TAC Air Omaha Completes Executive Terminal Renovations

20,000 square foot of new hangar space announced

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE

January 14, 2013

Dallas, Texas

TAC Air, a division of Truman Arnold Companies, has just completed extensive interior and exterior renovations to its executive terminal at Eppley Airfield (OMA) in Omaha, Nebraska, and is moving forward with the construction of 20,000 square feet of new hangar space to accommodate general aviation customers.

Interior upgrades were made throughout the executive terminal to passenger and pilot lounge areas alike in order to exceed visitor expectations.  Improvements to the interior facility include new wall and floor coverings, remodeled restrooms, a modernized conference room, a remodeled pilot lounge with new furniture, HDTV and work stations, new and refinished lobby furniture, an updated weather briefing room, enhanced Wi-Fi connections and a new interior ceiling.

Upgrades to the OMA facility are not limited to the interior spaces; the exterior of the facility has also been overhauled to meet customers’ needs.  Passengers will now be shielded from the elements by a new ramp side entrance canopy, as well as a new street side covered pick up and drop off canopy.  All new exterior LED lighting and a new executive terminal roof have also been installed.  Hangar interiors were also painted and floors refinished during the renovation.

TAC Air is excited to announce that construction of a 20,000 square foot storage hangar, 2,000 square feet of office space and 60,000 square feet of ramp space is slated to begin immediately to accommodate growing industry demands.  Construction of the new amenities is scheduled to be completed by late spring of 2013.

According to TAC Air OMA general manager Mike Wilwerding, “We’re very pleased with the outcome of the renovation project and covered entrances for our customers. Pilots and passengers alike will all benefit from all the upgrades throughout the executive terminal and hangars.”

To view 360°panoramic images of the interior, log on to tacair.com/jet-a-at-tac-air-oma or CLICK HERE

TAC Air Announces One Million WingPoints® Giveaway

Participants can enter January 1st through January 31st at SLC and PVU locations.

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE

December 27,2012

Dallas, TX

TAC Air, a division of Truman Arnold Companies, is giving away one million Phillips 66 WingPoints® from its Salt Lake City and Provo, Utah locations. The prize will be awarded in a lump sum to one lucky winner from a random drawing that will take place February 1st, 2013. Customers are eligible to enter at each TAC Air Utah location through the month of January, which includes the Sundance Film Festival running January 17th through 27th.

According to TAC Air SLC general manager Mike McCarty, “We’ve always made it a top priority to make our customers feel like a millionair. Giving away one million WingPoints® is something we’re very excited about.”

Entry forms will be available at the front service counter at both TAC Air Utah locations, and are available with any fuel purchase. Entries are limited to one per fueling. For complete rules, visit tacair.com and click on either the SLC or PVU pages.

In May, 2012, Truman Arnold Companies expanded west of the Rockies by acquiring controlling interest of Keystone Aviation, LLC and rebranding the company’s Salt Lake City (KSLC) and Provo (KPVU) FBOs TAC Air. Charter, maintenance, management and sales & brokerage remain based at SLC operating under the Keystone Aviation brand.

 

TAC Air CHA Hosts Second Annual “Cool Yule Fly-In”

Event to Benefit Area Children and Adults from the Partnership.

For Immediate Release

December 6, 2012

Chattanooga, TN

 

CONTACT:  David Edwards (903) 277-7341

 

Christmas will come early this year for some area women and children this Friday, December 21 from 11:00 a.m. to 1:00 p.m. at the TAC Air South Ramp located at The Chattanooga Metropolitan Airport.

The second annual ‘Cool Yule Fly-In’ is designed to share holiday cheer with families who are spending their holidays at the Partnership’s Domestic Violence Center as well as area foster care boys.  Santa will fly in to TAC South in style, in a bright red restored Piper Apache Antique airplane to greet children from the Partnership.  If weather permits, Santa will be offering rides to the families, many whom have never seen a private aircraft much less been able to ride in one.

Sandra Hollet, CEO of the Partnership for Families, Children and Adults said, “Last year’s Cool Yule Fly-In was such a success and a fun holiday experience for the families from the Partnership.  We are extremely grateful for the support of TAC Air and we truly appreciate them hosting this special event.”

Santa’s fly-in will be in conjunction with the cookout that TAC Air hosts each month for its customers.  TAC will also be providing gifts and lunch with Santa for the children and families visiting.  Pam McAllister, General Manager for TAC Air Chattanooga said,  “We cannot wait to host this special event again as this is something we have looked forward to all year.  The children will have the opportunity to observe aviation close up and many will experience their first flight in an aircraft along with Santa this year.”

