Airline Maintenance Service Inc, (AMS) has announced the purchase of the Sardis Lake Marina formerly owned by Skipper Marine with plans under way for additional services, according to a news release from that company.

The marina is currently host to 140 boats and features yearlong access to Sardis Lake. The city of Sardis has a long term lease on the property around the marina and approval of the city and the U.S. Corps of Engineers was needed for the acquisition to proceed.

The Nashville-based company’s clientele includes the Tupelo airport which they currently manage and company officials indicated they would be offering similar services to boaters as they do customers in the aircraft business.

The company’s news release states AMS plans to add dock space as demand warrants.

President Corey Gillard, who has attended the last two Sardis board meetings, pointed out that original plans for the marina called for up to 400 slips.

“We are looking forward to achieving that vision of a 400-slip marina and we will soon start a list for those who are interested in locating at the marina,” Gillard said while indicating both covered and uncovered slips are planned.

Food service is also part of the first season’s plans for the Sardis Lake Marina, according to the news release.

The release explains the marina had served food in the past but it was pre-prepared and of low quality. Tenants of the marina and the general public can look forward to expanded food services available before Memorial Day.

“Fresh food and sit down meal service are part of the plans. Other services for the marina that are planned are boat rentals, sales and service along with a greatly expanded ship’s store,” according to the release.

AMS Director of Business Development, Erick Larson, explained that tenants of the marina are foremost in the company’s plans.

“For years the tenants of the marina have had few services or amenities other than a slip at this great lake. That changes now,” he said.

Larson pointed out that in the first few days after the acquisition, AMS has already changed management personnel naming Benn Hoff as marina manager.

Demolition of the previous administrative office space in completed and construction on a lounge area for tenants is underway. The space will have couches, big screen TVs and complimentary coffee and water.

Additionally, the company has already installed a high definition security camera system to help protect tenants.

Those interested in learning more can call 662-578-7922 or email .