Key Takeaways
• Golden West Jet Center at Oxnard Airport closes June 1, 2025, after 18 years of operation.
• Closure follows owner Harold Lee declining to renew lease amid new rent and fee schedules.
• Oxnard Airport selected new FBO operator; transition begins immediately after June 1 closure.
After nearly two decades of serving the aviation community, Golden West Jet Center at Oxnard Airport will close its doors on June 1, 2025. This closure marks a major shift for pilots, aircraft operators, airport staff, and local businesses who have relied on the fixed-base operator (FBO) for a wide range of services. The decision not only affects the daily operations at Oxnard Airport but also raises questions about the future of aviation services in the region. Here’s a comprehensive look at what this closure means, why it’s happening, and how it will impact different stakeholders.
What’s Happening: The Closure of Golden West Jet Center
Golden West Jet Center, a well-known FBO at Oxnard Airport, announced in late May 2025 that it will cease operations on June 1, 2025. The announcement came after the owner, Harold Lee, decided not to submit a bid for a new lease when the airport authorities issued a request for proposals. As a result, Golden West Jet Center will end its 18-year run at the airport, leaving many in the aviation community to adjust to this significant change.
Oxnard Airport has already chosen a new FBO operator to take over after Golden West Jet Center’s departure. However, the name of the new operator has not yet been made public. This transition is expected to happen immediately after the closure, with the new FBO stepping in to provide essential services to pilots and aircraft owners.
Why Is Golden West Jet Center Closing?
The closure of Golden West Jet Center is tied to the airport’s process for renewing FBO contracts. Each FBO operates under a lease agreement with the airport, which must be renewed periodically. In this case, the Department of Airports (DOA) for Ventura County issued a request for proposals, inviting interested parties to bid for the right to operate as the airport’s FBO.
Harold Lee, the owner of Golden West Jet Center, chose not to submit a bid for renewal. While the specific reasons for this decision have not been publicly detailed, several factors may have played a role:
- New Rent and Fee Schedule: The Department of Airports introduced a new rent and fee schedule effective July 1, 2024. This could have changed the financial terms for FBO operators, possibly making it less attractive for Golden West Jet Center to continue.
- Budget Planning: The DOA’s budget for the 2024-25 fiscal year took a conservative approach, anticipating changes in revenue from tenant leases and other fees. This may have influenced the business outlook for Golden West Jet Center.
- Request for Proposals Terms: The terms of the new request for proposals may have included requirements or conditions that Golden West Jet Center was not willing or able to meet.
As reported by VisaVerge.com, such transitions are not uncommon in the aviation industry, especially when airports update their contracts or seek new operators to improve services or increase revenue.
What Services Did Golden West Jet Center Provide?
Since opening in 2007, Golden West Jet Center has been a central part of Oxnard Airport’s operations. The FBO offered a wide range of services to pilots, aircraft owners, and visitors, including:
- Fuel Services: As an AVFUEL dealer, Golden West Jet Center provided competitive fuel prices and awarded AVTRIP points (10 points per gallon) for jet fuel purchases.
- Hangar and Ramp Space: The facility included a 20,000 square foot hangar and ample ramp space for parking and servicing aircraft.
- Amenities: Pilots and crews enjoyed access to crew cars, Wi-Fi, a pilot’s lounge, and conference rooms.
- Customer Service: The FBO was known for its personalized approach, treating all customers with care, whether they flew small Cirrus planes or larger Citation X jets.
- Community Events: Golden West Jet Center hosted monthly barbecues and supported aviation milestones, such as housing the world-record-breaking RV aircraft during Daniel Gray’s historic project.
These services made Golden West Jet Center a trusted partner for both local and visiting pilots, as well as for businesses that depended on reliable ground support at Oxnard Airport.
What Happens Next for Oxnard Airport?
With Golden West Jet Center closing, Oxnard Airport will transition to a new FBO operator. While the airport has already selected a replacement, the identity of the new operator has not yet been announced. This change will affect several aspects of airport operations:
- Service Continuity: Pilots and aircraft owners will need to adjust to the new FBO’s procedures, pricing, and service offerings. During the transition, it’s important for visitors to check with the airport for up-to-date information on available services.
- Staffing: Employees of Golden West Jet Center may face job uncertainty. It’s not yet clear if the new FBO will retain any of the existing staff or bring in a completely new team.
- Business Relationships: Local aviation businesses that worked closely with Golden West Jet Center will need to build new relationships with the incoming operator.
For those planning to use Oxnard Airport after June 1, 2025, it’s a good idea to contact the airport directly or check the official Ventura County Department of Airports website for the latest updates on FBO services.
The Role of the Department of Airports and Budget Considerations
Oxnard Airport is managed by the Department of Airports for Ventura County, which also oversees Camarillo Airport. The Aviation Advisory Commission reviews and recommends the department’s budget and fee schedules. For the 2024-25 fiscal year, the DOA prepared a budget that aimed to:
- Fund airport operations and maintenance
- Support ongoing and planned capital improvements
- Maintain a reasonable cash balance
- Anticipate changes in revenue from tenant leases and other fees
The introduction of a new rent and fee schedule in July 2024 may have influenced the business decisions of FBO operators, including Golden West Jet Center. The DOA’s budget also included provisions for grant-eligible projects and reconstruction efforts, reflecting a focus on long-term airport development.
