FBO's May Impact Your Charter Experience; So Why Do All Private Charters Rely On Them?

The Fixed-Base Operator's Handbook

Fixed-base operators (FBO) represent the pinnacle of air travel. These facilities accommodate private charter clients in every way, allowing them to travel in complete discretion and luxury. FBO’s for private jets offer a variety of services to guarantee passengers and pilots enjoy the smoothest and least stressful flight experience possible.

Learn about what FBOs are and how they function. You may also be interested in learning more about the advantages of FBOs and why you may choose to use a specific one on your next journey.

What Is the Definition of a Fixed-Base Operator?

An FBO is a company authorized to operate at an airport and provide a variety of aviation-related services. These services typically include of flying training, aircraft rental, aircraft maintenance, fueling, tie-down, and parking. FBOs are essentially private jet terminals. There are a great number of airports in the United States that provide this service, while it is not available at every airport.

FBOs are often located on the grounds of public-use airports and offer a variety of support services to general aviation operators. Most FBOs provide meteorological and flight planning information, as well as lounges for crew and passengers. FBOs at big international airports may also offer showers and private sleeping rooms. Some FBOs include office and hangar space in addition to maintenance services, aircraft owner management, and charter services.

There is a vast variety of FBO owners, with some individuals holding them separately and others as a chain. As a result of this variety, anyone interested in using an FBO, such as a private pilot seeking a luxurious experience, have several possibilities. According to AIN Publications' 2015 FBO study, there are roughly 3,000 FBOs operating in the United States. In a subsequent research, they detected around 4,500 of them globally.

Why Is It Known as an FBO?

The word FBO emerged during the first days of uncontrolled flight. Prior to the passage of the Air Commerce Act of 1926, civil aviation was mostly uncontrolled, with pilots employing leftover military aircraft for a variety of reasons. Many of these pilots would travel from place to place and land on a farmer's land. On these sites, these early pilots would establish temporary bases from which they would give flight lessons and transportation to individuals interested in learning to fly.

With the adoption of the Air Commerce Act, flying rules grew increasingly stringent. These new regulations set training requirements and mandated pilot licensing. In addition, there were new maintenance standards. The pilots and mechanics who established temporary camps had to adapt to these new conditions, since the new legislation made it more difficult to operate a transitory flying company.

In response to these new conditions, a number of these pilots and mechanics established permanent flying enterprises. These new organizations referred to themselves as fixed-base operators. This phrase was a means for these new permanent firms to differentiate themselves from the prior flying businesses, which were more transient. FBOs are vital to the supply of private aircraft and the delivery of high-quality services to its customers.

Airport FBO Advantages for Passengers

There are several advantages to using airport FBOs for your flying requirements if you are a private jet passenger seeking a premium flying service. FBOs are adored by passengers for their speed and customized service. In addition, FBOs provide superior facilities, customer service, and flight crews for the most expedient and enjoyable trips conceivable.

Below are some of the best airport FBO amenities.

1. Increased Privacy and More Relaxed Experience

FBOs provide a more discrete environment as you wait to board your private plane. Due to the exclusivity of FBOs, you won't have to worry about huge queues or crowds when you reach the airport. FBOs are the greatest alternative for passengers who desire a hassle-free experience. Some FBOs even permit passengers to drive directly up to their aircraft and embark without waiting in a facility.

2. Outstanding Customer Service

When flying with an FBO, you can anticipate receiving superior customer service. This service ensures that all of your questions are answered, and the FBO employees can frequently assist you in chartering future flights. Additionally, you can often meet the flight's captain and co-pilot prior to takeoff. FBO crews are able to meet and surpass your expectations despite overcoming the many hurdles inherent to flying.

3. Extraordinary Amenities

There are several benefits to depending on an airport FBO for your flying requirements, and the great facilities they provide are at the top of the list for why customers keep returning. Included in the standard amenities are bathrooms, coffee and soda, Wi-Fi, and lounges.

In addition, bigger FBOs can include conference spaces for corporate meetings as well as restaurants for hungry passengers. These FBOs frequently offer premium concierge services, such as hotel reservations and automobile rentals. Some FBOs provide showers for passengers who need to freshen up prior to or after a trip. In addition, they may offer game rooms that provide passengers with amusement as they wait for their flight.

4. Efficient Boarding and Check-In

When traveling via an FBO, you are not required to undergo luggage searches and personal inspections like you would at a commercial terminal. Typically, you simply need to present your identification to a pilot or another crew member before boarding. In addition to bypassing standard security processes, it is customary for passengers to merely wait a few minutes at an FBO before to boarding and takeoff. There is no lengthy wait until your flight comes.

5. Qualified Flight Personnel

FBOs also employ competent, dependable personnel that know how to make your trip as pleasant as possible. On the aircraft, you will have access to a variety of services and facilities, including food and beverages. Unlike on busy commercial flights, when flight attendants must respond to the requirements of hundreds of passengers, private flight attendants can devote their whole attention to providing you with the greatest possible flying experience.

How FBOs Provide for Charter Pilots

FBOs provide several benefits to passengers, but they also play a key role for charter pilots. FBOs provide aircraft maintenance, amenities, fuel, and parking for charter pilots. All of these services are necessary for keeping pilots comfortable and assuring the safety of their aircraft.

Here are some of the fundamental services offered by FBOs to charter pilots:

- Fuel: Providing planes with fuel is one of the key responsibilities of an FBO. As quickly as possible, they refuel a pilot's jet and get them back in the air. In addition, FBOs are frequently able to supply a variety of fuel types, including jet fuel for turbine engines and avgas for piston-powered engines.

