Exceptional Fixed Base Operator (FBO) Service In Aviation
Fixed Base Operators, or FBO as they are often known, refer to the commercial businesses and companies that operate on airport grounds to offer a broad range of services to private aircraft operators. FBOs serve a number of parties, including corporate flight departments, individuals, Aircraft Charter & Management (ACM) companies, and airlines.
The services of FBOs are important for a number of reasons, primarily to ensure the smooth working operations of private aircraft at major airports. Over the years, the demand for fixed base operators has increased immensely around the world, and there is a broad range of services that these companies can provide. Here are some of the aspects worth knowing.
- When it comes to FBOs, the services can be diverse, as mentioned. They deal with some of the everyday requirements of aviation, such as fueling, aircraft handling, hangering, tie-down services, Aircraft Charter & Management (ACM), aircraft Maintenance, Repair & Overhaul (MRO), and aircraft sales. FBOs also provide facilities for private terminal operations, pilot lounges, flight planning facilities and more.
- Many parties, especially ACM operators, corporate flight departments, and private aircraft owners, choose an FBO to provide a seamless customer experience. They take care of all the required services and ensure that passengers and crew members have no issues impacting their flight operations. As there are few limitations on what an FBO company can do, these services may often include assisting airlines in their commercial operations. Also, they help immensely in concierge services and related assistance for flight crews and pilots.
- Many FBO management companies also deal in aircraft management and advisory service, depending on the services they are required to perform. If you are an investor and are looking for an FBO management company, it is critical to diligence the capabilities and experience of the companies you are evaluating. When it comes to management and related services in the field of aviation, on-airport experience is the key to excellent service. Some companies are capable of providing turnkey aviation management services in a wide range of sectors, including FBO, MRO and ACM.
Hiring an FBO for management services can help in bringing professionalism to the entire work procedure. If you haven’t experienced an FBO’s services yet, it makes sense to talk to a few fixed base operators to understand the capabilities and value they bring to the table. FBOs can help in streamlining the entire workflow of private aircraft operations, and they have expertise in increasing the efficiency of operations.
Before you make the final contract, talk to the preferred company about the full range of services they offer, so that you can make an informed decision which meets your needs.. It is wise to develop a specific scope of work with detailed pricing. Also, you should ask for several references, both financial and aviation industry related.
Understanding Fixed Base Operators (FBO) and Their Critical Role in Aviation
A number of key service providers contribute to the aviation industry, including commercial carriers, corporate aviation, airport sponsors and on-airport service providers such as FBOs. The term “Fixed Base Operator” of FBO is extremely relevant and well-established in North America and parts of Europe, while the role is developing in many other parts of the world, including the Middle East and Asia.
In this post, we will talk about Fixed Base Operators and the kind of work they do. Also, we will have a quick look at the things that matter in selecting FBO management services, especially if you are looking to maximize the value of your aviation assets.
The need for filling the gaps
Have you ever wondered who manages general aviation or private terminals at an airport? Do commercial carriers really provide every service themselves, such as gate services, boarding, and other in-flight and airport services? Often they hire FBO management services for the job.
FBOs refer to service companies that operate within an airport, and hence the term “fixed base”. A particular FBO may have multiple locations, but their efforts are focused on providing ground service. While FBOs tend to concentrate on core line services, there is a vast array of ancillary services they can provide.
Before we talk of the services they offer, it is important to understand that fixed base operators are critical and required at every airport. While they may work for many parties at the same airport they do some of the most significant jobs related to aviation management.
What services do they offer?
In general, fixed base operators work on services related to aircraft movement and storage at different airports. The complete portfolio of services they offer at any given airport will depend upon the permitted services in their lease with the airport and the local demand for these services.
At almost every airport the core services for an FBO consist of the handling, fueling and hangaring of general aviation aircraft. They may also provide ground handling services to commercial airlines. In addition, many are considered “full service” in that they also provide aviation Maintenance, Repair and Overhaul (MRO) and Aircraft Charter and Management (ACM) services. Their role depends on many factors, including their expertise, and they usually excel in more many functions due to the scarcity of FBOs.
Hiring a FBO
When it comes to selecting FBO management, most aviation asset owners want to retain control and maximize the value of their assets through professional management. A professional FBO management company can bring industry leading best practices to an individual airport or an across a network of locations.
