The agreement further strengthens the future of young aviation professionals by pledging year-round support to the Aerospace Center for Excellence (ACE). Sheltair will continue its role as the official fuel provider of the famous Lakeland airshow and expo while also supporting the recently established Holiday Flying Festival that will take place each December.
"Extending this partnership was an obvious and easy decision," stated John "Lites" Leenhouts, President & CEO of SUN' n FUN/Aerospace Center for Excellence. "Sheltair has consistently provided excellent service to our SUN' n FUN guests, setting the industry standard for FBO performance. With our growing relationship and alliance, we can ensure the support for our Aerospace Center for Excellence continues to grow and reach even more young people."
Since ACE's opening in 2014, SUN 'n FUN's proceeds have supported the non-profit aerospace organization whose mission is to engage, educate, and accelerate the next generation of aerospace professionals. For this reason, Sheltair has pledged a yearly in-kind contribution, as well as continuing to donate $0.10 per gallon on all SUN 'n FUN Aerospace Expo and Holiday Flying Festival event uplifts to ACE's Project Skylab, a STEM learning center opening this August designed to provide hands-on activities for the next generation of aviation professionals.
"Sheltair and SUN 'n FUN have enjoyed having a close relationship for the last seven years, serving thousands of guests attending the airshow," commented Andy Castro, Sheltair's Director of Special Projects and KLAL General Manager. "This partnership allows us to work even closer, looking to propel the growth and success of both ACE and SUN 'n FUN. Sheltair always looks forward to continuing to serve the airshow, but further, we are excited to align our goals to inspire the next generation of aviators."
As in years past, pilots flying to Sheltair Lakeland for SUN 'n FUN will continue to receive triple Avfuel AVTRIP Points for an even more rewarding experience. Sheltair will also offer its streamlined services using new technologies that allow invoicing right at the refueling truck for simplified operations and an elevated customer experience.
"SUN ‘n FUN is very excited about Sheltair’s year-round partnership. Flight operations during SUN' n FUN are complex and require the utmost care, planning, and coordination," remarked Malonie Ayers, Business Development Manager. "Partnering with Sheltair compliments our commitment to preserve and enhance the future of flight through world-class events by always offering on-time and accurate deliveries, exemplary service, and years of experience. We couldn't ask for a better partner!"
Sheltair traditionally serves upwards of 4,000 aircraft movements during SUN 'n FUN's six-day event in April of each year. Customers enjoy a full array of services and benefits, including U.S. Customs, award-winning customer service and ground support, hangar space and tie-downs, on-site Hertz rental cars, catering, shuttle services, crew cars, complimentary refreshments and snacks, a flight planning/weather room, and a pilot's lounge. The extended agreement will also see Sheltair providing the same high-level support for SUN 'n FUN's Holiday Flying Festival and Car Show held every year on the SUN ‘n FUN Expo Campus. "The formula for success is already in place, so this is a logical continuation of our partnership," continued Mr. Castro.
