<p>A lifelong aviation enthusiast who joined&nbsp;<b data-stringify-type="bold">AIN</b>&nbsp;in 2007, Curt came to&nbsp;<b data-stringify-type="bold">the publication</b>&nbsp;from the broadcast industry where he was a national science and technology television reporter and producer. He writes on the FBO field, aviation finance, and sustainable aviation and occasionally contributes to&nbsp;<b data-stringify-type="bold">AIN&nbsp;</b>sister publication&nbsp;<i data-stringify-type="italic">Business Jet Traveler</i>. Curt was a member of the AINtv reporting staff that won the 2008 Aerospace Journalist of the Year award for Best Airshow Daily. That same year, he was a finalist for another AJOYA award. He earned an AJOYA for Best Business Aviation Submission in 2018 and was a finalist in that category in 2021. He received the National Air Transportation Association’s&nbsp; Aviation Journalist Award in 2012 and won a Pegasus Sapphire Business Aviation Award for outstanding journalism in 2021.</p>
<p>Before joining AIN, Curt worked with&nbsp;<i data-stringify-type="italic">Consumer Reports</i>’ television division, CRTV, and for several local television news staffs. An honors graduate of the State University of New York at Stony Brook, he earned a master’s degree in broadcast journalism from Boston University in 1995. Curt lives in New York State with his wife and two young sons.</p>


Senior Editor

Curt Epstein

<p>For the FBO industry, aircraft movements are its lifeblood, and 2024 proved to be a stable year for business aviation. While the 3,630,600 business jet and turboprop departures in the U.S. were just a percentage point off from the previous year, they were still 23% above pre-pandemic totals, according to data from industry data analyst WingX Advance.</p>
<p>For Europe, departures were down less than 1% from 2023 and still nearly seven points above 2019 numbers. In the Caribbean region, however, business was booming: activity was up by 9.4% last year.</p>
<p>In terms of industry consolidation, while the number of FBO transactions was down from the dizzying heights of recent years, it remains a seller’s market. “While the industry has largely moved on from the record-breaking acquisitions of the two largest chains by private equity in 2021, these transactions captured the imagination of many FBO owners considering selling the past few years,” said Douglas Wilson, president and senior partner of industry consultancy FBO Partners.</p>
<p>“Those sellers adjusted their valuation expectations accordingly, yet unscientifically.” Those inflated asking prices, higher interest rates, and decreased inventory of highly attractive top-tier locations could all serve to cool down what had been a busy FBO consolidation market. “Adding to the transactional malaise is an unusually large pool of would-be aggregators,” Wilson said.</p>
<p>Over the past few years, players such as Lynx FBO and Ross Aviation were absorbed by Atlantic Aviation, while Tac Air was acquired by Signature Aviation. However, others such as Modern Aviation, Skyservice, AeroCenters, a revamped Odyssey Aviation, and newcomers to the market remain to take their place in the FBO acquisition ecosystem.</p>
<p>While Wilson expects a relatively robust mergers and acquisitions market for 2025, he cautions that unpredictable volatility from Washington could have far-reaching effects. “The potential loss of thousands of government employees who regulate the industry will slow transactions.”</p>
<p>One major development in the U.S. FBO industry this past year was in the geographic expansion of the sustainable aviation fuel (SAF) supply. While SAF availability had been limited to the West Coast, a series of announcements from producers such as Neste and distributors such as World Fuel Services and Avfuel last year saw it flow steadily eastward as new distribution terminals were established.</p>
<p>With that backdrop, <strong>AIN</strong> tasked its readers to rate the FBOs they frequent in five categories. To reach the top rungs of facilities worldwide in the survey, it’s not enough for an FBO to score highly in just one or two categories; the top-rated facilities must show consistent quality across all five areas.</p>


