ST. GEORGE — Tis the season for construction and renovations at the St. George Regional Airport as work to expand its overall capabilities continues and associated private flight facilities are either being constructed or about to get a notable makeover.
The Million Air FBO, or fixed-based operator, is in the latter category and will be getting a $5 million renovation beginning in February 2024, according to a recent news release. The work is expected to conclude by October 2024.
Fixed-based operators like Million Air and the incoming Sandstone Aviation, cater to general aviation uses like charter and corporate flights, personal aircraft and non-commercial aviation that do not go through the airport’s terminal.
Million Air occupies a complex at the northern end of the airport that formerly housed Above View Jet Center. Above View was acquired earlier this year and rebranded by Freeman Holdings Group, which is the largest licensee within the Million Air network, according to Airport Business International.
“We are excited to continue to grow our network, becoming an integral part of the local aviation community, and contributing to the growth and prosperity of the region,” Scott Freeman, CEO of the Freeman Holdings Group, said in an August news release.
Renovations will see the expansion of the current two-story building from 8,300 square feet up to 13,800 square feet, as well as a full-service café with a balcony and outdoor seating on the second floor that will offer “an unparalleled perspective of the flight line and the majestic mountain view.”
The terminal lobby will also see renovation and host a coffee and refreshment bar for clients passing through. As for pilots and crew, a revamped pilot lounge will offer an array of amenities, including sleep rooms, a theater room for entertainment and a shower.
The FBO will also modernize the dedicated flight planning room, conference room with full audio-visual capabilities and additional training room.
“With these enhancements, we aim to set a new standard for excellence at the airport and offer a welcoming environment for all those who pass through our doors,” Freeman said.
Additionally, Million Air has already started to upgrade parts of its overall ground service equipment.
Million Air’s facility will remain open and operational during the renovation period, the news release states.
An example of Million Air’s potential patrons, as noted in the news release, are the elite outdoor athletes who come from around the world to train for ultra-marathons and the Ironman 70.3 North American Championship. The latter has been held in Washington County for many years now.
The St. George location is Million Air’s 37th location and Freeman Holdings Group’s 22nd.
While Million Air will embark on its $5 million renovation next year, the St. George Regional Airport is already involved in expanding its terminal apron.
This project, which started in October, aims to double the size of the airport terminal’s apron capacity by adding five new parking areas for larger aircraft. The airport’s ramp will also be doubled in size by about 700 feet. The estimated price tag of the work is $12 million and is largely funded through the federal 2022 Bipartisan Infrastructure Bill.
At the southern end of the airport is the Sandstone fixed-based operation which is in the process of building its own 11,000-square-foot facility, expected to open for operation in early 2024.
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