Media Contact

Alice McCann

617-646-1046

amccann@oneillandassoc.com

Rectrix Commercial Aviation Services Inc.

Expands Florida Operations with Acquisition of APP Jet Center Sarasota

Acquisition is latest milestone in Rectrix’s Growth and Expansion along the East Coast

Bedford, MA (XXX, 2013) –Rectrix Commercial Aviation Services (RECAS) today announced the acquisition of APP Jet Center Sarasota located at the Sarasota-Bradenton International Airport (SRQ).  The acquisition was completed in its entirety for an undisclosed amount of cash.

“The acquisition of Airport Property Partners’ (APP) Sarasota base represents a strategic initiative that will allow Rectrix to enhance its operations at SRQ,” said Thomas Russell, Executive Chairman of RECAS.  “The result will be added customer benefits, including expanded maintenance—made possible through Rectrix’s recent acquisition of AirFlyte in Westfield, MA.  Implementation of an AirFlyte satellite, already in the planning stages, will be accelerated because of additional space immediately available through the acquisition.”

In January, Rectrix announced the acquisition of AirFlyte, Inc. of Westfield, Mass – a full-service executive terminal FBO with state of the art maintenance and hangar facilities.

“This is a transaction that is good for both parties and for the Airport,” said Thom Harrow, CEO of Airport Property Partners, owner of the Sarasota FBO.  “For APP, it allows us to realign our assets and pursue more properties in other markets.”

Rectrix Aerodrome Centers at SRQ consists of 24 acres on airport property, and can accommodate more than 180,000 square feet of aircraft hangers and passenger service facilities. The purchase of APP’s Sarasota base will allow Rectrix to service up to four aircrafts at a time, and will create additional space for roughly 60-70 planes annually. Additionally, the expansion of AirFlyte at SRQ is expected to produce a number of new employment opportunities in the area, fifteen of which will be created in the first eighteen months alone.

“Rectrix has seen tremendous growth in the past year in Massachusetts and Florida,” said Rectrix President and CEO Richard Cawley.  “High quality customer service is at the core of every move our company makes. I am confident that this expansion will benefit our clients and provide them with more service options. In addition this growth will generate new economic development for the regions we serve.”

The acquisition of APP’s Sarasota FBO is the latest milestone in a year of recent growth and expansion for Rectrix. The company recently won a multi-million dollar contract from the Massachusetts Port Authority to develop world class fixed-base operations (FBO) services at Worcester Regional Airport and L.G. Hanscom Field.

About Rectrix Commercial Aviation Services

Rectrix Commercial Aviation Services is a holding company with four operating divisions: Rectrix Aviation; Rectrix FBO JetCenters, Rectrix Aircraft Maintenance and Rectrix Business Solutions. Information on any of the companies’ services or divisions may be obtained at www.rectrix.aero, or email bedmail@rectrix.aero.

Media Contact

Laura Wareck

lwareck@oneillandassoc.com
Office: 617-646-1037 | Cell: 978-660-9587

Rectrix Commercial Aviation Services Inc.

Welcomes New Vice President of Operations

Kevin Bradley, Longtime Veteran of the Aviation Industry, Joins Rectrix Team in May

Bedford, MA (May 15, 2013) – Rectrix Commercial Aviation Services (RECAS) announced today that Kevin Bradley is joining the company as the new Vice President of Operations. Prior to accepting this position, Bradley served as Service Center Coordinator for Gulfstream Aerospace in Westfield Massachusetts.

During his fifteen years in the aviation industry, Bradley has held numerous high-level positions, including five years as General Manager of AirFlyte, Inc and two years as General Manager of Rectrix Aerodrome Centers, Inc. at HYA (Rectrix HYA).  In these and other management roles, Bradley was able to cultivate high-quality customer service and organizational skills.

“Kevin is an excellent addition to our team here at Rectrix, and we are thrilled to welcome him back,” said Rectrix President and CEO Richard Cawley. “Customer service is central to everything we do here at Rectrix. Kevin’s vast experience working in management and customer service based positions makes him the perfect fit for our team as we continue to grow and expand along the east coast.”

Bradley’s responsibilities at Rectrix include supervision of the company’s operational duties and procedures, many of which he authored during his time as General Manager of Rectrix HYA.  In addition to these tasks, Bradley will manage all FBO and Aviation Operations throughout the company.

