Tom Owens to Lead New Kona FBO

The ownership group of Big Island Jet Center has named veteran aviation executive Tom Owen the emergent facility’s new General Manager. Big Island Jet Center is an FBO under construction on Kailua-Kona, Hawaii’s Ellison Onizuka International Airport (KOA).

Mr. Owen is best known for his tenures with Santa Rosa, California’s Sonoma Jet Center (STS) and Avfuel Corporation’s FBO management team. During his stint with the latter, Owen supported the operational successes of numerous highly-respected FBOs. In his new role, Mr. Owen is charged with leading the development and operation of Big Island Jet Center, a task eminently concordant with his extensive experience in fuel supply-chain logistics and guest and business aviation services.

Big Island Jet Center senior partner David Johnston stated: “The ownership group of Big Island Jet Center is excited about bringing a new first-class facility and experience to the Big Island, and even more excited to have Tom lead our new FBO. Tom’s diverse experience, dedication to safety, attention to detail, and focus on the customer experience is exactly what our group was seeking in a general manager.”

Mr. Owen set forth: “After working with some of the best FBOs in the country, I am thrilled to help combine the best FBO operational practices, hospitality, and safety, and integrate that with the Spirit of Aloha prevalent with the people on the Big Island of Hawaii. The Kona district has an amazing combination of beautiful beaches; clear waters for spotting dolphins, mantas, and sea turtles; as well as world-class golf resorts, hiking trails, historic Hawaiian landmarks, and spectacular mountains growing world-famous Kona coffee.”

Mr. Owen has relocated to Kona in preparation for Big Island Jet Center’s December 2023 opening. Currently the inchoate FBO’s ramp is nearing completion; moreover, a 50,000-gallon fuel-farm is under development, and a luxury temporary terminal is being placed until the completion of its world-class, 7,500-square-foot executive terminal complex in 2024.

The FBO’s large, open-concept executive terminal will feature a distinctly Hawaiian feel, showcasing a true aloha spirit while providing cutting-edge amenities and services. Designed to support private aviation operations, Big Island Jet Center’s Pacific oasis will provide the entirety of the amenities expected of the finest contemporary FBOs: luxurious waiting areas, well-appointed restrooms, high-tech conference areas, and wireless connectivity throughout the facility and ramp.

Big Island Jet Center’s sprawling, nine-acre ramp will support aircraft as large as Boeing’s 737-800 or Airbus A319. To safely house transient aircraft, the FBO plans to construct hangars of a design consistent with the highest standards of environmental stewardship and Hawaiian building codes, which take into account the tropical storms by which the islands are occasionally wracked.

With safety and hospitality the organization’s foremost concerns, Big Island Jet Center will employ local line and customer service specialists and fully train such in fuel-safety and security in accordance with NATA’s Safety 1st initiative , and in customer care in accordance with an aviation-adapted interpretation of the Ritz Carlton training program.

FMI: https://bigislandjetcenter.com