Understanding the Range Of Services Offered By FBOs

What are FBO Services?

To understand Aviation FBO Management services, it is essential to understand the basic requirements of a general aviation or commercial airplane. Airplanes require handling (marshaling or directing the aircraft’s movement in confined spaces), fueling and private airplanes are often stored in a hangar overnight.  These three services—handling, fueling and hangaring—are often referred to as core line services.  FBOs which only provide these services are referred to as line-centric FBOs.

Many FBOs provide additional services which extend far beyond core line services.  FBOs may perform Maintenance, Repair and Overhaul (MRO) which includes airframe and power plant services for aircraft. They may also provide Aircraft Charter & Management (ACM) services.  As the name implies, there are two components to this area of aviation services.  First, an FBO may manage an airplane on behalf of an aircraft owner under FAA Part 91 by providing essential services such has crew staffing, flight planning, maintenance management, etc. that an owner does not wish to do himself.  Additionally, if the FBO has a Part 135 Air Carrier certificate, then it may offer an owner’s aircraft out for hire by third parties; this practice is known as aircraft charter.

FBOs provide the facilities (general aviation terminals, ramp and hangars) from which aircraft operations originate and terminate.  Since FBO terminals do not have the same constraints as commercial passenger terminals, passenger transfer is fast and efficient in either direction (enplanement or deplanement).

Additional Services Provided by FBOs

• They provide additional aircraft services such as ground power units, air starts and, in colder climates, de-icing services.
• At commercial airports, FBOs may also ground handle and fuel the commercial airlines serving the airport.
• They provide flight planning and weather planning services for flight crews.
• They provide terminal facilities and amenities for general aviation passengers.
• They provide crew rest areas for flight crews.
• FBOs provide “concierge services” such as coordinating aircraft catering, ground transportation and other areas of the passenger experience for general aviation customers.

How are FBOs different?

The short answer is the level of service and value they deliver.  Large chain FBOs can be too rigid in their approach and treat a customer as an account number rather than a passenger or flight crew.  Conversely, small FBOs may lack the resources to provide adequate facilities, industry leading services and amenities.  The solution often lies in the middle, with small FBO chains who continue to value relationships and have the resources to consistently deliver expectation surpassing customer experience.

If you would like to learn more about Aviation FBO Management services and FBO Management, please visit www.aviationinfrastructure.com. We are one of the most experienced and leading Fixed Base Operator Companies that provides professional management services tailored to meet your needs and competitive situation.

• Posted by admin
• October 26, 2018
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