Marathon Aviation broke ground on a new Marathon Jet Center at the Florida Keys Marathon International Airport to replace the temporary facility that has operated there since the existing terminal and hangar were destroyed by 2017’s Category 4 Hurricane Irma.

The 3,000 sq ft, two-story, Key West-themed FBO will be available 24/7, and will offer a pilot lounge, flight planning area, coffee and snack bar, an exterior access elevator to take guests to the second floor passenger lounge, outdoor viewing decks, fee-based U.S. Customs, and a 12,000-sq-ft hangar with 28-foot high doors capable of sheltering aircraft up to a G650. The new buildings will be constructed to comply with the latest county hurricane code standards for wind and flooding. The Avfuel-branded facility is expected to be completed in the first quarter of 2020.

“This week we officially begin construction on a new, iconic FBO to serve as a launchpad for U.S. Customs and complement the region’s tourism, five-star resorts, and world-renowned fishing industry,” said Marathon owner Martin Hiller, adding it’s the company’s mission to provide a fully immersive, luxury Middle Keys experience. “Our investment in this venture reflects our deep, long-term commitment to this local community, its economy, and our customers.”

Marathon Aviation also operates a second FBO at the Florida Keys airport that is dedicated to piston aircraft.