But Will Pilots Be Served Wine And Truffles?

Signature Flight Support officially broke ground on its new Toulon, France, facility during a March 25 on site ceremony. The Orlando, Florida-based company took over flight support operations at the Toulon-Hyeres Airport (TLN/LFTH) in January and is currently operating from space in the main terminal with exclusive use of the airport's VIP lounge. Construction on the new purpose-built 2,410-square-foot facility is expected to be complete in the third quarter of 2004.

"We have a dedicated team in place who are already achieving the high service standards Signature demands of its facilities. We look forward to completion of the new facility and to bringing Signature service and capabilities to business aviation customers flying in and out of Provence," said David Best, Signature's managing director Europe.

Joining Best at the groundbreaking ceremony were Roy McGlone, group chief executive of BBA Aviation Services, Albert Bessudo, president of the Chambre de Commerce et d'Industrie du Var, Cy Farmer, Signature's vice president of operations, and Louis Demarque, general manager of Signature's Paris LBG facility.

Bruno Hardy oversees operations at the Toulon location which will offer comprehensive flight support, ranging from ramp services and aircraft handling to a full complement of passenger and crew amenities, including helicopter transits to St. Tropez and other Cote d'Azur locations.

FMI: www.signatureflight.com