Fixed-base operator: Difference between revisions

In the aviation industry, a fixed base operator (also known as fixed base of operation), or FBO, is a service center at an airport that may be a private enterprise or may be a department of the municipality that the airport serves.

The services offered by an FBO may include any of the following:

• Aircraft fueling, de-fueling and oil dispensing
• Aircraft parking, tie-down and hangar storage.
• Airframe, power plant and accessory service.
• Radio, avionics and instrument service.
• Air charter or aircraft rental.
• Flight training.
• Ground services, such as
  • Aircraft towing
  • Baggage handling
  • Glycol deicing
  • Power starts
  • Air Starts
  • Lavatory services
  • Potable water
  • Aircraft cleaning
  • Cabin supplies
  • Catering

Additionally the FBO may serve pilots, private airplane owners, travelers and airlines with services such as rental cars, charters, lounges, catering, hotel reservations, weather briefing and flight planning services, business centers,and a wide variety of related and non-related services.

Many FBOs use software, like FBO Manager, to manage their front desk operations. Software operates like the programs seen at fast food restaurants and allows the FBO to swipe credit cards, manage their fuel inventory and provide reports to management. Operating like a concierge at a high-priced hotel, the FBO environment is centered around productively moving passengers from the ramp to their destination.

FBO Chains

There are roughly 5,245 FBOs in the United States. Many FBOs are operated as franchisees or members of a chain. FBO chains common in the United States include SheltAir Aviation Services, Signature Flight Support, Million Air, Atlantic Aviation, Cutter Aviation, Landmark Aviation, TACAir, Trajen and UVglobal Network.

See also

• Airport
• List of aviation topics

External links

• AirNav list of FBOs - List of FBOs serving U.S. airports, with their contact information and lists of services offered
• FlightCentral list of FBOs - List of FBOs serving U.S. airports with contact information and local weather