PrivateSky Aviation, a family-owned FBO at Southwest Florida International Airport, is suing Signature Aviation over alleged deceptive business practices.
According to local news outlet, Gulfshore Business, the Nov. 5 lawsuit stated Signature initiated discussions with PrivateSky regarding a potential acquisition in 2021.Under a Mutual Confidentiality Agreement, PrivateSky provided Signature with sensitive business information. However, instead of submitting a purchase offer, Signature allegedly used this confidential information to launch a competing operation at the same airport.
On Nov.7 county commissioners voted 3-1 to allow for a second FBO on the field, citing FAA requirements for fair competition.
PrivateSky accused Signature of a deliberate attempt to manipulate the process, stating, “Signature never made an offer to Private Sky; it made an offer to RSW instead. It appears RSW will be awarding the bid to Signature, which would complete Signature’s scheme to trick PrivateSky into making disclosures that Signature could use to destroy PrivateSky.”
The FBO is now seeking damages through a jury trial for what they view as a betrayal of trust and misuse of confidential information.
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