Signature Aviation Acquired Van Nuys Airport Facility
The company completed its acquisition of the former Castle & Cooke fixed-base operation on September 15, 2026.
Updated on Oct. 5, 2026 in Air Travel
Signature Aviation expanded its footprint at Van Nuys Airport by acquiring the facility previously operated by Castle & Cooke. The newly rebranded site, now known as Van Nuys Airport North, marks the third location the company operates at the airport.
Why it matters
The acquisition aims to strengthen service capacity in a critical business aviation market for the Los Angeles region. This move consolidates Signature Aviation's presence at one of the busiest general aviation hubs in the United States.
Van Nuys Airport recorded 334,068 total operations in 2024, with general aviation accounting for 89.5% of that volume. As of 2023, the based aircraft population consisted of 48.1% turbine aircraft and 47% piston aircraft.
The players
Signature Aviation
This is a global provider of business aviation services and fixed-base operations for private and commercial aircraft.
Castle & Cooke
This is a diversified company with historical interests in aviation services, real estate, and agriculture.
Van Nuys Airport
This is a major general aviation airport located in the San Fernando Valley region of Los Angeles.
The details
Signature Aviation acquired the hangar and fuel farm that Castle & Cooke managed since 1980. While the company took over these Van Nuys operations, Castle & Cooke continues to maintain its presence at Daniel K. Inouye International Airport.
Timeline
Castle & Cooke began operating at Van Nuys Airport in 1980.
The airport approved a 30-year lease for the site in 2009.
Based aircraft types were last measured in 2023.
Total annual airport operations reached 334,068 in 2024.
Signature Aviation finalized the acquisition on September 15, 2026.
Travel Outlook
This acquisition reflects the ongoing consolidation of support services at key regional general aviation hubs. It aligns with the airport's long-term utility as a dedicated site for private, turbine, and charter aircraft traffic.
Private pilots and charter operators using the airport may see changes to service offerings and branding at the newly acquired North location. Travelers should check with their flight providers regarding updated fuel or hangar procedures at the site.
The takeaway
Large-scale operators continue to streamline services at major private aviation hubs to increase regional efficiency. Travelers should confirm their ground handling requirements with airport operators when transitioning between different facility providers.
Further reading
For more information on the regional aviation industry, visit Air Travel.
Source note: This article includes information reported by Aviation Week.