How Will the Closure Affect Stakeholders?
The closure of Golden West Jet Center will have different effects on various groups connected to Oxnard Airport:
Pilots and Aircraft Operators
Regular users of Golden West Jet Center will need to adapt to the new FBO. This could mean changes in fuel pricing, hangar availability, or the level of customer service. Pilots should:
- Check for Updated Information: Before flying into Oxnard Airport, verify which FBO is operating and what services are available.
- Make Advance Arrangements: If you need specific services (like hangar space or crew cars), contact the airport ahead of time to ensure your needs can be met.
Airport Revenue and Operations
The switch to a new FBO may impact the airport’s revenue, especially if the new operator brings different pricing or service models. The airport’s financial health depends on stable income from tenant leases, fuel sales, and other fees. The DOA’s conservative budget planning reflects an awareness of these potential changes.
Local Aviation Businesses
Companies that provided services to or partnered with Golden West Jet Center will need to establish new relationships with the incoming FBO. This transition period could bring uncertainty but may also create new opportunities for collaboration.
Airport Staff and Employees
Employees of Golden West Jet Center face an uncertain future. Some may be hired by the new FBO, while others may need to seek new jobs. The outcome will depend on the staffing plans of the new operator and the needs of the airport.
The Broader Aviation Community
Golden West Jet Center was known for fostering a sense of community at Oxnard Airport, hosting events and supporting aviation achievements. The new FBO will have an opportunity to continue these traditions or introduce new initiatives to engage local pilots and aviation enthusiasts.
Regional Context: What’s Happening at Other Airports?
Oxnard Airport’s transition comes at a time when other regional airports are also evolving. For example, Santa Barbara Airport is working on its 2025 Master Plan, which includes:
- Upgrades to general aviation facilities
- Infrastructure for electric aircraft
- Support for VTOL (Vertical Take-Off and Landing) operations
These developments reflect broader trends in aviation, such as the push for greener technology and new types of aircraft. Oxnard Airport and its new FBO may look to these trends as they plan for the future.
What Should Pilots and Visitors Do Now?
If you plan to visit Oxnard Airport after June 1, 2025, here are some practical steps to take:
- Contact the Airport: Reach out to the airport for the latest information on FBO services and facilities.
- Plan Ahead: Make reservations for hangar space, fuel, or other services in advance, especially during the transition period.
- Stay Informed: Watch for announcements about the new FBO operator and any changes to airport procedures or amenities.
You can find official updates and contact details on the Ventura County Department of Airports website.
Key Information for Pilots and Operators
- Golden West Jet Center’s Last Day: June 1, 2025
- Location: 1601 West 5th Street, Oxnard, CA 93030
- Operating Hours Until Closure: Monday to Sunday, 6:00 AM to 7:30 PM
- Contact: 805-985-2490 (UNICOM 122.95), [email protected]
- Reservations: Available through FlightBridge
After June 1, 2025, check with Oxnard Airport for the new FBO’s contact information and service offerings.
Looking Ahead: What’s Next for Oxnard Airport?
The closure of Golden West Jet Center is a turning point for Oxnard Airport. The new FBO will have the chance to shape the airport’s future, possibly introducing new services, pricing models, or community programs. The airport’s management will continue to balance the needs of pilots, businesses, and the local community as they plan for growth and development.
For now, the most important thing for stakeholders is to stay informed and be prepared for changes. Whether you’re a pilot, business owner, or airport employee, keeping up with official announcements and reaching out to the airport for support will help you navigate this transition smoothly.
Conclusion: What Does This Mean for the Aviation Community?
The closure of Golden West Jet Center at Oxnard Airport is more than just a business decision—it’s a change that will ripple through the local aviation community. Pilots and businesses will need to adjust, airport staff may face new challenges, and the new FBO will have big shoes to fill. As the airport moves forward, clear communication and a focus on service will be key to a successful transition.
For more information about airport operations, FBO services, and official updates, visit the Ventura County Department of Airports website. Analysis from VisaVerge.com suggests that such transitions, while sometimes challenging, can also bring new opportunities for growth and improvement in airport services.
By staying informed and proactive, everyone involved can help ensure that Oxnard Airport continues to serve the aviation community well into the future.
Learn Today
Golden West Jet Center → A fixed-base operator (FBO) at Oxnard Airport providing aviation services for 18 years.
Fixed-Base Operator (FBO) → A service provider at an airport supplying fuel, hangars, maintenance, and pilot amenities.
Lease Agreement → A contract granting an operator rights to use airport facilities for a specific period.
AVFUEL → A branded aviation fuel supplier offering jet fuel and reward programs to pilots.
Department of Airports (DOA) → Ventura County agency managing Oxnard and Camarillo airports, overseeing contracts and budgets.
This Article in a Nutshell
Golden West Jet Center will shut down on June 1, 2025, ending 18 years at Oxnard Airport. This closure follows lease renewal changes. A new FBO operator will take over immediately, impacting pilots, employees, and local aviation businesses dependent on Golden West’s services and community events.
— By VisaVerge.com
