Atlantic Aviation Finalizes 30-Year Lease at Aspen/Pitkin County Airport (ASE)

(Aspen, Colorado) Fixed base operator (FBO) and aviation services provider Atlantic Aviation announced this afternoon (Nov. 21) the completion of a new 30-year lease agreement with Pitkin County, thereby continuing its role as the FBO at Aspen/Pitkin County Airport (IATA: ASE; ICAO: KASE; FAA LID: ASE).

Photo of the Atlantic Aviation fixed-base operator (FBO) facility at Aspen-Pitkin County Airport (ASE) courtesy of Atlantic Aviation.

The deal, which brings a projected total financial contribution of $1.15 billion over the lease term, solidifies Atlantic Aviation’s role as Pitkin County’s fixed-base operator (FBO), according to yesterday’s press release from Pitkin County.

A highlight of the agreement is Atlantic’s commitment of more than $100M to capital projects, including the FBO’ss redevelopment and new developments at the east and west sides of the airport, according this afternoon’s media release from Atlantic Aviation.

Specific key elements of the Atlantic Aviation-Pitkin County agreement, per the releases from Atlantic Aviation and Pitkin County, are as follows:

• Infrastructure Investments: Atlantic will contribute more than $100M to capital projects, including FBO redevelopment along with new development on the east and west sides of the airport.
• Community Support: Atlantic will continue to support local programs focused on delivering meaningful value locally across a number of categories, including decarbonization, affordable housing, sustainability and conservation, aviation education, and noise mitigation.
• Sustainability Commitments: Development plans integrate cutting-edge green technologies including solar energy systems, electric vehicle (EV) charging stations, and provisions for electric aircraft infrastructure as it becomes viable.

"Atlantic Aviation is deeply honored to extend its partnership with Pitkin County through this historic lease agreement," said Clive Lowe, Executive Vice President at Atlantic Aviation. "We look forward to working closely with the Aspen community to deliver a safe, community-beneficial, and environmentally state-of-the-art operation and to providing exceptional service and support to the aviation community and their passengers for many years to come."

Pitkin County Manager Jon Peacock commented: “This has been a productive and thorough process between Atlantic Aviation and Pitkin County staff who have worked to ensure that the values of our community are reflected in every aspect of this lease. The commitment to transparency, sustainability, and collaboration has been instrumental in achieving this milestone.” 

Atlantic’s planned redevelopment projects will include facilities designed to achieve Net-Zero, LEED Zero, and Platinum Zero Waste certifications, while pursuing Aspen’s Water Integrated Resource Plan’s Net Positive Water objectives.

The Atlantic-Pitkin County agreement also incorporates significant improvements for local pilots and aircraft operators, including a 1,500 square foot pilot planning and support building and tie-down infrastructure, per Atlantic.

“Atlantic has proudly operated the Aspen FBO and supported the local general aviation community for decades,” reads today’s release from Atlantic. “Embarking on this exciting chapter, the company remains steadfast in its mission to deliver exceptional experiences while building a safe and sustainable future for Aspen/Pitkin County Airport and the broader community.