Following 18 years at Oxnard Airport, FBO operator Golden West Jet Center has officially closed its doors with the owner’s focus now shifting to operations at Million Air Burbank in Hollywood.
“We’ve truly valued our time at Oxnard Airport,” said Harold Lee, the FBO’s owner, as he added the closure after nearly two decades is “bittersweet.” His decision to decline the FBO’s lease renewal follows a call from the Department of Airports (DOA) for Ventura County for a request for proposals, inviting interested parties to bid for the right to operate as the airport’s FBO.
Explaining that the company’s strategy has evolved he added, “continued operations at Oxnard no longer align with our long-term goals. We remain optimistic about the future for our company and are open to new opportunities.”
An Avfuel dealer, Golden West Jet Center offered a 20,000 sq. ft. hangar and ramp space. The FBO also featured a pilot’s lounge and conference room, crew cars and Wi-Fi.
The company’s focus is now shifting toward preparing for major upcoming events in the Los Angeles area, including the World Cup in 2026 and Olympics in 2028. With exciting projects underway at its Burbank location, Lee’s daughter Priscilla Howden explained, “We expect to complete our electric vehicle charging stations by the end of the year, along with highly anticipated upgrades that will elevate the FBO experience for the Burbank aviation community.”
Oxnard has selected a new, as yet to be named, operator to take over operations of its FBO. In July 2024, the DOA introduced new rent and fee schedules, which might have played a part in Lee’s decision not to bid for a renewal.
