Chattanooga airport officials on Monday agreed to start efforts to find a second fixed-base operator.
The Airport Authority approved hiring the firm Newton & Associates of Charlotte, N.C., to develop a request for proposals and make recommendations to the panel.
Newton will be paid $22,800 for the work, according to the airport.
Mike Landguth, airport president, said a recommendation for another fixed-base operator, which provides fuel and hangar space, could come near the first of 2011.
He said one criteria to be examined will be providing “world-class service.”
Pam McAllister, general manager of current FBO Tac Air, said she didn’t know if the company will bid.
“We’re waiting for more information,” she said.
Tac Air officials have said the trend for airport FBOs is consolidation and reduction.
Last month, city and airport officials unveiled plans to build $10 million in facilities to serve general aviation flights and pilots and add a new fueling operation that also could appeal to airlines.
Officials also said the airport planned to seek proposals for another fixed-base operator to run the new site.
Mr. Landguth said six to 10 general contractors attended a recent pre-bid meeting for constructing a new general aviation terminal on the west side of the airport.
A builder could be picked as early as next month.