Rectrix provides premium private jet, aircraft management and fixed-base operations services in Florida and Massachusetts. The company recently won a multi-million dollar contract from the Massachusetts Port Authority to develop world class fixed-base operations (FBO) services at Worcester Regional Airport and L.G. Hanscom Field. In January, Rectrix announced the acquisition of AirFlyte, Inc. of Westfield, Mass – a full-service executive terminal FBO with state of the art maintenance and hangar facilities.

Bradley resides in Westfield with his wife Melissa.

About Rectrix Commercial Aviation Services:

Rectrix Commercial Aviation Services is a holding company with four operating divisions: Rectrix Aviation; Rectrix FBO JetCenters, Rectrix Aircraft Maintenance and Rectrix Business Solutions. Information on any of the companies’ services or divisions may be obtained at www.rectrix.aero, or email bedmail@rectrix.aero.

Rectrix Aviation’s FBOs Named among Top in the Nation -
Rectrix’s Fixed-based Operations Recognized for Outstanding Customer Service and Facility Investments as Company Continues Growth and Expansion

Bedford, Mass (April 8, 2013) – Rectrix Aviation’s fixed-based operations (FBO) services have been ranked among the top in the nation, according to a new survey by Aviation International News (AIN).

Rectrix’s FBO at Sarasota Bradenton International (SRQ) Airport was named among the top 10 FBOs in the nation, tying for seventh place in the Aviation International News survey. In the Orlando-Tampa region, Rectrix’s FBO came in second. Overall, Rectrix’s FBOs have been named to the top 20 percent nationwide.

Rectrix is a leader in the general aviation industry, providing premium private jet, aircraft management and fixed-based operations services in Florida and Massachusetts. Currently there are about 3,000 FBO’s operating throughout the nation.

“We’re pleased and honored that Rectrix has been recognized among the top FBO providers in the nation,” said Rich Cawley, president and CEO of Rectrix Aviation. “Customer service is critically important in our industry, and this award recognizes the outstanding talent and training of our employees, along with the tremendous capital and maintenance we’ve invested in our facilities.”

According to the recent AIN survey, 85 percent of respondents selected “excellent customer service” as the top factor in selecting an FBO, while 71 percent said “poor customer service” was a key reason to avoid an FBO.

The general aviation industry, which includes airports, maintenance facilities, FBOs manufacturers, suppliers and other support businesses, is a $150 billion industry in the United States – creating more than a million jobs nationwide. In Massachusetts alone, the state’s 30 general aviation airports generated more than $443 million and supported more than 4,300 jobs in 2010, according to the Massachusetts Statewide Economic Impact Study.

“This award also highlights the important role generation aviation plays in the overall growth and economic development of Sarasota Bradenton International and airports around the nation,” added Cawley. “Rectrix has contributed greatly to the quality of service, economic development and overall enhancement of SRQ – a direct result of the commitment and dedication of our employees to top quality service. We look forward to bringing similar value to other airports along the east coast.”

Rectrix has experienced significant growth and expansion during the past year. It recently won a multi-million dollar contract from Massport to develop world class fixed-base operations (FBO) services at Worcester Regional Airport and L.G. Hanscom Field in Massachusetts. The development will create about 100 new jobs and each location will be large enough to accommodate large corporate aircrafts.

Rectrix recently acquired AirFlyte, Inc. of Westfield, Mass – a full-service executive terminal FBO with state of the art maintenance and hangar facilities. The company is currently exploring plans to grow and expand that FBO.

About Rectrix Aviation:
Rectrix Aviation offers premium private jet, aircraft management and fixed-base operations (FBO) services. Since its founding in 2005, Rectrix has set the gold standard in the world of aviation. The company has a long history of expansion and has revolutionized the FBO concept through the operation of high quality FBO services in key locations on the East Coast, including Bedford and Hyannis Massachusetts and Sarasota, Florida. In 2009 Rectrix acquired global jet operating authority with the purchase of New World Jet Corporation, enabling the company to offer travel in a cost-effective manner by utilizing state-of-the-art Rectrix Aerodrome Centers.
Exceptional service is the core principle of how Rectrix operates, and the company is committed to growing the general aviation industry in Massachusetts and throughout the nation. ]]> http://rectrix.aero/2013/04/rectrix-aviations-fbos-named-among-top-in-the-nation/feed/ 0 http://rectrix.aero/2013/02/rectrix-commercial-aviation-services-to-honor-airflyte-inc-founders-gary-and-judy-potts/ http://rectrix.aero/2013/02/rectrix-commercial-aviation-services-to-honor-airflyte-inc-founders-gary-and-judy-potts/#comments Mon, 25 Feb 2013 21:58:25 +0000 arussell http://rectrix.aero/?p=1836 For Immediate Release

