In the aftermath of Hurricane Michael, which came ashore yesterday near Florida’s Panama City, Sheltair, the lone services provider at Northwest Florida Beaches International Airport (ECP), is reporting that the airport is open for first responders and hurricane-relief efforts during daylight hours only. Before the hurricane, the company released all non-essential personnel from the FBO, while working with the airport authorities to ensure that aircraft, support equipment, and buildings were prepared for what was described as the strongest hurricane to hit the region.

As of this morning, the company had activated its Hurricane Recovery Plan. The ECP location was operating on limited power with a skeleton staff. With no telephone service, calls are being diverted to a remote location, which will provide updated information until the facility is available to non-emergency aviation.

“Sheltair has long recognized the potential threat to our airport facilities from severe weather, as well as the need to resume operations quickly to support recovery efforts within hours of a storm’s departure,” explained company founder, chairman, and CEO Jerry Holland.

At nearby Destin Executive Airport, Tyson Goetz, president and partner with Lynx FBO, the lone service provider there, reported the facility was up and running this morning with no damage, full power, and all its team members safe.