<h1><b>The Americas</b></h1>
<p>Pentastar Aviation at Detroit-area Oakland County International Airport (KPTK) once again earned the highest score among all aviation service providers worldwide in <b>AIN</b>’s annual FBO Survey with a score of 4.83, edging out second--place finisher Modern Aviation at Fort Worth Meacham International Airport (KFTW) by one-tenth of a point. For Pentastar, this represents its fifth consecutive year as the highest ranked FBO as selected by our readers.</p>
<p>The top of the Americas portion of this year’s survey was dominated by Florida and Texas FBOs, with the two states claiming 12 of the 16 top 5% slots between them. New York, California, North Dakota, and Michigan each had one.</p>
<p>Filling out the first five positions in the survey this year were Sheltair Tampa (KTPA), Henriksen Jet Center at Austin Executive Airport (KEDC) in Texas, and Jet Aviation at Palm Beach International (KPBI), which tied with Sheltair at Fort Lauderdale/Hollywood International Airport (KFLL), both in Florida.</p>
<p>Among the remaining 10 FBOs scoring in the top 5%, five celebrated their first time in the top tier of the survey: Sheltair’s facilties, at Orlando Executive (KORL) and Daytona Beach International (KDAB) airports; Astin Aviation in College Station, Texas (KCLL), Desert Jet Center at Jacqueline Cochrane Regional Airport (KTRM) in California, and Million Air at New York’s Westchester County Airport (KHPN).</p>


<h1><b>4.83 Pentastar Aviation</b></h1>
<h2><b>Oakland County International Airport (KPTK), Pontiac, Michigan</b></h2>
<p>For Pentastar Aviation, one of five FBOs at Detroit-area Oakland County International Airport, this year’s AIN FBO Survey continues its run as the top-­scoring facility, holding that spot either singly or tied for the past five years.</p>
<p>Having just celebrated its 60th anniversary, the company—which traces its origin back to Chrysler’s flight department—was the only FBO this year to place in the top ten in all five categories: line service (4.86), passenger amenities (4.78), pilot amenities (4.79), facilities (4.80), and CSRs (4.91).</p>
<p>“I think the thing that sets us apart is the consistency with which we approach the highest possible standards,” company president Brad Bruce told AIN. “We operate on an airfield with much competition, and it is our customer-focused service approach that we have delivered for decades that has built a trust and loyalty with our customers.” To show them its appreciation, the company has instituted monthly customer focus days, during which it offers guests a variety of complimentary treats, running the gamut from soup to (do)nuts.</p>
<p>A full-service FBO, Pentastar offers a range of aviation services, including maintenance, completions, and refurbishment, as well as an aircraft charter and management division, in addition to traditional aircraft handling, fueling, and sheltering.</p>
<p>The Avfuel-branded complex is home to 21 turbine-powered aircraft ranging from a Boeing Business Jet on down. A 22-acre facility, it includes 130,000 sq ft of hangar space and 10 acres of reinforced ramp space, allowing the FBO to handle virtually any size aircraft.</p>
<p>Its main 5,000-sq-ft terminal is undergoing a six-month renovation to “ensure it meets the highest standards of comfort and convenience,” according to v-p of FBO services Ben Hammond. It offers passenger lounges, multimedia-equipped conference rooms, company offices, and Pentastar’s in-house full-service catering kitchen, the Fivestar Gourmet, which has become so successful that, in addition to serving customers at neighboring FBOs, it services other airports in the region.</p>
<p>The FBO also operates the Stargate, a separate satellite 10,000-sq-ft terminal intended to handle large charter aircraft, with its own baggage carousel and what is believed to be the only privately operated jetway in the country.</p>


