HENRICO COUNTY, Va. — Virginia lawmakers, on both sides of the aisle, voiced concerns as Richmond International Airport (RIC) is looking to take over airline services from two local businesses.
For decades, Richmond Jet Center and Million Air Richmond have exclusively run services like plane refueling, deicing, and maintenance for the airport in eastern Henrico.
The two businesses are referred to as fixed-base operators or FBO.
At the Capital Region Airport Commission’s July meeting, RIC President and CEO Dr. Perry Miller said the community deserved better services as the airport aimed to add more flights and invest in infrastructure. Yet, the two companies said they have never received any complaints or feedback from Dr. Miller or the airport on what to improve.
On August 15, U.S. Rep. Jennifer McClellan (D – Richmond) sent a letter to the commission questioning the their process over the last two years.
“Recent news reports indicate that the Commission issued requests for proposals from FBO service firms twice in the past two years. Ultimately, the Commission canceled both requests without articulating a clear justification outlining the proposals’ shortcomings,” Rep. McClellan wrote.