Pitkin County approves Atlantic Aviation FBO plan with location-review amendment

Pitkin County commissioners voted to approve Atlantic Aviation's capital improvement plan (CIP) for a proposed fixed-base operator (FBO) facility at the Aspen airport after Atlantic presented revisions intended to reduce on-ground engine run time and limit noise impacts.

Atlantic representatives Jonathan Jones and Brandon described a site layout that would allow many arriving aircraft to exit directly at Alpha 4 onto the FBO ramp and shut down engines sooner, shortening taxi times and reducing emissions from idling aircraft. "We can exit off of the Alpha 4 and directly onto our ramp," Jonathan Jones said, arguing the layout would reduce long run times and improve airport circulation.

Why it matters: Staff said the proposal advances several goals in the airport vision plan, including operational efficiency, sound mitigation and readiness for future eVTOL operations. Commissioners and advisory board members pressed Atlantic on design details, including exterior materials and visual compatibility with nearby terminal architecture; Atlantic said the terminal would be roughly 7,500 square feet and that materials would be chosen to "fit the Aspen look," citing rust-colored (Corten) steel and stone accents.

Noise and mitigation: Atlantic said it will install landscaping and an 18—19-foot sound wall (with a planted berm to reduce visual impact) to lower on-the-ground noise from auxiliary power units; the firm cited a noise study by Landrum & Brown showing perceptible reductions behind a wall. Commissioners clarified that the wall addresses ground-level noise (APU/engine idling) rather than aircraft overflights.

Procedural change: County staff asked for, and the board accepted, added language directing that the submitted CIP be included in the county's location-and-extent review and attached to the resolution that will go forward for the planning process. The added sentence and the attachment were part of the motion the board approved.

Outcome and next steps: Commissioner (speaker 15) moved to approve the resolution with the staff-recommended additions; the board approved the motion by voice vote and recorded Greg Poschman's prior recusal on Atlantic finance matters. The resolution will be processed with the additional location-and-extent attachment for subsequent planning reviews.

What remains open: Commissioners asked for continued coordination between the FBO design team and terminal architects to ensure visual integration; Atlantic said it will continue design work and incorporate advisory-board and staff feedback.

Ending: The board briefly recessed after the vote and resumed other agenda items.