6 Factors to Consider When Choosing FBOs for Businesses

 Unless you’re an airport that can provide all the necessary support for smooth services (ranging from ground to private jet services), you’re probably in need of fixed-based operators (FBOs).

FBOs for businesses provide essential services for private and charter planes for airports around the world. It can be tricky to find the right service, especially if you’re not sure about the options that exist in the first place.

In this article, we’ll provide the necessary information for you to choose the right FBO for your business. 

What You Need to Know About FBOs 

The FBO meaning is defined as any kind of person or organization that offers aeronautical services permanently at an airport. The services can include: 

• Supplying fuel 
• Aircraft maintenance 
• Flight training 
• Rentals
• Parking, storage, and hangarage 
• And others … 

There are over 3,000 FBOs in the U.S., and most airports around the country have one or event two FBOs. Where do you even start? Take the following six factors into consideration when you begin looking at common FBO services for your business.

6 Factors for Choosing FBOs for Businesses

1. Quality of Customer Service

Recently, AIN asked its readers to list their priorities when choosing the right FBO. The results were that over 85% chose excellent customer service as a top priority. You’ll want to ensure that your chosen FBO trains its representatives well in customer service, and doing whatever it takes to make them happy.

2. Fuel Prices

The fuel prices that come along with FBOs vary a lot. This is especially important if you’re needed refueling services. You’ll find the fuel prices listed at certain websites (so its easy to check). Some operators offer discounts and loyalty programs and some, although the fuel price is high, subsidize additional services in return. 

3. Associations at Other Airports

Some FBOs will have associations with other airports, both international and domestic. It’s in your favor to check which associations they have (and if they match your most common routes) because it offers more options to ease the traveling for customers. These associations come in two forms: business presence and contact agreements.

4. Costs and Fees

The costs of the services are obviously important but keep your end goals in mind. Sometimes the higher costs are necessary to reach goals. Also, even though lower costs seem more attractive, the services provided could be low quality and will end up costing you more money and harm your reputation. 

5. Amenities on Flights

The crew and customers on your flight should be well-serviced and happy. You should look for an FBO that provides services like keeping the crew in the right state of mind during log flights or downtimes, especially.

6. Aircraft Essentials 

Some FBOs offer services like fueling, ground handling, de-icing, etc. You should ask about the aircraft essential services that are provided. It’s best to choose an FBO with well-reputed flight support that matches your specific needs.

Don’t Decide on Your Own

Choosing the right FBOs for businesses is key to your success. Your best bet is to include your crew what they would consider important factors for choosing the right one. They know best what is needed for smooth and enjoyable services for all.

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