TAC Air Chattanooga is the first of the company’s 14 FBOs to host the Cool Yule Fly-In.

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TAC Air Ramps Up Field Support

Growing FBO Chain Expands Positions to Enhance Safety and Customer Service

For Immediate Release

October 9, 2012

Dallas, TX

 

CONTACT: David Edwards (903) 277-7341

TAC Air, a division of Truman Arnold Companies, announces the addition of Bob Schick as Director of Safety and Risk Management, Trissy Pickett as Director of Administrative Services and Joel Miller as Director of Properties. All three individuals are current associates of Truman Arnold Companies who will be taking on new positions within the company.

 

Bob Schick will be relocating to the Dallas office to assume the duties of Director of Safety and Risk Management.  Schick has over twenty-five years of experience in the aerospace industry.  During this time, he has developed a proprietary safety management system (SMS) currently in use at TAC Air’s Salt Lake City FBO. The system, which has been proven during its tenure at the SLC location, will be systematically deployed over the entire TAC Air in early 2013.

Trissy Pickett will also be based in the Dallas office as Director of Administrative Services.  She previously served as Customer Service Supervisor for TAC Air Knoxville for eight years, and has held a number of roles in commercial and private aviation for the last fifteen years.  Pickett will become a point of contact for all Customer Service Supervisors’ operations, procedures and policies.  She will also focus on customer service training and standards throughout all TAC Air operations.

Joel Miller of Truman Arnold Companies will be shifting focus to TAC Air as Director of Properties.  Miller has been with Truman Arnold Companies for the last nine and a half years, handling real estate development.

Truman Arnold Companies President & CEO Greg Arnold states the addition of these positions demonstrates TAC Air’s commitment to customer service being built on a foundation of safety, adding “customer service extends beyond what you see at the front counter”. Arnold further explains the added field support is a move to position TAC Air to be ready to incorporate more locations into the network.

In May, 2012, Truman Arnold Companies expanded west of the Rockies by acquiring controlling interest of Keystone Aviation, LLC and rebranding the company’s Salt Lake City (KSLC) and Provo (KPVU) FBOs TAC Air. Charter, maintenance, management and sales & brokerage remain based at SLC operating under the Keystone Aviation brand.

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About Truman Arnold Companies

Truman Arnold Companies (TAC) is a Texarkana, Texas-based company founded by Truman Arnold in 1964 as a branded petroleum jobber. Today, TAC is a leading regional petroleum marketing company, offering customers a variety of services through its network of petroleum terminals and aviation Fixed Base Operations (FBO) facilities. The private company and its subsidiaries has more than 700 associates with fuel volume exceeding 2 billion gallons annually and ranks as one of the top private companies in the United States by Forbes magazine. To learn more, log on to www.trumanarnoldcompanies.com

TAC Air currently has fixed-based operations with more than 400 associates in 14 cities: Amarillo, TX (AMA), Chattanooga, TN (CHA), Denver, CO (APA), Fort Smith, AR (FSM), Hartford, CT (BDL), Knoxville, TN (TYS), Lexington, KY (LEX), Omaha, NE (OMA), Raleigh-Durham, NC (RDU), Shreveport, LA (SHV), St. Louis, MO (SUS), Salt Lake City, UT (SLC), Provo, UT (PVU) and Texarkana, AR (TXK). TAC Air has been recognized in Professional Pilot magazine as “#1 U.S. FBO Chain” in 2006 and 2011. To learn more about TAC Air, log on to www.tacair.com.

 

Matt Davis Joins TAC Air as Director of Business Development

For Immediate Release

May 5, 2011

Texarkana, Texas

Focus Will Be On National Accounts and Expansion Opportunities

Professional Pilots Vote TAC Air #1 Large FBO Chain

For Immediate Release

April 18, 2011

Texarkana, Texas

Subscribers to Professional Pilot magazine voted TAC Air the #1 large fixed base operator (FBO) chain for 2011. TAC Air last won the award in 2007.

TAC Air, a division of Truman Arnold Companies, led the field as Best Large FBO Chain. Greg Arnold, President and CEO of Truman Arnold Companies, said “Often when a company expands, they tend to lose some of the personal attention to detail that made them successful. In our case, we are fortunate to have team members in every location of our company who strive to meet the needs of those we serve. We are humbled by this honor and applaud the employees who do their very best each and every day at our 12 locations.”

