Santa Barbara is a world-renowned place to visit, but its airport doesn’t always reflect that.
The city, however, is trying to change that.
Santa Barbara is embarking on a multimillion-dollar effort to transform a part of the airport that is managed by its fixed-based operators. Although it has spent tens of millions of dollars on redeveloping its terminal and seen a huge growth in passenger trips in recent years, the privately run side of the airport has languished.
FBOs manage a variety of airport services, including flight instruction, hangars, aircraft rental, fuel, tie-downs, aircraft maintenance and other services.
The city plans a Request for Proposals to redevelop the side of the airport facing Hollister Avenue in Goleta. The idea has been years in the making, since before the COVID-19 pandemic.
“The north side of the airport has looked exactly like it does since I was in college, and that was a couple years ago, so it is finally coming around to fruition,” Mayor Randy Rowse said.
“They are operating in very dated facilities,” Airport Director Chris Hastert said. “Definitely not something you would expect when you are flying from somewhere else in the world into Santa Barbara.”
The City Council talked about the matter on Tuesday.
Hastert said he hopes they could release an RFP by the end of June. The current FBOs at the airport — Signature Aviation and Atlantic Aviation — both attended the meeting and said they were looking forward to responding to the RFP.
City officials see the redevelopment of the north side of the airport as a major investment with decades of ramifications.
“It is really important to have that first impression of Santa Barbara when they fly in to be a really fine impression, well-served, well-friendly, a great facility impression,” said Rowse, who added that he wants to increase as much hangar space as possible.
Hastert said many challenges exist with redeveloping the FBOs, including different dates for lease expiration.
“Our leases are not very well-aligned with moving forward with this process,” Hastert said.
The city’s Airport Administration Building is at the site, along with the former Elephant Bar restaurant. Hastert said the Administration Building will be moved to the building formerly occupied by Deckers.
The fate of the restaurant site is up in the air. The city recently signed a one-year lease with the Goleta Spot. Food trucks will occupy the parking lot, but people will order and eat inside the restaurant.
“If a new operator were to come into the restaurant, there would be significant improvements needed to the kitchen or other areas,” Hastert said.
The owner of the Goleta Spot is hopeful that one of the companies that wins the RFPs will partner with it to continue the restaurant concept.
“I know that building inside and out. I have known that building since it was built. It is not ready for prime time,” Rowse said. “I’d rather not, if I had a say in it, put more money into that building.”
Hastert said it will take up to three years to fully develop the new FBOs once contracts are awarded.
Troy Scott, Signature’s area general manager in Santa Barbara, spoke at the meeting.
“We really look forward to an FBO and are excited about the opportunity,” Scott said. “We have been a partner in Santa Barbara for quite a few years, and we look forward to maybe working forward with you in the future. We are excited to take in this RFP process.”
Julie Broderick, Atlantic’s area director of operations, said the company looks forward to bidding on the contract.
“This talented group of 20 employees grew up, many of them, right here in town,” Broderick said. “We are committed to and invested in Santa Barbara, both in our roles at Atlantic Aviation and as engaged volunteers.
“We work alongside you at schools, with students and families, in support of local nonprofits and at beloved community events. We are your friends and neighbors.”