St. Croix FBO Bohlke International Is Back After 2017’s Hurricane Maria

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Following devastating damage from Hurricane Maria in 2017, Bohlke International Aviation in St. Croix, U.S. Virgin Islands, is back in service. The FBO is “rebuilt better than ever,” according to company President William “Billy” Bohlke. He said, “Three generations of my family, along with the support of a tremendously talented team, have built this company over the past 64 years. I am so proud to put the Bohlke International Aviation name on this new, modern facility on St. Croix.”

The Avfuel-branded FBO building spans 4,200 square feet with a contemporary passenger lobby featuring “relaxing, island-inspired accents.” There is a pilot and crew suite with comfortable seating, a television, shower facilities and a separate room with three flight-planning stations. A conference room with seating for eight and modern technology is available. Kitchen facilities include coffee and refreshments and enough space for a quick snack, a meal or catering prep.

Bohlke designed the facility with sustainability “top-of-mind.” LED lighting and a water-capturing system serve the main building and the 20,000-square-foot hangar, which features a 90-foot door that can accommodate a variety of large-cabin corporate jets. A 115,000-square-foot ramp offers plenty of parking while a 24/7 surveillance system provides security. Bohlke also has plans to install a solar system that will supply approximately 70 percent of the FBO’s power. For local Caribbean flavor, a garden with bananas, coconuts and other tropical fruits borders the parking lot.

Bohlke said, “A lot of planning went into making our new facility hurricane-proof. You don’t truly appreciate how important your place of business is until it’s gone.” 

Mark Phelps
Mark Phelps is a senior editor at AVweb. He is an instrument rated private pilot and former owner of a Grumman American AA1B and a V-tail Bonanza.

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3 COMMENTS

  1. That is on the bucket list to fly in there one day. Not sure how to pack enough fuel in the Champ to get there though…

  2. It would be helpful if the author would slip in the airport identifier in any article where they mention an airport. It is a lot easier to look at the airport with my tablet to see what could be possible. STX or TISX would suffice About 1700 miles from home for me but with Island hopping I could do it in my Cessna.
    Joe, I think a Champ would be a great adventure!

  3. This is a wonderful news. I have been there twice before the hurricane and the big boss received us in person with his charm smile and service. So happy to see them back in business. I own a Columbia 400 and highly recommend the island hopping vacation stopping here for a few days. We stay in a small hotel in a little island 100m across and in from of the town. The beaches are to die for and the people extremely nice.

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