Business aircraft broker SmartJets and its maintenances and completions affiliate, VIP Completions, relocated to new facilities on the southwest side of Florida's Fort Lauderdale International Airport (FLL). The facilities include 4,400 sq ft of hospitality and office space, alongside a 15,500-sq-ft hangar that can accommodate the latest generation of ultra-long-range business aircraft, including the Bombardier Global 7500. In addition, SmartJets and VIP Completions acquired a nearby workshop/warehouse location that adds another 9,500 sq ft of space.

Ben Shirazi, president of SmartJets and VIP Completions, called the opening of the new facilities the next chapter in the growth of both companies. “Building on our success, it was the right time to invest,” Shirazi said. “We are now better positioned to serve existing and prospective clients.” The location offers easy access to Bombardier and Embraer business jet service centers and is next to FLL's international terminal, he added.

Along with the opening of the new facilities, Manny Kapranos was appointed director of sales and marketing for both companies, based in the companies’ new Montreal office. Kapranos has 12 years of international business aviation experience, including holding senior roles with Bombardier's aerospace division.