Spain’s Assistair has opened two new FBOs, at Gerona and Ibiza. The Mallorca-based group, which is also active in executive charter and flight support, already has bases at the airports of Palma de Mallorca, Barcelona El Prat and Valencia.

The family-run company says that it is still experiencing market growth. “While others are being conservative in their development in the current economic climate, we see lots of opportunity for expansion,” said Catherine Gaisenband, founder and CEO of the Assistair Group. “We are actively looking at other Mediterranean destinations including the south of France and Italy.” The existing three FBOs collectively handle some 10,000 passengers each year.

Assistair expects to receive at least 2,000 passengers at Gerona and Ibiza over the next six months. “Most of our clients are European, but we have seen a shift in our customer base this year with an increase in the number of Russian, American and Middle Eastern passengers handled. They now account for about 25 percent of the company’s FBO business,” Gaisenband added. “The beginning of the year was quiet; however, May saw private aviation activity increase.” Gerona, in the northeast of Spain, is drawing increasing business traffic attracted by the Costa Brava region’s growing industrial sector. In Ibiza, the new FBO will operate alongside Assistair’s established flight-support operation for commercial airlines. Both of the new FBOs feature a modern design that is consistent with recent rebranding of Assistair’s existing facilities.