Media Contact

Laura Wareck

lwareck@oneillandassoc.com
Office: 617-646-1037 | Cell: 978-660-9587

Rectrix Commercial Aviation Services

To Honor AirFlyte Inc Founders Gary and Judy Potts

Westfield Mayor Knapik, AirFlyte Employees to participate in an event at Westfield Airport to celebrate the company’s contributions to aviation industry

Bedford, MA (February XX, 2013) – Rectrix Commercial Aviation Services (RECAS) and Westfield Mayor Daniel Knapik will honor AirFlyte, Inc. Founders Gary and Judy Potts for their community leadership and contributions to the aviation industry during an event this Friday.

During the event Rectrix will also recognize AirFlyte employees for their commitment and dedication to high quality, safe air travel over the past 20 years since the company was founded in 1988.

The event will take place at the Westfield-Barnes Municipal Airport at noon on Friday, March 1^st and include remarks from Mayor Knapik, Rectrix President and CEO Richard Cawley and RECAS Executive Chairman Thomas Russell. State Sen. Michael Knapik and Rep. Don Humason are also expected to attend.

“We’re excited to have the opportunity to recognize the contributions and accomplishments of Gary and Judy and all of AirFlyte’s employees over the past two decades,” said Cawley. “AirFlyte offers premier aviation services to its clients and plays a crucial role in driving the general aviation industry in Western Massachusetts. We look forward to continuing to expand the company.”

In January, Rectrix announced the acquisition of AirFlyte, Inc. of Westfield, Mass – a full-service executive terminal FBO with state of the art maintenance and hangar facilities.  It’s Rectrix’s intent to continue to grow and expand AirFlyte in Westfield, at other Rectrix locations and through the offering of mobile maintenance services.

AirFlyte maintains a highly respected FAA Part 145 Certified Repair Station.  AirFlyte’s capabilities include maintenance of most corporate jet aircraft within their 43,000 square foot facility at Westfield’s Barnes Regional Airport (BAF).  AirFlyte can fulfill other needs such as professional photo shoots and interior restorations.  AirFlyte’s premier FBO provides business suites, concierge services, crew lounge, quiet rooms, refueling services, aircraft deicing and the availability of a conference center.

The general aviation industry, which includes airports, maintenance facilities, manufacturers, suppliers and other support businesses, is a $150 billion industry in the United States – creating more than a million jobs nationwide.  In Massachusetts alone, the state’s 30 general aviation airports generated more than $443 million and supported more than 4,300 jobs in 2010, according to the Massachusetts Statewide Economic Impact Study, published recently by the Massachusetts Department of Transportation Aeronautics Division.

About Rectrix Commercial Aviation Services

Rectrix Commercial Aviation Services is a holding company with four operating divisions: Rectrix Aviation; Rectrix FBO JetCenters, Rectrix Aircraft Maintenance and Rectrix Business Solutions. Information on any of the companies’ services or divisions may be obtained at. www.rectrix.aero

Westfield, MA-based AirFlyte represents strategic link for Rectrix East Coast expansion

Bedford, MA (January 09, 2013) – Rectrix Commercial Aviation Services today announced the acquisition of AirFlyte, Inc. of Westfield, Mass – a full-service executive terminal FBO with state of the art maintenance and hangar facilities.

“We’re pleased to welcome AirFlyte’s employees into the Rectrix family,” said Thomas J. Russell, Executive Chairman of Rectrix Commercial Aviation Services (RECAS). “The substantial reputation enjoyed by AirFlyte is consistent with our company’s mission of offering high quality services to all aviation segments in which we operate. Further, this acquisition represents a strategic link in the East Coast expansion of RECAS.”

Terms of the acquisition were for an undisclosed sum of cash. AirFlyte founder Gary Potts will remain as President of AirFlyte.

“An important factor in our decision to make this acquisition was the agreement of Gary to stay on as President of AirFlyte, thus assuring a seamless continuity of business,” said Richard A. Cawley, President and CEO of RECAS. “By joining Rectrix, AirFlyte now has access to resources that will allow it to expand the quality services for which the company is known. A number of satellite operations are already in the planning stages, and will be implemented once the appropriate authorizations are received.”