A total of 1431 ballots were received for the 4-step process. The ballots were initially sent out to subscribers with the November 2010 edition of the magazine. A second request was mailed out with the December 2010 issue and a third request mailed with the January 2011 issue. Only original ballots were accepted and no more than 1 vote per respondent was accepted. Public relations, marketing and advertising personnel were ruled ineligible.

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TAC Air Consolidates GMU FBO as Chain Positions For 2011 Expansions

For Immediate Release

October 29, 2010

Texarkana, Texas

TAC Air has sold its Greenville, South Carolina (GMU) FBO operation to Greenville Jet Center. Operations will officially transfer at midnight tonight. Terms of the sale will not be released.

According to TAC Air VP & COO Christian Sasfai, the move reflects a growing trend in general aviation FBO services, stating “consolidation has become a necessary component of today’s aviation services industry in order to provide high quality, low cost products and services to aircraft owners and operators.” Meanwhile, TAC Air is actively pursuing several acquisition opportunities. According to Sasfai, “We’re simply reallocating our resources to where the greatest opportunities are. We expect to make our first acquisition announcement in early 2011, with more to follow.”

The other 12 FBOs will continue to operate as usual. However, Sasfai is quick to point out the GMU consolidation is another example of market trends. He predicts the sponsors of regional airports such as Chattanooga Metropolitan (CHA) who plan to add government funded FBOs where market consolidations have already occurred will be “disappointed” in the outcome. “Adding a government subsidized FBO where the free market has already undergone consolidation makes absolutely no sense.”

When asked about the future of TAC Air at CHA, Sasfai replied “TAC Air has invested millions of dollars into Chattanooga and provides more than 30 jobs. There is very little difference between CHA and GMU in that aviation support services can be provided more cost effectively by a single provider; over saturating markets such as CHA and GMU with service providers typically results in higher prices – not lower prices – as each operator struggles to cover its fixed costs. TAC Air is fully committed to the CHA market and will continue to operate and do everything we can to protect the jobs of our Chattanooga associates.”

For more information on TAC Air, log on to www.tacair.com

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TAC Air Opens World-Class Executive Terminal at LEX

For Immediate Release

July 28, 2010

Lexington, Kentucky

Ribbon Cutting Ceremony Celebrates Grand Opening of FBO Chain’s Flagship Facility.

TAC Air, a division of Truman Arnold Companies cut the ribbon this morning on a new 12,000 sq. ft. executive terminal at Blue Grass Airport (LEX). The event was held outside the terminal as miniature jockeys representing local tenants’ horse farms “held” the ribbon as it was being cut. The event began at 10:30 a.m. with TAC Air VP and COO Christian Sasfai recognizing local business, government and airport officials from Lexington. ”Everything is optimized for a world-

class customer experience for pilots and passengers. Building this facility from the ground up allowed us to design it around the needs of today’s general aviation customer.” stated Sasfai, who went on to explain this executive terminal is the first the 13 location FBO chain has built from the ground up.

Blue Grass Airport director Bobby Owens took the podium, as well as Lexington mayor Jim Newberry. Both stressed the importance of general aviation to the local economy, as well as TAC Air’s vital services to the airport as a whole such as providing the fueling services for all scheduled airline flights at Blue Grass Airport. Greg Arnold, President and CEO of TAC Air’s parent Truman Arnold Companies thanked all those in attendance who made this terminal a reality, including Blue Grass Airport officials.

According to Arnold, “Working with airport officials who understand the importance of a proper and healthy partnership between private business general aviation and public airports creates a TAC Air Opens Terminal û page 2 winning scenario for everyone involved. The terms of the lease agreement between TAC Air and Blue Grass Airport provide that all of TAC Air’s $11 million investment in terminal and hangar improvements will be turned over to the airport at the end of the 20 year lease – not costing taxpayers a dime.”

Arnold stated from the podium that after operating at LEX for 13 years, TAC Air was “giving back to the local aviation community.” A $50,000 contribution in cash and services to The Aviation Museum of Kentucky was presented by Greg Arnold to Dr. Ray Garman, chair of the museum.

