JetSet announces major expansion at Wiley Post Airport

Published: Monday, May 13, 2019 By: Daisy Creager Source: The Journal Record

Bethany-based aviation company JetSet announced Thursday the construction of a new 33,000-square-foot fixed-base operator facility and plans for construction of a pilot training program and aircraft maintenance facility at Wiley Post Airport in Bethany.

The more than $5 million FBO facility will provide fueling services, hangar space for 10 to 15 aircraft and amenities such as snacks, Wi-Fi, a lounge and a conference room. Construction began in February, and the facility is expected to be operational in January.

JetSet President Eric Wells said the facility will create 10 to 15 jobs.

“Customers who use JetSet will enjoy the benefits of having more options for fueling and other services, but more importantly, our level of attention to the customer’s needs will make us stand out,” JetSet founder Happy Wells said in a press release.

Eric Wells said the company plans to expand its presence at Wiley Post with a piston and jet aircraft maintenance facility, charter flight services, a pilot training program and jet aircraft sales and brokering.

The facility will be the third FBO at Wiley Post. Valair Aviation and Atlantic Aviation operate the existing facilities, which offer pilot lounges and aircraft refueling, hangar space and maintenance services, among other things.

“(JetSet’s FBO) is more competition and that’s always good. Each FBO does distinguish themselves by their different services … We think it’s a positive thing that shows the airport is growing and continues to be an active airport,” said Karen Carney, public information officer for the Oklahoma City Department of Airports.

Created in 2018, JetSet is based at Wiley Post, currently employing four people. As well as co-owning the company with son, Eric, Happy Wells is president of Private Jets Inc., a charter flight company also based at Wiley Post.

Designated as a reliever for Will Rogers World Airport, Wiley Post is one of three airports owned by the city of Oklahoma City. It is primarily used for corporate and business aviation, but also serves some private and military aircraft.

Carney said traffic at the airport was 62,971 aircraft in 2018, with about 5,000 touching down there for various reasons in a typical month. It is the base for 308 aircraft.

The airport is in the third phase of years-long infrastructure updates including repavement, repair and repainting of runways, and upgrades to electrical circuits and runway guidance lights, among other things.

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