A lifelong aviation enthusiast who joined&nbsp;AIN&nbsp;in 2007, Curt came to&nbsp;the publication&nbsp;from the broadcast industry where he was a national science and technology television reporter and producer. He writes on the FBO field, aviation finance, and sustainable aviation and occasionally contributes to&nbsp;AIN&nbsp;sister publication&nbsp;Business Jet Traveler. Curt was a member of the AINtv reporting staff that won the 2008 Aerospace Journalist of the Year award for Best Airshow Daily. That same year, he was a finalist for another AJOYA award. He earned an AJOYA for Best Business Aviation Submission in 2018 and was a finalist in that category in 2021. He received the National Air Transportation Association’s&nbsp; Aviation Journalist Award in 2012 and won a Pegasus Sapphire Business Aviation Award for outstanding journalism in 2021.
Before joining AIN, Curt worked with&nbsp;Consumer Reports’ television division, CRTV, and for several local television news staffs. An honors graduate of the State University of New York at Stony Brook, he earned a master’s degree in broadcast journalism from Boston University in 1995. Curt lives in New York State with his wife and two young sons.

Business Aviation Services Editor

Curt Epstein

Following its acquisition of the lease of the former infrastructure assets of aircraft operator and defense contractor Metrea at Oklahoma’s Wiley Post Airport (KPWA), AvionAero, an aircraft maintenance provider, has now added an FBO to its operation, making it a full-service shop for aircraft operators and bringing the number of service providers on the field to three.
The company recently held the grand opening of its 17,000-sq-ft terminal and offices, which underwent a half-million-dollar renovation. Open daily from 6 a.m. until 10 p.m., the facility includes a 10,000-sq-ft lobby; two conference rooms seating 12 and six, respectively; a canteen; a pilot lounge with snooze room and showers. Three crew cars are also available.
The Phillips 66-branded facility offers 75,000 sq ft of hangars capable of sheltering up to a super-midsize jet, and AvionAero waives ramp fees on quick turns or with a minimum fuel purchase.
“As an independent FBO, we can spoil our customers, and that’s how we compete and win on personal service,” said co-owner Justin Covalt. “We offer a personal touch and are willing to do more.”
On the maintenance side, AvionAero is an FAA Part 145 repair station specializing in aircraft maintenance and support across a broad range of airframes, including Beechcraft, Cessna, Learjet, and Gulfstream models. It can also install performance modifications on Beechcraft King Airs and Cessna Caravans.

New developments at FBOs including regulations and noise issues; legal disputes; openings, acquisitions and mergers.

Oklahoma Mx Provider Adds FBO at Wiley Post Airport

AvionAero has held FAA Part 145 approval since 2019

An Oklahoma-based maintenance provider has now added an FBO to its operation.

2024 Corporate Aviation Leadership Summit

News and issues relating to business, corporate and private aviation, primarily regarding turbine-engine-powered airplanes and helicopters. Subjects include aircraft, engines, maintenance, operations, personnel, acquisitions, accidents, safety, security, and training.

Launched in 2022, the platform continues to evolve

Hangar Direct Drops User Fees, Expands Offerings

Locations include Rome and both of Milan’s airports

Universal Aviation Italy Scores IS-BAH 2 Trifecta

Charles Alcock

New developments at airports including regulations and noise issues; legal disputes; openings, acquisitions and mergers.

In this article

Phillips 66 Aviation

More In FBOs

Hangar Direct Drops User Fees, Expands Offerings

Launched in 2022, the platform continues to evolve

Universal Aviation Italy Scores IS-BAH 2 Trifecta

Locations include Rome and both of Milan’s airports

Weston Aviation Adds FBO at UK’s Cranfield Airport

FBO groups launches partnership with university-owned airport

New Hangar Complex Opens at Vero Beach Regional Airport

Facility adds capacity to a tight aviation shelter market

FBO Profile: Nebraska's Blue Line Aviation Gets New Life

Owned by law enforcement officers, its guests are on their best behavior

Avflight Opens FBO at Michigan’s Cherry Capital Airport

Facility is its second new FBO in the state this month

Florida FBO Initiates Venezuela Disaster Relief Mission

The Fort Lauderdale facility is acting as a staging ground for critical supplies

Modern Aviation Debuts New Eastern Long Island FBO

The $18 million complex includes a fully renovated terminal and a new hangar

AIN Products

SUBSCRIPTIONS

RESOURCES

ABOUT AIN