Italian FBO network Sky Services has opened a new location at Siena, which currently welcomes CAT 01 general aviation flights. “It has always been in our interest to start operations in Tuscany and in particular Siena, which geographically doesn't offer great connections,” says MD Clemente de Rosa.

Siena airport has been closed to traffic since March 2013 but thanks to a EU international tender, Sky Services was elected to become a partner there for the next 20 years. “It presents a unique opportunity to develop an entire airport according to our high business aviation standards,” de Rosa continues. “We anticipate that the category of the airport will be increased to host large aircraft, and the whole airport will be dedicated to general aviation for private use.”

The airport has a wide apron with many parking slots and the site could be redeveloped with a terminal, hangar, paint shop and aircraft washing station. A restaurant and riding club have also been discussed.

Sky Services began handling aircraft in Naples 20 years ago and has since expanded its services to include catering, supervision and permits, flight training and maintenance. It now has a network of 12 FBOs and permits at 43 airports in Italy.

De Rosa also lays out the company's plans to expand beyond the Italian border: “We would like to take what we do overseas, and we would also like to improve the Sky Flight Academy at Milan-Bresso, Naples, Capua and Brindisi,” he says. “The academy is the official school of Austrian VLJ operator GlobeAir and offers flight training from zero to ATPL. We partner with key operators to prepare cadets for the world of private aviation.”