Carlsbad Jet Center, which has replaced Magellan Aviation Group as an independent FBO operator at California’s McClellan-Palomar Airport, began operations there on January 18. The FBO, one of three on the airport, is now managed by Josh and Julia Hochberg, the owners of Sonoma Jet Center at Charles M. Schulz-Sonoma County Airport, who have retained the previous staff.

“We’re excited to step in and lead this team,” said Josh Hochberg. “The Carlsbad Jet Center staff has established a great rapport with many existing customers and we’re looking forward to building on that, focusing on standard-setting customer care and safety.”

Magellan began construction on a 10,000-sq-ft terminal more than a decade ago, but the nearly completed building had remained vacant for a number of years while the FBO operated from a temporary structure. The new ownership will continue to operate the temporary facility but plans to finish the dormant terminal.

“It’s about 80 percent there,” said Hochberg, adding the Avfuel-branded location will include leasable office space, a conference room, pilot lounge, and passenger waiting areas. “We are excited to offer our customers a premier experience in a new facility.”