Professional FBO management can provide turn-key solutions with real time reporting to ensure that strict safety standards and high service levels are being met and that financial goals are being realized.
If you want to maximize the value of your aviation assets, you should consider using professional FBO management and request a statement of qualifications and capabilities from an experienced company.
Understanding Aviation Maintenance Repair and Overhaul (MRO) Management Better
The aviation industry is growing at a substantial rate, which certainly is good news for stakeholders, from passengers and airport sponsors to institutional investors and aviation service providers. Of course, the industry runs on services in many different segments, and one of the major services provided is MRO, or Maintenance, Repair, and Overhaul.
In this post, we will describe the kind of work that these service providers offer with regards to aviation maintenance, repair and overhaul management, and why this sector matters for operational success.
The need for MRO services
Regardless of the location, facilities and other services offered at an airport, the aviation industry depends on one major aspect – operational aircraft. Aviation maintenance, repair and overhaul management is all about aircraft servicing and management. Commercial airlines and private operators prefer to delegate maintenance tasks to specialized companies offering aviation maintenance.
These companies have the necessary operational expertise and experience and also have a great depth of capabilities through their training, tooling and authorizations. These services are critical as projecting and managing maintenance schedules will determine whether aircraft will be operational and available to meet their mission requirements. With today’s increasing demand, MRO service providers are pertinent, necessary, and extremely relevant to keep aircraft and their passengers moving on schedule.
What do MRO management services offer?
As MRO service providers grow, the need for professional management increases as well. In most cases, maintenance and repair work is dependent upon a number of different requirements and regulations, and the nature of contracts with end users varies considerably.
Owners and operators are focused on cost control, quality, and minimizing the downtime of their assets. They also seek to source more services from single source providers, e.g. MRO companies with a breadth of capabilities and authorizations which allows for more services to be provided during a single maintenance event.
Demand for aviation MRO services is driven by mandatory maintenance, which occur on fixed flight hour, time-based or activity based intervals. The combination of an aging fleet coupled with increasing utilization underpins the increasing demand forecast for the next 5-10 years.
The need for aviation maintenance, repair and overhaul management will continue to increase, and as aircraft utilization continues to grow the need for such services will become more prominent in years to come. Consequently, it is important to choose a company that has the necessary experience and expertise for your particular maintenance requirements to meet your mission profile and keep your aircraft and passengers moving.
FAA Predicts a Stronger Aviation Industry In The Future
Right now, as a country, we are still struggling to get over the economic slump we have been in and the rest of the world is seeing its own share of hardships as well. As things begin to improve, however, we can start to look toward the future hopeful of the interesting things that are to come: scientifically, politically, and economically. Momentous advancements in the aviation field, for one, are of great significance.
The Federal Aviation Administration predicts that by 2030 we will have an increase of over 50,000 aircraft in the general vehicle fleet, in addition to over 52,000 more pilots. The uptick in hours flown will be approximately 15 million, with the total ending up at 38.9 million mark. With 50 million more industry jobs and $3.6 trillion of worldwide gross domestic product likely to be tied into the field, aviation will not be hurting in any department.
Both executive jet charter and commercial services will likely grow and simultaneously reap the benefits of the new technology research and development provides. Safety will be noticeably increased by better navigation systems, more sophisticated collision technology, and a higher standard for those working in the field.
Newer, automatic satellite-run air traffic control systems are leaps and bounds better than land-based radar and will allow for much more fine-tuned and safer communication between pilots and air traffic controllers.
They will both hold the ability to view radar-like visuals with streaming and highly accurate satellite communicated data. Pilots will be more effectively alerted to other nearby aircraft and which in turn will consequently buy them more time to maneuver using this technology, referred to as ADS-B (Automatic Departure Surveillance Broadcast).
Noise and air pollution will be lessened, with manufacturers inventing noise reducing technology and Pratt and Whitney constructing an engine with 20% less fuel inefficiency. Engines will soon be cleaner on the whole due to the implementation of various green technologies.
Whether you plan to travel commercially or prefer to charter a jet, aviation is growing by massive amounts, and the future of air transportation is appearing brighter every day. Aviation is a necessary factor in today’s economy, for the transportation of items and for many other features of business.
By committing more to the future of air travel, we are simultaneously securing the robustness of our own development in numerous ways. We all count on aviation to some degree, and improvements in the industry will likewise improve our lives.
