What an FBO is and how to choose one

FBO stands for fixed-base operator, the company that runs the private terminal at an airport. If you fly private, the FBO is the building you walk into instead of an airline terminal, and it shapes the first and last ten minutes of every trip.

What an FBO does

For passengers, an FBO is a lounge with parking at the door and a short walk, or sometimes a short drive, to the aircraft. Behind the scenes it does much more, serving the aircraft and crew as well as you:

• Passenger lounge. Seating, restrooms, coffee and often a quiet room for calls.
• Parking. Short-stay parking by the entrance, with longer-term or valet parking at many.
• Ramp access. At some FBOs, your car can drive to the aircraft; at others, staff walk you out.
• Fuel and ground handling. Fuelling, towing, baggage, lavatory and water service, and de-icing in winter.
• Catering coordination. Taking delivery of catering ordered for your flight.
• Crew facilities. Rest areas, flight planning rooms and crew cars.
• Hangar space. Indoor parking for aircraft, valuable in snow or extreme heat.
• Customs access. At some airports, customs officers clear international arrivals at or near the FBO.

Who chooses the FBO

Usually the operator. Its choice depends on fuel agreements, handling fees, where its aircraft park and which FBO its crews know. You can ask for a preference, for example the terminal closest to your home or the one with car access to the ramp, and many operators will accommodate it. Sometimes it changes the price slightly, and we will tell you if so.

What it costs, and who pays

FBOs charge the operator, not you directly. Typical charges include a handling or facility fee, which is often reduced when the aircraft buys fuel there; ramp parking and overnight fees; hangar space; de-icing; and catering. These costs flow into the all-in quote you receive, which is why the same trip can be priced a little differently at two FBOs on the same field.

How to choose one that suits you

Your advisor can check these with the operator before you book.

On the day

Arrive a little before your departure time; at a private terminal there is no long queue to clear. Staff greet you, take your bags from the car to the aircraft and point you to the lounge if you are early. The crew will usually meet you in the lounge or at the aircraft door. Have a government photo ID ready for every adult, and passports for international trips.

Coming home, the process runs in reverse. Where the FBO allows it, your car can meet the aircraft; otherwise it is a short walk through the lounge to the kerb. International arrivals clear customs first, either at the FBO or at a nearby facility, before you leave the airport.

Charges you might see mentioned

You will not normally see FBO charges itemised on an all-in quote, but they explain why prices differ between airports and terminals:

• Handling or facility fee. A charge per visit for using the FBO, often reduced or waived when the aircraft buys a set amount of fuel.
• Ramp or parking fee. For the aircraft's parking space, charged per night at many airports and higher on event weekends.
• Hangar fee. For indoor parking, worth it in snow because it can save a de-icing bill in the morning.
• De-icing. Charged by the fluid used, and significant for a large jet on a cold morning.
• Catering. Prepared by outside caterers and delivered through the FBO, sometimes with a handling charge.

Landing fees, by contrast, are set by the airport itself rather than the FBO, and they apply wherever the aircraft parks.

While you wait

Most passengers spend very little time in the lounge, but it is there if you are early or the crew is finishing preparations. Wi-Fi, coffee and somewhere quiet to take a call are standard; some FBOs add showers, conference rooms or a pilot shop. If you are travelling with children or a dog, ask about a quiet corner or a pet relief area when you book. There is no expectation to tip FBO staff, though some passengers do when a team has gone out of its way.

If someone needs a little help

Most business jets board by a short airstair rather than a jet bridge, so tell us early if anyone in your group finds steps difficult or uses a wheelchair. FBO staff are used to helping passengers aboard, and a folding wheelchair can usually travel in the hold if it fits. Knowing in advance lets us suggest aircraft with a wider door, a larger hold or a cabin layout that makes the trip easier, and lets the FBO plan the help rather than improvise it.

Airports with more than one FBO

Busy business-aviation airports often have several FBOs, each run by a different company and sometimes on different sides of the field. The drive to one may be quicker than to another, and their facilities differ. When there is a choice, we tell you which terminal you are using and how to reach it, so you are not left circling the airport perimeter looking for the right gate.

Small airports with one FBO, or none

At smaller airports there may be one FBO with limited hours, or a simple terminal run by the airport itself. That is usually fine for a daytime trip in a smaller aircraft. For late arrivals, winter trips that need de-icing, or flights that need customs, we check that the services you need will be there when you are.

Keep reading

• Your nearest airport might not be your best one
• Runway length, customs and curfews: checking a local airport
• How it works, from your town to the runway