Additionally, preliminary plans are coming together for a fundraising event benefiting the museum to be held at the new TAC Air terminal. Inside the new TAC Air executive terminal you are immediately greeted by a bright red replica of a Beechcraft Staggerwing suspended from the atrium ceiling. First used in the dawn of general aviation back in the 1930s, the plane was considered heresy being introduced during the Great Depression – which is why it was chosen for to represent TAC Air. “When we made the decision to make an $11 million investment here at Blue Grass Airport, like when Beechcraft introduced the Staggerwing, it was during a tough time in general aviation. But here we are today at our newest flagship executive terminal completed and ready to go for the World Equestrian Games.” stated Greg Arnold.

TAC Air is the “preferred provider of fixed base operations” for the 2010 Alltech FEI World Equestrian Games.

Kip Simanek, TAC Air LEX general manager, detailed more of the amenities. “We have every service you would expect in a world-class FBO executive terminal – and then some. A high definition movie theater, exercise facilities, wireless printing from laptops & smart phones, showers and pilot lounge with private sleep rooms.”

In addition to pilot amenities, the passenger waiting lounge is flanked with high-definition television programming and can be partitioned for VIP privacy. The terminal also features two conference rooms and an art gallery featuring works by local artisans.

TAC Air has also opened 45,000 sq. ft. of new hangar space in time for the equestrian games. Even after the games are completed, the hangar space is expected to be a draw to LEX when it competes with other airports for spillover traffic from regional events such as the Kentucky Derby. TAC Air originally announced a redevelopment package for their LEX operations in August 2009. These plans included the building of the new executive terminal; the purchase of Air51, an FBO facility that opened at Blue Grass Airport in early 2008; and construction of new hangar space. Upgrades to TAC Air’s FBOs are not limited to LEX. The chain is currently implementing the new facilities standards of LEX to several of its 13 locations, including a recently completed remodeling at RDU, upgrades at APA and CHA, plus a major remodel at scheduled for SUS.

For more information on TAC Air, log on to www.tacair.com.

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General Aviation Generates Positive Economic Impact For Chattanooga

For Immediate Release

May 18, 2010

Chattanooga, Tennessee

Back to Back Events A First at Chattanooga-Lovell Field Airport

For the first time, the Mooney Aircraft Pilots Association (MAPA) Safety Foundation, Inc. will bring its acclaimed Mooney pilot proficiency program to Tennessee. It will be held May 21-23 at the Chattanooga-Lovell Field airport (CHA). The event will play host to over 30 Mooney aircraft plus their pilots, passengers and instructors for the 3-day event.

Ted Corsones, COO of MAPA commented on the value Chattanooga offers for the gathering “There are few places where you can experience so many world-class attractions and visit so many sites as the Chattanooga area. We are aware of the state of the economy for our membership and are looking to host a successful event promoting aviation safety. The airport and TAC Air have given their support through discounts on fuel and fees and have been a pleasure to work with”.

While the company has undergone several incarnations since being founded in1929, Mooney aircraft has enjoyed a loyal following among general aviation (GA) enthusiasts and are noted for their speed, safety, industry innovations, range and signature forward leaning vertical stabilizer tail design.

One reason for the excitement of what would otherwise be an unnoticed event is the fact that general aviation took a huge hit with the recession. Nationally, GA aircraft sales and flight volume plummeted over 30% from a peak in 2007 to 2009. GA fuel sales were “soft” in 2009 according to TAC Air, but only off approximately 10% from a 2007 peak.

Industry experts believe that while the worst for GA is over, the recovery will be gradual. Because of that, every local event involving GA is welcomed by TAC Air.

On the other hand, a recent event to be noticed even during the best of times was the AT&T Annual Meeting in Chattanooga on April 30th. According to AT&T’s web site, the average attendance at their shareholder’s meeting is around 250. While that may not be a huge event in terms of number of attendees, it does bring in a significant volume of business jet traffic. And with that û a surge in jet fuel sales. “We were fully staffed for the event.” according to Pam McAllister, general manager of TAC Air CHA. “Our fuel sales and traffic volume doubled. Anytime an event such as a sports team coming through on a chartered aircraft, a corporate meeting or entertainers utilizing GA services it means an increase in our payroll, sales tax collections and revenue to the airport û all of which is good for Chattanooga and our airport”.

TAC Air, a division of Truman Arnold Companies, is the fixed base operation (FBO) at CHA that provides fuel, ground support services and hangar space for GA aircraft. Without the services of an FBO present at the airport, Chattanooga would simply not be a viable option for these types of events.

For more information on TAC Air, log on to www.tacair.com/cha

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