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MANASSAS — Dulles Aviation, a staple at Manassas Regional Airport, will close.

The fixed-based operator (FBO) sells fuel to pilots, rents aircraft, and provides hangar space for planes. The firm decided not to renew its franchise agreement after 40 years.

Dulles Aviation will lock the hangars on May 31. APP Jet Center will continue to provide similar services to pilots at the airport, the busiest regional airport in Virginia.

“We are thankful for the partnership and quality of service that Dulles Aviation has contributed to the Manassas Regional Airport,” says Juan Rivera, Airport Director. “Dulles Aviation has been a catalyst in the growth and development of the airport. We wish [owners] Tom and Joe Gardner and all their instrumental employees, the best.”

The airport will host a reception of appreciation in June. Details will be announced at a later date.

Dulles Aviation began as a flight training school at Dulles International Airport, but moved to Manassas because of its more relaxed pace, according to the company’s website.

A press release states:

Dulles Aviation started at Manassas Regional Airport in 1970 with one hangar. They soon realized that business was growing and needed additional hangar storage. In 1975, five years later, they acquired a new hangar. In the mid 1980’s, Dulles Aviation started their flight school and have trained hundreds of pilots over the years. They have moved on to become airline pilots, charter pilots, flight instructors, and become professionals in the aviation field. Dulles Aviation also built two new hangars on the east side of the airfield to support the growing need for commerce on both sides of the airport. Dulles Aviation has always been a family friendly full-service FBO with all the comforts that you expect when traveling away from home.

News of Dulles Aviation’s impending closure comes as another firm at the Airport, Chantilly Air, is expanding, adding two new 30,000 square-foot hangars. It will soon join APP Jet Center as a fixed-based operator at the airport.