<h1><b>4.82 Modern Aviation</b></h1>
<h2><b>Fort Worth Meacham International Airport (KFTW), Fort Worth, Texas&nbsp;</b></h2>
<p>Growing FBO chain Modern Aviation purchased the former American Aero FTW location last May, and the highly-regarded facility has lost nothing in the ownership change as one of only two locations to earn a score of 4.78 or higher in every survey category this year. It ranked in the top 10 in four of the five survey categories: passenger amenities (4.82), pilot amenities (4.79), CSRs (4.86), and facilities (4.85).</p>
<p>“Exceptional customer service, a commitment to safety, and a world-class facility are all reasons why our customers have placed us in the top 5% of all FBOs in the AIN survey since 2018,” said general manager Glenn Rack.</p>
<p>That safety culture is amply demonstrated by the FBO being the first in the world to achieve Stage 3 registration under the International Standard for Business Aircraft Handling (IS-BAH) in 2018, signifying a mature and integrated safety management system.</p>
<p>The Avfuel-branded facility has a 31-acre leasehold at KFTW, and its terminal occupies 8,000 sq ft of exclusive space in the airport operations building. No technology was spared in its construction—from white noise speakers embedded in the walls to provide privacy, to automatically dimming windows to blunt the effects of the harsh Texas sun.</p>
<p>The terminal offers three separate passenger lounges (including a separate TSA-secure private lounge with ensuite bathroom and direct ramp access), a well-stocked refreshment bar, crew dining area, pilot lounge with shower facilities, a snooze room with a soundproof one-ton door, a 20-seat conference room, sheltered parking, complimentary overnight crew cars, and a galley for food preparation.</p>
<p>“Our mission is to provide customers with the best experience every visit,” Rack told AIN. “Every FBO pumps fuel; we set ourselves apart by providing a smooth and effortless experience to our customers that they will remember.”</p>
<p>Despite having 250,000 sq ft of hangar space, plans call for the construction of an additional nearly 100,000 sq ft of aircraft shelter at the facility over the next few years.</p>


<h1>4.77 Sheltair</h1>
<h2>Tampa International Airport (KTPA), Tampa, Florida</h2>
<p>Sheltair’s Tampa facility began its existence as Tampa International Jet Center before being acquired by the chain in 2016, but in its 18 years of operation, the location—no matter what name—has held a spot in the top rungs of the AIN FBO Survey. This year, it was one of just three FBOs worldwide to earn a score over 4.7 in each of the five survey categories, according to AIN’s readers, placing it among the leaders in four of the five: line service (4.80), passenger amenities (4.76), pilot amenities (4.73), and facilities (4.79).</p>
<p>The Florida-based company has invested heavily in the CAA Preferred location, having recently completed a $1 million-plus renovation to the 12,000-sq-ft two-story terminal that introduced a multitude of improvements to what was already an impressive facility. It features an airy double-­height lobby running from the streetside porte-cochère straight through to the iconic 12,000-sq-ft rampside arrivals canopy, with a refreshment bar, pilot lounge, flight planning area, and a pair of conference rooms.</p>
<p>Open 24/7, the Avfuel-branded location occupies 35 acres at KTPA with a staff of 45.</p>
<p>Home to 47 turbine aircraft, the IS-BAH Stage 2-registered complex has 284,000 sq ft of hangar space, including a recent $26 million expansion project consisting of 77,000 sq ft of aircraft shelter along with 32,000 sq ft of office space. Last June, Sheltair broke ground on what will be a 57,000-sq-ft MRO facility capable of sheltering aircraft up to a Boeing BBJ. It is expected to be completed by the end of the year.</p>
<p>While many FBOs have warehouses or fuel terminals as neighbors, Sheltair’s KTPA location offers top-tier dining options within walking distance from the front door in an upscale urban shopping district. Also, Raymond James Stadium (home to the NFL’s Tampa Bay Buccaneers) abuts the airport property, allowing the FBO to shuttle passengers heading there for football games or concerts to an airport side gate within walking distance of the stadium’s entrance.</p>


