Richmond Jet Center extends lease with RIC by 5 years

RICHMOND, Va. (WRIC) -- Richmond Jet Center has finalized a five-year lease extension with Richmond International Airport (RIC), which comes after RIC proposed to end business with private airport businesses in 2024.

The amended lease includes provisions for improvements to the airline's stability, the property and services to RIC.

This new agreement comes nearly a year after Richmond Jet Center asked for transparency from RIC, which was looking to cut ties with private airport service businesses in August 2024.

On Tuesday, July 30, 2024, the Capital Region Airport Commission met with Richmond Jet Center and Million Air Richmond on possibly moving from their fixed-based operator (FBO) services with the airport.

On Aug. 20, 2024, RIC proposed to end business with Richmond Jet Center and Million Air Richmond and planned to take control of the FBO services they provide instead. Both private airport businesses originally performed refueling, de-icing and other maintenance work for RIC.

With the commission’s approval of the resolution on Tuesday, Feb. 25, 2025, Michael Clarke, president and CEO of Richmond Jet Center shared a statement with 8News:

"Richmond Jet Center is committed to continuing to provide high-quality services at Richmond International Airport, as we've done for nearly 80 years. We appreciate the commission’s resolution, and we remain hopeful to finalize a lease extension, which will provide the airport, the airlines, general aviation customers and our team with the certainty necessary to maintain and build upon the successes we've achieved in recent years."

A spokesperson with Capitol Results in Richmond shared that along with the five-year extension, Richmond Jet Center will still assume responsibilities as FBO for RIC.

Michael Clarke, Richmond Jet Center president and CEO, shared a statement with 8News on Wednesday, May 7, after the lease was finalized:

“Richmond Jet Center is pleased to secure a lease extension under terms developed in collaboration with the Capital Region Airport Commission and its staff. This extension provides critical operational stability for the airport, the airlines, general aviation customers and our employees, who have worked tirelessly to help Richmond International Airport achieve its recent successes. It also authorizes us to make important upgrades to our facilities and will ensure RJC can continue providing high-quality services at Richmond International Airport, as we've done for nearly 80 years.”

As of the time of reporting, it is unknown if the Million Air lease will be also be extended.