AirFlyte maintains a highly respected FAA Part 145 Certified Repair Station.  AirFlyte’s capabilities include maintenance of most corporate jet aircraft within their 43,000 square foot facility at Westfield’s Barnes Regional Airport (BAF).  AirFlyte can fulfill other needs such as professional photo shoots and interior restorations.  AirFlyte’s premier FBO provides business suites, concierge services, crew lounge, quiet rooms, refueling services, aircraft deicing and the availability of a conference center.

“AirFlyte has been providing premier service to the executive traveler since 1988. By becoming a part of the Rectrix family of companies, we have the opportunity to grow further and do even more for our loyal clients,” said Potts. “We are extremely excited about our future with Rectrix.”

“AirFlyte’s attention to detail is impressive,” said Jon Orzolek, director of maintenance at Rectrix.  “Their high standards of maintenance are respected throughout the industry, and are responsible for the reputation they enjoy today.  I look forward to working with Gary and his team in the years ahead.”

The general aviation industry, which includes airports, maintenance facilities, manufacturers, suppliers and other support businesses, is a $150 billion industry in the United States – creating more than a million jobs nationwide.  In Massachusetts alone, the state’s 30 general aviation airports generated more than $443 million and supported more than 4,300 jobs in 2010, according to the Massachusetts Statewide Economic Impact Study, published recently by the Massachusetts Department of Transportation Aeronautics Division.

About Rectrix Commercial Aviation Services

Rectrix Commercial Aviation Services is a holding company with four operating divisions: Rectrix Aviation; Rectrix FBO JetCenters, Rectrix Aircraft Maintenance and Rectrix Business Solutions. Information on any of the companies’ services or divisions may be obtained at rectrix@aero.com.

Rectrix’s Director of Maintenance, Mr Jon O remarked that:

“Airflyte’s attention to detail is impressive. Their high standards of maintenance are respected throughout the industry, and are responsible for the reputation they enjoy today. I look forward to working with Gary and his team in the years ahead.

BOSTON – The Massachusetts Port Authority (Massport) Board today gave the go-ahead to Bedford-based Rectrix Aviation to develop Fixed Base-Operator (FBO) facilities at Worcester Regional Airport and L.G. Hanscom Field. Last Fall Massport issued a Request for Proposals for the development of first-class FBO facilities to support current general aviation activity, attract new aviation business and accommodate future demand. The RFP required the developer to provide FBO services at both airports.

The new Rectrix Aviation FBO will over time add approximately 100 new jobs to Massachusetts including flight crews with salaries up to $105,000, mechanics with salaries ranging between $22 and $50 per hour and FBO customer service and ramp employees ranging between $12.50 and $45 per hour. A fixed-base operator is the primary provider of support services to general aviation aircraft and offers services such as aircraft parking and fueling, maintenance and hangar facilities at an airport. Rectrix’s Worcester facility will include a regional aircraft maintenance facility that is expected to establish the airport as a destination for aircraft maintenance.
“Massachusetts’ public airports generate significant economic activity for all regions of the Commonwealth,” said Lieutenant Governor Timothy Murray. “By partnering with Recrtrix Aviation, the Commonwealth will enhance services for two of the state’s growing regional airports.”

Under the terms of the proposed lease agreement, Rectrix Aviation will invest approximately $5 million to develop 27,000 square feet of hangar and office space at Worcester Airport and $15 million to develop approximately 96,000 square feet of hangar and office space at Hanscom Field. Each facility will be sized to accommodate the new large corporate aircraft such as the Gulfstream 650 and Global 7000. Both developments are scheduled to be complete in two years and meet Leadership in Energy and Environmental Design (LEED) Silver certification standards as established by the U.S. Green Building Council.

“Massport is an economic catalyst managing its facilities to support economic development. With our ownership of Worcester Airport, we were able to leverage the benefits of both airports to offer quality development programs to meet the demand for business aviation in Massachusetts,” said Massport Interim CEO David Mackey. “Businesses rely on corporate aircraft to conduct business – it’s an extension of the board room. We’re happy to welcome Rectrix Aviation to Worcester Airport and look forward to their continued success at Hanscom Field.”

Rectrix Aviation is a Massachusetts based company with corporate headquarters at Hanscom Field. Rectrix operates two FBO facilities: one at Barnstable Municipal Airport in Hyannis, Massachusetts and the second at Sarasota Airport in Florida. In 2011, the Sarasota facility was voted by pilots as one of the top 20 facilities in the U.S. In both 2010 and 2011, Rectrix was awarded a Platinum Rating from Argus International, the prestigious aviation operations audit group, for its safety practices and policies.