<h1>4.76 Henriksen Jet Center</h1>
<h2>Austin Executive Airport (KEDC), Austin, Texas&nbsp;</h2>
<p>For the eighth consecutive year, Henriksen Jet Center, the FBO at the privately owned Austin Executive Airport, has placed in the top 5% of all FBOs, according to AIN’s readers. The facility landed in the top 10 in the pilot amenities and facilities categories with scores of 4.78 and 4.84, respectively, and shared the highest score in this year’s survey in the passenger amenities category (4.83).</p>
<p>Like its older sister at Houston Executive Airport (KTME)—which also landed in the top 5% this year—it is a Paragon Aviation Group member and, as in Houston, the company owns both the airport and the FBO in Austin.</p>
<p>One of the popular features of the KEDC facility is its massive 15,000-sq-ft aircraft arrivals canopy, which can accommodate up to a Boeing Business Jet-class aircraft and ease the aircraft’s air conditioner burden from Texas’ blazing sun.</p>
<p>The 21,500-sq-ft terminal features a modern two-story glass-sheathed lobby. On display is an Olympus engine from the former Concorde jetliner, along with a restored 1914 Indian motorcycle in a glass case. Amenities include a pilot lounge with quiet rooms equipped with the latest in massage chairs, shower facilities, luxurious theater room with stadium seating, and 12-seat conference room. The upstairs level is leased to tenants.</p>
<p>The Phillips 66-branded location, which is staffed 24/7, has half a million sq ft of ramp space along with more than 200,000 sq ft of hangar space, and it is home to 54 based jets and turboprops.</p>
<p>During one weekend in October, when the Texas capital hosted not only a key college football game but the Formula 1 United States Grand Prix as well, KEDC saw the busiest three-day weekend in its history, handling more than 400 turbine aircraft operations, according to airport executive director Andrew Perry.</p>


<h1><b>4.75 Jet Aviation</b></h1>
<h2><b>Palm Beach International Airport (KPBI),&nbsp;</b><b>West Palm Beach, Florida</b></h2>
<p>Jet Aviation’s facility at Florida’s Palm Beach International Airport has been a fixture there since 1985, and it is perennially the global chain’s highest-scoring location in AIN’s annual FBO Survey.</p>
<p>A member of the Air Elite Network of upscale FBOs, the facility’s main 18,000-sq-ft two-story terminal just completed an interior renovation project. It is open 24/7 and features passenger lounges, refreshment bar, pilot lounge, snooze room, flight planning area, shower facilities, conference room, concierge and crew cars, courtesy shuttles, and onsite car rental. It is an approved gateway to Ronald Reagan Washington National Airport under the TSA’s DCA Access Standard Security Program (DASSP), and like all other Jet Aviation facilities, it is IS-BAH registered.</p>
<p>At KPBI, the CAA-preferred FBO shares a secondary 7,000-sq-ft terminal with sister company Gulfstream, along with a 40,000-sq-ft hangar that brought the facility—home to 55 turbine-­powered aircraft—up to 200,000 sq ft of space capable of accommodating bizliners such as the BBJ and ACJ. For outside aircraft parking, it also has more than a half-million sq ft of ramp space in its 25-acre leasehold.</p>
<p>The Phillips 66-branded location—open 24/7 with a staff of 64—received its highest scores this year (4.81) in the customer-facing areas of line service and CSRs. “The customer is at the heart of everything we do,” explained general manager Steven Schrammel. “The team in Palm Beach really takes this to heart and is dedicated to creating a personalized experience for all of our customers, built on the highest standards of safety and service.” He added that his staff is empowered to make quick, informed decisions to prioritize safety and customer service.</p>
<p>Sustainability is a key focus at the facility, which began offering continuous supplies of sustainable aviation fuel in January. Other environmentally friendly features include low-flow water fixtures, a white roof to reflect heat, and low-energy LED lighting throughout the facility. Outside, landscaping was designed with drought-resistant plants and heat-­reducing tarmac.</p>


