Black Forest Ventures project expands corporate air travel options

Galaxy FBO, which opened in 2006, will be relocated to the expanded portion of Lone Star Airport, Hitchcock said. The entire Black Forest project will include 80,000 square feet of hangar space, a lounge area, flight planning rooms, work stations and private meeting rooms, a Black Walnut Cafe restaurant, Hubbell & Hudson gourmet catering, covered parking and car detailing.

Smith said the airport has seen an increase in demand for hangar space and corporate aircraft. The airport has increased its base of private jets from two to 16 in the past five years, he said.

"It's a reflection of what's going on with business in this area from Beltway 8 through The Woodlands and Conroe," Smith said.

Gil Staley, president of the South Montgomery County Woodlands Area Economic Development Partnership, said with the rapid growth of corporate offices and business relocations in The Woodlands, more of a need has developed for private aircraft use.

"You have to have an airport that is intended for the corporate type of travel and for those private aircraft that serve those corporations, you need a facility like this to compete," he said. "The value that brings to our corporate aviation market is critical."

The EDP is, in part, charged with enticing business to either open or relocate to the South Montgomery County/Woodlands area. Staley said the improved airport will serve as a key component.

"We look at [Galaxy FBO] as yet another tool we can use when we try to recruit companies here," he said.

Smith said for the past 15 years Lone Star Airport has served as a general aviation airport, meaning it does not serve commercial or military flights, but instead business and recreational aviation. The demand for more private aircraft use prompted the county to expand the airport's operations and capacity.

Hitchcock said the development will be a catalyst for further development for both Black Forest Ventures and the county, and the project will likely spur job growth in the area. Site work for the project began about two months ago and site preparation is about one month from being competed.

"Construction could hopefully wind down by July or August of next year," Hitchcock said.

Service at the new Galaxy FBO could begin by early fall.

Distance from The Woodlands

• Lone Star Executive Airport – 20 min.
• Bush Intercontinental – 25 min.
• Hooks Airport – 25 min.
• Hobby Airport – 50 min.
• West Houston Airport – 50 min.
• Sugar Land Regional Airport – 70 min.
• Houston Executive Airport – 70 min.

Galaxy FBO, 10013 Military Drive, Conroe, 936-494-4252, swww.galaxyfbo.com