“As a Massachusetts-based aviation company I cannot tell you how excited we are to be involved in the next generation of the general aviation sector at Worcester and Hanscom. There is an economic resurgence ahead and Rectrix has positioned itself to be in the forefront, and what better place to do so than in the Commonwealth,” said Rectrix President and CEO Richard Cawley.”The labor pool here is excellent and we anticipate the addition of over a hundred jobs over the next few years. Massport recognized this opportunity and is promoting sustainable growth. The new generation of aircraft coming on line is very sensitive to the environment and both Worcester and Hanscom are perfect locations for this efficient growth.”

In a related matter, the Massport Board also approved a term sheet with Jet Aviation, a subsidiary of General Dynamics, to replace one of its existing hangars at Hanscom Field with a new and more modern 40,000 square foot hangar. The replacement hangar will be able to accommodate the newer and larger corporate aviation aircraft that have global reach. The development will include passenger amenities areas, office space, aircraft ramp space and landscape improvements. The replacement hangar will be built adjacent to Jet Aviation’s existing facilities and will include up to 30 new permanent airport jobs.

Worcester Regional Airport serves Worcester County, the second fastest growing county in Massachusetts, along with the Boston Metro West region and the bustling Interstate 495 corridor. Hanscom Field is located in Bedford MA and is a vital link to domestic and international destinations. With its modern facilities, Hanscom is New England’s premier full-service corporate and general aviation airport. A Massachusetts Department of Transportation economic impact study found that Worcester Regional Airport contributes $51.5 million to the regional economy and Hanscom Field $249 million.

You can find us on Facebook at www.facebook.com/bostonlogan and www.facebook.com/CruiseportBoston and follow us on Twitter at www.twitter.com/bostonlogan and www.twitter.com/cruiseboston.

The Massachusetts Port Authority (Massport) operates Boston Logan International Airport, the Port of Boston, Hanscom Field and Worcester Regional Airport. Massport is a financially self-sustaining public authority whose premier transportation facilities generate more than $8 billion annually, and enhance and enable economic growth and vitality in New England. For more information please visit massport.com.

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Press Release

Bedford, Massachusetts – Rectrix Aerodrome Centers, whose headquarters are located at Hanscom Field in Bedford, Massachusetts, has received a coveted 2011 Pilot’s Choice award. Named as one of the top 20 Star FBO’s in the nation, Rectrix Aerodrome Centers in Sarasota FL (SRQ) is a state-of-the-art facility offering private passenger terminals and lounges, aircrew amenities, superior service and full aircraft handling services.  The Pilot’s Choice Awards give pilots a voice and the chance to vote on their favorite corporate and business aviation facilities.

“The many employees of Rectrix deserve this award as they work feverously to accommodate the needs of our customers,” said Richard Cawley, President and CEO.

Rectrix Commercial Aviation Services, Inc. has been providing the highest level of private jet charter service, aircraft management and fixed base operations since 2005. A full service charter operation, Rectrix Aviation, Inc., allows clients to select flight times and aircraft ideal for their needs. The company utilizes highly experienced crews who maintain the strictest safety standards.

In 2010, Rectrix Aviation, Inc. was honored with a Platinum rating from ARGUS International, Inc. The Platinum rating is awarded to the top air charter operation demonstrating the highest level of safety in terms of flight operations and facility maintenance.

Rectrix Aerodrome Centers opened its first FBO facility in Hyannis MA in September 2005 and opened its Sarasota FBO in 2008. Both facilities offer world-class hangar and office space designed to accommodate large aircraft. In January 2011, Rectrix opened its executive offices and relocated the flight department from Hyannis MA to Hanscom Field, Bedford MA.

For more information, visit www.rectrix.aero.

“Maximum Results and Minimum worry……Rectrix allows me to make the most of my time; every time.”

Bobby Orr

Rectrix Aviation achieved the highest safety rating available:

ARG/US PLATINUM.

What does this mean for you?

Safety – Experience – Reliability

Just ask Bobby.

The experienced and dedicated team of professionals at Rectrix Aviation looks forward to meeting your aviation requirements in 2011 and beyond.

BEDFORD — Business travel is bouncing back at Hanscom Field.

More corporate executives, engineers, and salespeople flew in and out of Hanscom last year, with takeoffs and landings of business jets up 7 percent compared with 2009, mirroring modest improvements elsewhere in the economy.