<h1>4.75 Sheltair</h1>
<h2>Fort Lauderdale–Hollywood International Airport (KFLL), Fort Lauderdale, Florida</h2>
<p>The second of four Sheltair FBOs to take a bow in the top 5% of the rated FBOs in AIN’s survey, Fort Lauderdale moved up in the rankings with an improved score of 4.75. And this followed a top 5% placement last year at 4.70.</p>
<p>Not resting on its laurels, Sheltair-FLL has remained busy with updates at its facilities built in 1989 in South Florida. At its U.S. Customs and Border Protection terminal, Sheltair repainted and refurnished the interior and upgraded its restrooms and elevators. Additionally, the main FBO facility’s second and third floors were updated, as were the first-floor restrooms.</p>
<p>This year, plans call for repainting of its building exteriors, along with a refresh of the 9,750-sq-ft first floor of the three-story main FBO. Also still ahead are new duty-free shops in both buildings and new HVAC systems.</p>
<p>Garnering strong scores of 4.72 (top 10) for pilot amenities, 4.71 for passenger amenities, and 4.78 for facilities, Sheltair-FLL’s main terminal offers features such as a fitness room with a cedar-lined sauna and a designated lounge for charter customers, a quiet area for guests beyond its main FBO lobby—the busiest in the Sheltair network. Located next to the main FBO building, the second building is one of the few in the region to feature around-the-clock customs services.</p>
<p>A staff of 53 keeps the FBO running 24 hours a day, seven days a week, with another five employees working in its properties department. The Tier 2 IS-BAH-­registered facility provides comprehensive months-long line service training with a focus on working in a fast-paced environment and navigating through potentially hazardous situations. Reflecting all of this, Sheltair KFFL drew a 4.73 rating for line service.</p>
<p>This environment includes handling the crowds arriving for events such as the Fort Lauderdale International Boat Show, Formula 1 Miami, the World Cup, the Men’s Cricket World Cup, and the Orange Bowl.</p>
<p>Sheltair says it strives to personalize guest experiences with a “Family First. Fuel. Build. Serve.” mantra. This mission was reflected in its 4.80 score for its customer service representatives.</p>


<p>Ten additional locations rounded out the top 5% of FBOs worldwide in the survey this year. Half have previously placed within the top tier, while the remaining five are making their debut there this year.</p>
<p>Garnering scores of 4.74 were Banyan Air Service at Florida’s Fort Lauderdale Executive Airport (KFXE) and Henriksen Jet Center’s second Texas location at Houston Executive Airport (KTME).</p>
<p>Sheltair* at Florida’s Orlando Executive Airport (KORL) earned a score of 4.73, while Astin Aviation*, the lone service provider serving Easterwood Field Airport (KCLL) in College Station, Texas, received a score of 4.72, the same as airport-­operated Base Operations at Page Field (KFMY) in Fort Myers, Florida.</p>
<p>There were five FBOs tied with a score of 4.71: Desert Jet Center*, at Jacqueline Cochran Regional Airport (KTRM) in Palm Springs, California; Fargo Jet Center, Hector International Airport (KFAR) in Fargo, North Dakota; Galaxy FBO at Houston-area Conroe-North Houston Regional Airport (KCXO); Sheltair* at Daytona Beach International Airport (KDAB) in Florida; and, at New York’s Westchester County Airport (KHPN), Million Air*, which was the highest-placed FBO in the Northeast U.S.</p>


<p>In its annual FBO survey, <strong>AIN</strong>’s readers evaluate hundreds of aircraft handling facilities worldwide on a one-to-five scale in five categories: line service, passenger amenities, pilot amenities, facilities, and CSRs. The survey divides the globe into two segments, the Americas and the “Rest of World” (RoW). For the latter, the UK’s Farnborough Airport again earned the highest accolades in the survey, as it has virtually since the day it opened more than two decades ago, with a 4.66&nbsp; score overall this year. It also garnered the top grade among all facilities worldwide in the facilities category with a 4.86.</p>
<p>The London area was well represented with quality locations taking the three top spots for the segment, including Harrods Aviation (4.60) and Universal Aviation (4.56) at Stansted Airport (EGSS).</p>
<p>Outside of the European FBOs, global aviation services provider ExecuJet’s facility at Sydney Kingsford Smith Airport (YSSY) took the highest rating in the segment (4.55), followed by Signature Munich (EDDM), which was the mega-chain’s top-scoring location (4.54)<br>
beyond the U.S.</p>
<p>Also among the top performers in this year’s survey were Jet Aviation’s location at Amsterdam Schiphol Airport (EHAM) at 4.51 and Mjets FBO at Don Mueang International Airport in Bangkok (VTBD) at 4.46.</p>


