Will Operate From Atlantic Aviation Facilities

The lack of a city-issued permit is not going to stop JetSuiteX from beginning scheduled operations from Santa Monica Airport (KSMO), according to the company's CEO.

The company has been flying charters at KSMO for years, using the FBO facilities at Atlantic Aviation. Earlier this month, the company began selling tickets for as low as $29 for a scheduled airline service that will begin in February.

The Santa Monica Lookout reports that, according to JetSuiteX CEO Alex Wilcox, since they are not a tenant at the airport, they are not required to have the city's permission to operate. He told the paper "we'll begin operating whether we get permission or not."

Wilcox said that his company has applied for a Commercial Operator Permit (COP) with the city, and would prefer to lease its own space at the airport. But we know how Santa Monica city officials are treating their airport tenants right now. The city has said it will take up the company's request "in the normal course of business and render a decision based on the totality of the application."

But Wilcox said they only need the COP if they are actually leasing space from the city. "We don't need a COP if we're not a tenant at the airport," he said.

Atlantic Aviation is facing an eviction notice from the city but Wilcox expressed confidence that the FBO would prevail in its fight. But the city license is moot, in his view. "We have a federally protected right to operate from this airport without further permission from the city," he said.

(Image courtesy JetSuiteX)

FMI: www.smgov.net