“We’re a barometer for what’s going on in the regional economy,’’ said Barbara Patzner, Hanscom Field airport director. The field, built by the US Army Air Corps before World War II, houses 79 business jets, along with 11 helicopters and 266 single-engine, twin-engine, and turboprop planes. Hanscom Air Force Base, now a research and development facility, is also there.

Business aviation is on the rise around the country, with the number of trips up about 10 percent last year, following a dismal 2009 in which operations fell by almost a third. Business travel on commercial airlines is also increasing, with business-class spending up 60 percent in the third quarter, according to American Express Business Insights, the analytics arm of the credit card company.

E-Dialog is among the local companies using Hanscom more often these days. Executives from the Burlington-based e-mail service provider chartered four trips out of Hanscom last year, double the number they went on in 2009, as revenues rebounded.

“There’s nothing like a face-to-face meeting,’’ said Arthur Sweetser, chief marketing officer for e-Dialog. “There’s just an urgency that requires us to be present to show that we’re resolved to fixing a problem’’ for a client.

The cost to hire a private jet is comparable to what e-Dialog would pay for commercial airline trips for its executives, but the time saved, Sweetser said, “hands down’’ makes charters a more efficient mode of travel.

E-Dialog flies on Linear Air of Concord, which has four Eclipse 500 jets at Hanscom. Linear Air’s traffic fell by half in 2009 as companies “hunkered down’’ and the Eclipse manufacturer went into bankruptcy, said Bill Herp, Linear president. Last year, business doubled, Herp said, and he expects 2011 to be even better as more clients turn to the smaller, less expensive jets his company flies.

Linear’s four-passenger jets, known as “very light jets,’’ cost companies about $1,500 an hour to charter, compared to around $5,000 an hour for a 10-passenger jet at Hanscom.

Business is also up at Rectrix Aviation Inc. of Hyannis — by about 15 percent — and it just opened a spacious office at Hanscom. The charter company also added a new jet to its Hanscom fleet in September and hired three additional pilots.

But with memories of the recession still fresh, clients are adopting a more frugal approach to business travel, said Richard Cawley, Rectrix president. They’re making multiple stops with a single charter, instead of flying back to Hanscom between meetings, he said, and are filling planes with more executives and salespeople since it doesn’t cost more to add passengers

“They’re trying to accomplish a lot more on each trip,’’ Cawley said. “A lot of our customers, I would say they’re midsize businesses, so it’s very important for them to watch their dollars.’’

Business jet travel has become more crucial for companies in the past year because of all the airline cutbacks during the recession, said Ed Bolen, president of the National Business Aviation Association. With limited or no commercial service in some communities, private jets are often the most convenient — and sometimes the only — way for companies to get to a location.

But that doesn’t mean the public considers them practical. Already seen as a sign of corporate excess, business aviation was the source of great outrage in late 2008 when the heads of GM, Ford, and Chrysler showed up in corporate jets to ask Congress for a $25 billion bailout. And there’s no denying the first-class accommodations on corporate jets. On a $35 million Gulfstream G450, business executives can conduct meetings in leather seats at a shiny conference table, wine glasses hang upside down in a kitchenette, couches fold out into beds, and the bathroom is stocked with Aveda toiletries.

But jet operators say many of their clients are midlevel managers from midlevel companies.

“I think there’s a sense that it’s a luxury, that it’s not a necessity, that it’s rock stars and fat cats that are flying around on these private jets,’’ said Herp. “Our clients are not fat cats and rock stars, they’re three business people flying to Elmira, N.Y., to close a deal.’’

Regardless, many companies are reluctant to talk about their jet travel. Liberty Mutual Group declined to discuss the aircraft it owns at Hanscom; the Kraft Group, EMC Corp., and Raytheon Co. did not return phone calls about the planes they keep there.

There are nearly a third more jets housed at Hanscom than just three years ago, and the air field is approaching capacity. “We have a waiting list of aircraft that want to come into Hanscom,’’ said Thomas Kinton, executive director of Massachusetts Port Authority, which runs Hanscom.

Massport is planning to turn a ramp area into as much as 400,000 square feet of new hangar space and convert an empty 18,000-square-foot-hangar used for early aeronautical research into a facility three times its size to accommodate more jets, including bigger aircraft that can fly nonstop to China.

But local preservation groups have filed a lawsuit appealing the Federal Aviation Administration’s approval of the plan, saying the historic hangar should be preserved and the increased air traffic activity will adversely affect the area, namely the nearby Minute Man National Historical Park and Great Meadows National Wildlife Refuge.

Katie Johnston Chase can be reached at johnstonchase@globe.com.