<h1><b>4.66&nbsp;Farnborough Airport</b></h1>
<h2><b>(EGLF), Farnborough, UK</b></h2>
<p>Farnborough Airport once again was the highest-ranked FBO outside of North America, and private owner Macquarie has relentlessly invested in the London-area gateway since acquiring it in 2019. The opening of the new Domus III four-bay hangar complex last year is the most visible proof of this commitment, increasing available hangar space by 70% to a total of 415,000 sq ft.</p>
<p>Space aside, the new structure, which cost around $70 million to build, also reflects the company’s strong commitment to meeting its ambitious net-zero carbon targets, with features such as automatic daylight dimming of lights, translucent doors to maximize natural light, energy-­efficient heating, and a system that “harvests” rainwater. These innovations include 4,000 solar panels installed on the hangar roofs by UK specialist Solivus and electric ground vehicles.</p>
<p>The location’s 52,000-sq-ft, three-story terminal led all FBOs globally in the facilities category with a score of 4.86, and it placed among the top performers for passenger amenities (4.77) and pilot amenities (4.74). It features VIP customer lounges that can accommodate high-volume flights, conference rooms, crew lounge and snooze rooms, work area, passenger and crew shower facilities, laundry service, concierge, and gymnasium. Drive-through customs and immigration clearance is available along with the on-airport Aviator Hotel.</p>
<p>Macquarie’s investments have continued to lure other companies to the expansive business aviation enclave, with Flexjet having picked Farnborough for its European Tactical Control Center. There are now more than 50 companies based at the 117-year-old airfield, and 76 aircraft call it home.</p>
<p>Recognizing that the skills and attitudes of its people are equally important ingredients in the airport’s secret sauce, Farnborough has made a strong commitment to recruiting and training local staff, with more than 400 people now on its books (not including those employed by other service providers). More than 80% of staff reside within a 10-mile radius, and the airport has forged partnerships with the local Farnborough College to support training in aviation-specific skills, including ground operations and maintenance.</p>


<h1>4.60 Harrods Aviation</h1>
<h2>London Stansted Airport (EGSS), UK</h2>
<p>Harrods Aviation Stansted was the next highest placing FBO in the “Rest of World” segment this year, repeating its standing from a year ago. In 2023, the company purchased Fayair, a rival service provider at EGSS, and now operates the two locations simultaneously, dubbing its original location—which celebrates its 30th anniversary this year—as Harrods Aviation-The Knightsbridge and the newer location as The Brompton. The latter is currently undergoing a remodel of its customer areas with design partner BoConcept.</p>
<p>Both facilities are designed to cater to large-scale operations as well as private, discreet travel. “The Knightsbridge, for example, can seamlessly accommodate a commercial charter flight of over 100 passengers,” explained Harrods Aviation managing director Paul Norton, adding that the facility typically receives the larger head-of-state aircraft. “The Brompton, while equally capable of handling aircraft of all sizes, is often used for mid- and large-cabin business jets.” Combined, the two FBOs provide more than 100,000 sq ft of hangar space capable of sheltering aircraft up to a Boeing 757. Now, the company is in the process of upgrading its fuel truck fleet, having just received its first new bowser with two more on order.</p>
<p>Offering two full-service terminals at EGSS, Harrods offers onsite security, customs, and immigration clearance; a conference room; passenger and pilot lounges; a work area; gym; and driver rest areas with private vehicle ramp access and crew transfers. The company is the first (and thus far only) UK location to achieve Stage 3 registration under IBAC’s International Standard for Business Aircraft Handling (IS-BAH).</p>
<p>This year, the facilities earned their highest score (4.70) in the customer service category, and Harrods has an extensive in-house training program for both its CSR and line staff. “Our customer service philosophy is centered on delivering understated, quiet luxury with impeccable, personalized service that exceeds expectations,” said Nathan Farrow, head of customer experience for Harrods Aviation. “Our commitment is to ensure that every individual who walks through our doors feels valued, cared for, and immersed in an experience that is both effortless and memorable.”</p>


