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10/21/07 Airfest Takes Flight at Albert Whitted Airport in St. Petersburg
Running October 20
& 21, 2007, Albert Whitted Airport’s annual Airfest event will
take flight and amaze approximately 20,000+ attendees. Airfest is one of
the highly anticipated air shows that takes place in North America and
draws a crowd from throughout the country to our beautiful city each year.
Airfest operates as a 501(c)3 public charity, non-profit corporation. Each
year the event contributes over $25,000 to local charities and is an active
supporter of youth and civic associations throughout our community.
New to this
year’s event, a Welcome Party will take place on Friday evening, as
an opportunity for spectators to meet and greet flight performers and
military personnel participating in the air show. Aircraft on display
include: a F-18 that will fly out of MacDill AFB, journey across Tampa Bay, to arrive at Albert Whitted Airport, and the Sea Knight Helicopter from the Marine
Corps for spectators to enjoy up close and personal.
In the last
millennium, air shows were the second most popular spectator sport in North America. Today, over 26 million people attend more than 400 air shows annually, and
attract nearly twice the annual attendance figures of the National Football
League.
Air show demographics
show:
·
56%
are homeowners
·
58%
are ages 35-54
·
58%
of household incomes are between $50,000 -$75,000+
·
66%
are enrolled in college or have higher education
Recent enhancements
at the historic Albert Whitted Airport include a new Intermodal General
Aviation Terminal facility. It contains a 10,600 sq. ft. building that
consists of a pilot lounge, FBO services and a restaurant component. In
addition, a 12,000 sq. yd. aircraft parking ramp that includes 19 tie-down
spots, a new helicopter parking ramp and 64-space vehicular parking lot
have been added at the facility.
The Fixed Base
Operator (FBO) service has been awarded to Bay Air Flying Services, Inc.
which is expected to obtain its Certificate of Occupancy shortly. In
addition, Arigato Inc. has proposed an aviation-themed restaurant for the
second floor of the Intemodal Terminal and is in discussion talks with the
city to finalize contract service agreements. Since Albert Whitted Airport is a 24-hour facility, the restaurant intends to serve a limited breakfast and
lunch menu, with an expansive menu for dinner dinning.
To learn more about
this weekend’s Airfest event, click here.
To learn more about
the changes taking place at Albert Whitted Airport, click here.
Visit PilotMall
online, the on-site retail aviation store at Albert Whitted Airport, click
here.
Top left image: New Intermodal
Terminal public access entrance
Bottom left image: New Intermodal
Terminal tarmac/pilot entrance
Right middle image: FBO first floor area
and Restaurant component second floor access
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