Sheltair breaks ground on $40 million facility at Sarasota Bradenton International Airport

Sheltair, a leading provider of aviation services and aviation real estate development, is expanding to Sarasota Bradenton International Airport, building a $40 million private complex that is scheduled to begin operations in the fourth quarter of 2025.

Sheltair, a family-owned company based in Fort Lauderdale, is the nation’s largest privately owned aviation network, operating at 21 airports in Florida, Georgia, Texas, and Colorado. Sheltair broke ground for its SRQ terminal and hangar complex on April 30.

“I can’t begin to express how excited we are to be in the Sarasota market,” said Lisa Holland, president and CEO of Sheltair. “We recognize the potential that it holds for us, and we look forward to working with the community to bring our 'Family First' mission to the area.”

Sheltair said the decision to expand to SRQ was driven by the airport’s robust business and general aviation flight activity and by the demand for based aircraft storage opportunities.

“We are thrilled to announce the arrival of Sheltair as the third fixed-base operator at SRQ,” said Rick Piccolo, president and CEO of Sarasota Bradenton International Airport. “Situated on 24 acres within the new north quad airport development, this addition will provide another choice for the general aviation community and bring numerous job opportunities to the Sarasota-Bradenton area.”

The addition of Sheltair Sarasota marks the company’s 17th FBO location and 13th in Florida.

Sheltair’s development at SRQ will provide prime space for various aviation businesses and leisure travelers alike. A highlight of the development is a 10,705-square-foot terminal situated on 15 acres of apron space that will have a large airside canopy.

The FBO will include a lobby for passengers and pilots and an exclusive lounge area for private use. Further amenities include waiting areas, crew rest facilities, and conference rooms for businesses on the go. The terminal will also host local aeronautical businesses seeking high visibility at KSRQ with several large office options.

The Sheltair facility also will feature two commercial storage hangars that will accommodate all classes of aircraft – including those up to large cabin class – and additional business office needs. Hangar A will offer 29,655 square feet of hangar space with 5,940 square feet of offices. Hangar B will feature 16,875 square feet of hangar space and 3,465 square feet of offices.

Sheltair’s property development team expects to unveil future expansion plans to its SRQ property that will include the development of a 60,000-square-foot aircraft maintenance, repair and overhaul (MRO) facility and up to four additional hangars at 20,000-plus square feet each.

For more information about Sheltair and its expansion to SRQ, visit sheltairaviation.com. Those interested in leasing space from Sheltair Sarasota should contact Tony Sherbert at Tsherbert@sheltairaviation.com.

Staff report

This article originally appeared on Sarasota Herald-Tribune: Sheltair breaks ground on $40 million facility at Sarasota Bradenton International Airport