Air Wilmington, the general aviation fixed-base operator (FBO) at Wilmington International Airport, is now a Cessna Authorized Service Facility, according to a news release Monday.

"This appointment gives the owners and operators of Cessna single, multi-engine piston as well as Conquest PropJets on the East Coast area a new and convenient location where they can receive service, parts and factory warranty for their aircraft," the release stated.

Air Wilmington carries a full line of Cessna parts, has Cessna-trained A&P (airframe and/or powerplant) mechanics on staff and is a Federal Aviation Reglations Part 145 Certified Repair Station, according to the release.

Air Wilmington has long serviced Cessna and other private aircraft, but the new designation makes it a dealer and allows it to provide warranties, shop manager John Nelson said Monday.

"Instead of being a shop, we're now working directly with the manufacturer," he added.

Nelson estimated that Air Wilmington, ILM's only remaining FBO, probably has 25 to 30 Cessna aircraft based at its site.

"But there's an abundance of people coming from all over, flying through, who come to us if they encounter a problem," he said, adding that still other Cessna owners might be seasonal tenants or might bring their aircraft to Wilmington for servicing or repairs.

"We're the only Cessna Authorized Service Facility within several hundred miles," Nelson said.

He said Air Wilmington is in the process of earning a similar designation for another major aircraft manufacturer as well.