- Aircraft Service: When charter pilots park their aircraft at an FBO, they can expect a team of highly skilled mechanics to do any necessary maintenance or repairs. FBOs also provide interior and exterior aircraft cleaning services.

- Parking: FBOs offer both short- and long-term parking for planes, making it easier for pilots to select a solution that meets their needs. Versatile parking options include short-term parking for refueling, long-term parking by tying a plane down, and renting hangar space.

- Amenities: In order to recover and prepare for their next flight, charter pilots frequently rely on FBOs for housing and other amenities. Pilots are often provided with flight planning rooms, meals, lounges, and automobile rental services. Occasionally, they provide sleeping rooms and showers for extended visits.

Comprehend FBO Classifications

FBOs are divided into three distinct categories based on their overall income and the services they provide. Below are descriptions of the three primary kinds of FBOs.

Tier One FBOs are the largest sort of FBO. The annual income of qualifying organizations must be greater than $25 million. Typically, these FBOs provide complete fuel, facility, and hangar space services. They also include maintenance and technical services for turbine aircraft, including replacement of necessary components. In addition, they often offer OEM-certified aircraft servicing centers and charter and management services for turbine aircraft.

Tier Two FBOs have an annual revenue range from $10 million to $25 million, placing them in the center of the spectrum. Similar to Tier One FBOs, this category of FBOs provides complete fuel, maintenance and parts for turbine aircraft, as well as facility and hangar space. Typically, they also provide aircraft chartering and management services. Tier Two FBOs typically host specialist missions, such as med-vac and geophysical services, in contrast to Tier One FBOs.

Tier Three is comprised of the smallest and most prevalent FBO kinds. They offer fuel, facility, and hangar services like the other two. Tier Three FBOs generally offer services for piston and turboprop aircraft, as opposed to the other tiers that supply maintenance and components for turbine aircraft. In addition, they frequently provide piston and turboprop aircraft charters and flying schools, including flight instruction and aircraft rentals.

Can You Select Your FBO?

Typically, the pilot and flight department select the FBO for a passenger's trip. Frequently, their option will rely on the sorts of contracts they have with various FBOs, with fuel contracts frequently dictating their ultimate selection. However, the majority of pilots will accommodate passenger requests for a different FBO. If they consent to the transition, there may be an additional fee to cover the increased expenditures.

When selecting an FBO for your trip, you should first determine how much more it will cost to depart from the pilot's preferred FBO. If the pricing range is still within your budget, you can move FBOs with confidence.

After examining the financial parameters, you may also wish to compare the entertainment, facilities, and transportation alternatives offered by various FBOs. Guests who want to remain at the FBO for a lengthy amount of time will certainly need more facilities. Evaluating the FBO's lounge, entertainment choices, and eating alternatives will help assure a pleasant stay.

For those who need to get going immediately upon landing, it is advisable to select a hotel that facilitates rapid transit to numerous locations. You may also choose an airport that places you in the greatest position and provides the quickest transit to your destination. Many passengers will choose an FBO depending on the availability of nearby hotels.

Suggestions When Using an FBO Before and After Your Flight

Frequently, passengers have questions regarding the FBO experience, such as how to get there and where to park. As you search for an FBO and plan your flight, you may learn more about the most important considerations when using an FBO. Below are few of the most commonly asked questions regarding flying with an FBO.

How can I reach the FBO and register??

Typically, FBOs are distinct from commercial airline terminals. When you receive the itinerary for your private flight, you will find the FBO's address and driving directions. The check-in procedure is brisk, and the reception staff is ready to assist you with boarding your aircraft and answer any queries you may have.

Where do passengers park their vehicles??

Typically, FBOs provide free parking for guests who wish to leave their vehicles in a safe location. Some even provide valet parking to facilitate the boarding procedure.

What is the procedure for security??

You won't have to wait in a lengthy line or through luggage searches or personal inspections, unlike with more conventional traveling alternatives. Typically, you simply need to give identification to a pilot or agent, making the security procedure far quicker.

Who will manage my luggage??

When you arrive at the FBO, the front-desk agent will assist you with loading your bags onto the aircraft. Due to the fact that FBOs cooperate with flight crews, they will handle your luggage without you having to do anything.

Are Customs and Immigration services available??

Numerous FBOs provide customs and immigration services at their facilities for foreign travelers. Occasionally, you will be need to go through the airport's usual customs and immigration process, but it will be faster than at a commercial terminal.

How do passengers reach their next flight??

Passengers who are changing aircraft can coordinate with the FBO to have transportation to their next trip arranged in advance. Typically, shuttles or private automobiles will be available to transport you to your next aircraft swiftly and in luxury. Ensure you've contacted with the FBO so they can accommodate your travel needs if you're changing flights.

Today, reserve a private flight with Charter Jets, Inc..

When seeking a premium flight experience, Charter Jets, Inc. is the only company to contact. We use only the most luxurious FBOs in international airports and around the nation as well. Since our firm has access to the nation's largest and most technologically sophisticated private aircraft fleets, we can offer you with the perfect aircraft for your trip as we are not obligated to move our own fleet. In addition, you will receive personalized VIP service with hand-curated experiences while using the premier FBO’s on your charter.

Written + Edited By: Justin K.R. Collom - Chief Operating Officer - Charter Jets, Inc.