Ramp reconstruction at Tri-State Aero creates opportunities for growth
Less than 170 miles from St. Louis, Louisville, Nashville and Indianapolis, Tri-State Aero, the lone FBO at Evansville Regional Airport (KEVV), offers all the FBO amenities and top-notch maintenance capabilities that pilots expect from larger airports, but with an added benefit of quick-turn service.
And now, ramp reconstruction at the southern Indiana airport is expected to be complete by the end of the year. Already an attractive option for corporate travelers due to its location and convenience, this 250,000-square-foot ramp, which sits on a massive plot of land open for development, will provide KEVV and the FBO the opportunity to expand services.
“There’s no congestion on the ramp. It’s wide open and ready for development,” said Bo Ballard, VP of Operations, Tri-State Aero. “It’s going to be really hard to find a ramp like our FBO has to offer. And that’s not only just for the tech stops or corporate traffic coming to Evansville, that’s for future growth.”
In 2019, the FBO closed their flight training and charter business to focus solely on the FBO and maintenance offerings.
“Because Tri-State Aero specializes in FBO services, we’d like to see a business that offers – for example, paint and interior – move into that space along the ramp,” said Ballard. “Whether it’s us or somebody in partnership with us, we’ve got the land and opportunity to expand the services available on this airfield. When we combine our existing maintenance capabilities and stellar service with additional offerings, it’ll make Evansville an even stronger alternative to some of the larger airports in the region.”
Tri-State Aero has been a maintenance provider since its founding in 1963. The facility – which is an FAA Authorized Repair Station capable of upgrading, installing, troubleshooting, repairing and performing 24-month recertifications of a variety of aircraft’s avionics systems – employs a crew with over 160 years combined aviation, maintenance and records experience. They specialize in Beechjet, Cirrus, Piper and King Air series aircraft.
The operation has been a Phillips 66 branded FBO since the 1980s. They offer WingPoints® Rewards and, as of late last year, Contract Fuels, which has already boosted their business. They also participate in the NATA Safety 1st Training.
Tri-State Aero was recently voted as a CAA Preferred FBO. They’re a member of the NATA, NBAA and the Aviation 20 Group, which meets on a quarterly basis to share best practices.
The ramp reconstruction project, which will prevent flooding and sinkhole development, has been underway since 2018. With the decrease in air traffic over the last few months, significant progress has been made.
For more information on Tri-State Aero, visit tristateaero.com.