Monmouth Pilot

Tag: monmouth

  • County Officials End Effort to Acquire Monmouth Executive Airport through Eminent Domain

    County Officials End Effort to Acquire Monmouth Executive Airport through Eminent Domain

    A few short weeks ago, it was announced that Monmouth County Commissioner Director Tom Arnone and Airport Owner Alan Antaki met with their respective legal counsel to discuss the future of the airport and the county’s hostile efforts to take over the airport and surrounding property through means of eminent domain.

    The Department of Public Information on March 14th released a statement confirming that the Board of Commissioners “introduced a Resolution on Thursday, March 13, to conclude the discussion surrounding the County’s interest to acquire the airport by eminent domain.

    Speaking to the press, Commissioner Director Arnone noted that “This meeting marked an important step forward in securing a brighter future for Monmouth Executive Airport, […] with positive updates from our outside consultant Merchant Aviation, we are confident that we have the assurances needed for the airport’s continued success. Over the last five months, we’ve learned that Mr. Antaki has secured financing to retire outstanding debts, obtained a $1M grant for runway repairs, and committed to keeping the airport operational for years to come.”

    Details of the Agreement

    A key component is establishing joint programs with Brookdale Community College to provide students with hands-on training for careers in all facets of airport operations. This initiative, while Brookdale does not currently offer a formal aviation program, suggests potential integration with existing fields like business, engineering, and transportation management, offering internships or workshops at the airport. This partnership is particularly noteworthy, as it enhances educational opportunities for local students, potentially attracting more interest in aviation-related careers.

    The county has been granted a “right of first refusal,” ensuring the property remains an airport if ever sold, safeguarding its long-term aviation use.

    Additional discussions include enhancing public engagement through community programs, supporting the county’s MEDSTAR emergency medical service, and providing letters of support for financing opportunities for infrastructure improvements like new hangars and runway enhancements.

    While many of these changes are yet to be seen, the airport has been given a new lease on life and is going through an exciting time. The airport will remain with Antaki for the time being, property rights intact.

  • Private Jet Charters in Central Jersey

    Private Jet Charters in Central Jersey

    Who can fly you out of Monmouth County? While it’s difficult to find simple summaries of small airport operations (this data is often expensive), we can take a look at the last few weeks on FlightRadar24 or FlightAware and get a pretty good idea of the most popular charter operators at KBLM, the jet center at the heart of Central Jersey.

    N800QS parked at the FBO at Monmouth alongside another jet, November 24 2024
    (Cameron Walz, JetPhotos)

    NetJets, flyExclusive, VistaJet, FlexJet, Hera Flight, Wheels Up, and Thrive Aviation are among the most common spotted at the airport, other than “fully” private jets (jets owned by individuals and corporations for internal use). Aircraft particularly from NetJets and flyExclusive can be seen arriving and departing Monmouth all day, and the most popular routes seem to be extremely short haul flights to and from other jet centers in the northeast (Trenton, White Plains, Teterboro, etc.) and, of course, 🌴Florida🌴.

    N404JD landing on Runway 32 at Monmouth (Aviapages)

    Although unfortunately not having a website, Navesink Aviation is a small, one-aircraft charter service operating entirely out of KBLM. While not a jet, Navesink’s pretty little Cessna 402B can fit 7 passengers, getting you and your guests wherever you need to go.

    N770AW sitting on the ramp at KOPF, date unknown (Aviapages)

    It’s worth noting one of the aircraft listing as being based out of Monmouth on Aviapages is this beautiful Gulfstream G550, owned and operated by Journey Aviation. With a brand new 2023 interior, worldwide Starlink high-speed satellite internet, and the Airshow® 4000 IFE from Collins Aerospace, you won’t feel like you’ve even left the ground. After all, with a range of 6,750nm, you can be on whatever ground you choose.