California’s John Wayne Airport (SNA) has experienced a huge surge in general aviation movements in the past 10 months. From April 2017 to January 2018, more than 316,000 gallons of Avgas have been sold at John Wayne Airport compared to slightly over 220,000 gallons during the previous 10-month period.
FBO ACI Jet opened at the airport in July 2017. It has averaged almost 23,000 gallons per month in Avgas fuel sales compared to around 7,000 gallons per month by its predecessor during the preceding 10 months.
ACI Jet does not charge parking or ancillary fees for piston single-engine and light twin aircraft for drop-off, pick-up and go, or less than three hours of ramp parking, a factor that will likely affect customer satisfaction and encourage passengers to return.
Flight schools and other GA businesses are also flourishing at John Wayne Airport. Michael Church, owner of Sunrise Aviation, a flight school based at SNA, commented, “The changes at John Wayne Airport since the addition of ACI Jet a year ago have been nothing less than momentous with lower prices, a friendly culture, and a real sense of partnership. I feel the shift helped save general aviation on our field.”