<h1>4.56 Universal Aviation</h1>
<h2>London Stansted Airport (EGSS), Stansted, UK</h2>
<p>Universal Aviation’s facility at London Stansted Airport is one of the longest-­established FBOs in the UK, having celebrated its 40th anniversary last year. A perennial top finisher in the “Rest of World” segment, the location is part of the ground handling arm of Texas-based Universal Weather and Aviation, and this year it earned its highest score (4.74) in the customer service category, followed by a 4.71 in line service.</p>
<p>“We are known for our strong will and determination to always get the best for our customers,” said Sean Raftery, the company’s managing director for the UK and Ireland, who has been with the facility for more than three decades. “Our role is to support our customers’ missions by helping them navigate through any flight-related complexities, help them drive down their operating risks, and reduce their stress.”</p>
<p>The two-story 11,000-sq-ft FBO is equipped with a crew business center, crew and VIP lounges, shower facilities, and conference rooms that have proven so popular that reservations are recommended, according to Raftery. Customs and immigration services are available onsite, and in accordance with new government regulations, the company has upgraded its security screening suite with new equipment.</p>
<p>With 40 team members at EGSS, the facility operates from 7 a.m. to 10 p.m. but, upon request, can be available during extended hours. It has achieved Stage 2 registration under IBAC’s IS-BAH voluntary safety standard-based program, with its Stage 3 audit slated for May.</p>
<p>The facility has 40,000 sq ft of private ramp space, with access to several hangars that can house aircraft the size of Boeing Business Jets or Airbus Corporate Jets.</p>
<p>Raftery noted that last year was another record-breaking year of activity at the FBO. “The Paris Olympics kept us busy at Stansted, which is a great place to reposition to when parking in Paris is full. A short, drama-free hop across the channel.”</p>


<h1><b>4.55&nbsp;ExecuJet Australia</b></h1>
<h2><b>Sydney Kingsford Smith Airport (YSSY),&nbsp;</b><b>Sydney, Australia</b></h2>
<p>ExecuJet, the ground handling arm of the Luxaviation Group, operates FBOs all around the world except for North America, but its facility at Australia’s Sydney Kingsford Smith Airport is the one that turned up among the top-rated international service providers in AIN’s FBO Survey for the eighth straight year. The facility is nearing its 50th anniversary in operation and has been an ExecuJet location for more than half that span.</p>
<p>“Being part of a truly global aviation company allows us as an FBO to leverage the skills and expertise of colleagues around the world,” said Matthew Guy, the company’s regional FBO manager for ExecuJet’s Asia-Pacific region. “There is a constant flow of ideas and knowledge across our network, and I believe the clients feel this when they travel to one of our facilities.”</p>
<p>The YSSY facility has a two-story, 3,230-sq-ft terminal, which was recently remodeled by a luxury design firm, elevating its elegance and comfort. Passenger and crew lounges are included in the building, as well as onsite CIQ services, a trio of conference rooms, and a catering preparation kitchen.</p>
<p>ExecuJet’s leasehold includes 43,000 sq ft of aircraft parking with direct lounge access and enough hangar space to accommodate a pair of Bombardier Global 7500s. The FBO is home to nine based aircraft and hosts between five and 15 visiting aircraft at any given time.</p>
<p>“The size of aircraft requested for charter are smaller, particularly for domestic sectors,” Guy told AIN, adding that the based aircraft are growing larger. As an example, he noted that eight Bombardier Global 7500s are now based in Australia and New Zealand. “This is a huge percentage of the total number of this aircraft type compared to the size of the region’s business aviation industry.”</p>
<p>ExecuJet’s Sydney FBO was the global chain’s first location to achieve Stage 3, the highest level of IBAC’s IS-BAH voluntary safety standard-based program. With 25 employees, it is open from 6 a.m. until 10 p.m. and after hours upon request. It earned its highest score this year (4.75) in the CSR category. “Our philosophy is simple,” said Guy. “We welcome every visitor into our facility as if we are welcoming them into our home.”</p>


