage aircraft for a backlog of new clients waiting to come on board.

It will retain and expand upon Skyservice’s position as the largest FBO in Toronto. Skyservice typically services 75 to 100 visiting aircraft per day across its network.

The new facility has been in the works for more than two years and its opening is anticipated in May 2019.

Rice Group is the developer, leasing land from the Greater Toronto Airports Authority, and in turn leasing it to Skyservice under a 25-year deal.

The Rice Group is an accomplished, Ontario-based commercial and industrial developer.

“As the corporate aircraft market grows, literally, larger aircraft are now dominating it, such as the new Global 7000 and Gulfstream 650, demand for more space has driven our expansion,” said Skyservice CEO Marshall Myles.

“As an example, in 2008 Skyservice managed one Bombardier Global, and now has 11. Our new FBO will accommodate significant industry growth. With its reputation for excellence and diversified service offering, Skyservice is well positioned to capitalize on multiple organic growth and acquisition opportunities.”

The expansion will also position Skyservice well in relation to the new Bombardier Global assembly line, which is expected to relocate to Pearson in the early 2020s

As a licensed Bombardier service facility, it will be able to carry out modification work not included in assembly on the production line.  Skyservice’s new facility will also help centralize corporate flight operations at Pearson.

Skyservice will grow and consolidate its share of the 500-plus corporate aircraft in Canada. Internationally recognized for delivering a first-class experience to travellers across Canada, the company said it is pleased to be expanding and further improving its presence in Toronto, continuing an award-winning commitment to exceptional service, safety and convenience for customers.