To mark the September 1st enactment of the New York State sales-and-use tax exemption on general aviation transactions which is expected to create enormous economic benefits for the entire state, Sheltair officially commenced the initial land clearing on what will soon become a new multimillion dollar premier FBO terminal and aircraft hangar complex at Republic Airport (FRG) in East Farmingdale, New York, located some 35 miles east of Manhattan.
“If Governor Andrew Cuomo was hoping to see immediate results from Albany’s decision to pass this progressive legislation he need not look further than state owned Republic Airport,” explained Warren Kroeppel, Sheltair’s Chief Operating Officer (COO). “On the very date that this tax exemption takes effect Sheltair has commenced its initial site preparation phase on some 40 acres of airport property set aside and approved for this purpose after an exhaustive environmental, economic and operational review and approval by a variety of regulatory agencies and the surrounding airport community.”
Kroeppel stated, “Sheltair’s decision to proceed with this FBO and hangar development project reflects our full faith and confidence in the role of Republic Airport as a key general aviation transportation center, and the strategic benefits including economic development – and ultimately new permanent jobs – that will be generated by the aviation sales tax exemption, and the ability of Sheltair to meet the demands of the general aviation community seeking access to 21st Century state-of-the-art FBO services, amenities and new aircraft storage facilities.”
Michael Giardino, president of the New York Aviation Management Association (NYAMA), stated that the role of the sales tax exemption cannot be overstated in strengthening the economic benefits generated at airports such as Republic. He explained that the tax exemption “levels the playing field” with nearby states that have similar exemptions as it removes the temptation for New Yorkers to base their aircraft outside the state.
The sales-and-use tax exemption applies to all general aviation aircraft, whether experimental, light sport, or certificated; piston or jet. There are no size or capacity restrictions.
Sheltair’s multi-million dollar aviation development project at Republic Airport calls for as much as 210,000 square feet of new hangar space with door heights a minimum of 28 feet to accommodate the latest corporate jets, thereby ensuring that the needs of a robust and vital general aviation community can be met.
Kroeppel observed that any number of individuals and organizations should take credit for this ground breaking as it reflects a commitment to keep Republic Airport as a vital transportation center that connects Long Island and New York with international and national markets, allowing it to take advantage of the sales tax exemption passed by the Senate and the Assembly and signed into law by Governor Cuomo. Kroeppel also praised the New York Aviation Management Association (NYAMA), Long Island Business Aviation Association (LIBAA), the National Business Aviation Association (NBAA), Aircraft Owners and Pilots Association (AOPA), and other organizations that worked closely to brief lawmakers on the benefits of the exemption to the state.
A history of serving the aviation community
Sheltair has long operated its FBO facility at Republic inside a 66,000 square foot hangar originally built during World War II as part of the massive Republic Aviation factory that turned out 9,000 P-47 Thunderbolts. It recently announced the investment of nearly $1 million to further modernize the facility in anticipation of increased general aviation activity under the auspices of the coming sales tax exemption.
Sheltair’s multi-million dollar aviation development project at Republic Airport calls for as much as 210,000 square feet of new hangar space with door heights a minimum of Sheltair, a privately-owned aviation development company, operates 16 premier FBOs and manages over three million square feet of aviation related properties throughout Florida, Georgia and New York. Sheltair services include fueling, ground handling, hangar and office leasing and turn-key design/build of aviation properties.
http://www.aviationpros.com/press_release/12113998/sheltair-marks-the-start-of-the-nys-aviation-sales-tax-exemption-by-commencing-initial-site-preparation-for-their-new-hangar-development-project-at-republic-airport