<h1><b>4.54 Signature Aviation</b></h1>
<h2><b>Munich Airport (EDDM), Munich, Germany</b></h2>
<p>Signature Flight Support at Munich International Airport (EDDM) once again earned the highest score for any of the FBO chain’s locations outside of the Americas. The German facility scored highest in the CSR category with a 4.77 average score. Explaining his team’s customer service philosophy, general manager Oliver Trono told AIN, “We want all our guests to feel at home. Our job is to anticipate guests’ needs, make their life easy, and their journey through us stress-free. If there is something we cannot get for them, we will find an alternative. ‘No’ does not exist.”</p>
<p>Like most FBOs in Europe, Signature Munich resides in the general aviation terminal (GAT), occupying 5,400 sq ft of space on two levels. Amenities include a refreshment bar with soft drinks, “best-in-world” beer, coffee, local snacks, and, during the summer months, ice cream. The facility features a crew lounge with showers and snooze room, onsite customs and immigration clearance, two conference rooms, business center, and recreation room with foosball and pool tables. It also has a fleet of vehicles, including a 7 Series BMW limousine for passenger and crew ground transfers.</p>
<p>Normal operating hours are from 6 a.m. to 10 p.m., in coordination with the airport’s overnight curfew. In cases of approved late operations, after-hours service is available. All hangar space at EDDM is managed by the airport authority and is assigned on a “first come, first served” basis. The airport can provide shelter for ultra-long-range business jets.</p>


<p>Two other FBOs in the “Rest of World” segment scored in the top 20% of all facilities worldwide in this year’s survey: Jet Aviation at Schiphol Airport (4.51) in Amsterdam and Mjets FBO at Don Mueang International Airport (4.46) in Bangkok.</p>


<p>The <strong>AIN</strong> FBO Survey once again is recognizing FBOs demonstrating the most improvement from last year. We chose to profile one such FBO in this category, Sheltair, which led the Americas in the category. Globally, Jet Aviation at Seletar Airport (WSSL) led improvements, raising its score by .20 to 4.19.</p>


<p>New developments at FBOs including regulations and noise issues; legal disputes; openings, acquisitions and mergers.</p>


Pentastar, Farnborough Take Top Honors in AIN FBO Survey

AIN readers rate the best FBOs in the Americas and EMEAA

Pentastar and Farnborough take the top spots in AIN's FBO Survey.

2024 Corporate Aviation Leadership Summit

<p>News and issues relating to business, corporate and private aviation, primarily regarding turbine-engine-powered airplanes and helicopters. Subjects include aircraft, engines, maintenance, operations, personnel, acquisitions, accidents, safety, security, and training.</p>


$10 million development is slated for completion early next year

Utah FBO OK3 Air Starts Expansion Project

<p>News and issues concerning the aviation charter and fractional-ownership industries and markets, including company announcements, regulations, new developments and labor issues.</p>


This latest FBO survey window will remain open until January 11

AIN’s FBO Survey Window Reopens after Site Renovation

<p>New developments at airports including regulations and noise issues; legal disputes; openings, acquisitions and mergers.</p>


<p>News about bills, laws, regulations and other governmental decisions affecting aviation and aerospace. Topics include FAA re-authorizations, taxes on fuel and aviation activities, environmental legislation, ICAO decisions, governmental mediation of labor conflicts and World Trade Organization disputes and decisions.</p>


More In FBOs

Utah FBO OK3 Air Starts Expansion Project

$10 million development is slated for completion early next year

AIN’s FBO Survey Window Reopens after Site Renovation

This latest FBO survey window will remain open until January 11

Signature Smooths International Arrivals at Teterboro

FBO chain has designated a new international arrivals terminal

UK FBO Chain Weston Aviation Adds Fifth Location

Manchester Airport is its newest facility

Avflight Expands Network with Wisconsin FBO Purchase

Acquisition brings the chain to 27 locations

Sustainability, Improvement Honored at AIN FBO Awards

Event highlighted the best service providers in the industry

Galaxy FBO at Houston Hobby Starts New Hangar Build

The 29,000-sq-ft structure is slated for December completion

Luxaviation Implements Centrik Safety Platform for FBOs

Business aviation services group has used the TrustFlight technology since 2018

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