Central Coast Jet Center
The Central Coast Jet Center at Santa Maria Airport represents a new chapter in a legacy shaped by three generations of Kunkle family aviation history. Rooted in the pioneering spirit of Jim Kunkle, a World War II pilot whose service and lifelong passion for flight helped establish general aviation on the Central Coast, the project is informed by a deep respect for aviation culture, discipline, and craft.
The project consists of a new 38,642 square foot, two-story facility that establishes a new benchmark for FBO capability and experience in the region. The commercial aircraft hangar is at its core and engineered to support a wide range of aircraft, from high-end Gulfstream clients to military platforms such as F-18 aircraft.
Complementing the hangar is 13,566 net square feet of corporate headquarters and office space, carefully integrated to unify operations, client services, and executive functions within a single cohesive environment. The design is shaped by a shared appreciation for thoughtful detail, proportion, and aviation-inspired design. Chris’s refined sensibilities, informed by his life as a pilot, his interest in Swiss watchmaking, and his passion for photography, align closely with our own design values.
As the new home of Central Coast Jet Center, the project reflects a shared commitment to serving the Santa Maria community and the broader aviation community with pride and purpose. It is a facility shaped by operational needs and long-term service, where history, performance, and design come together to support everything from everyday flight operations to critical regional response.
