As an operator of a full-service FBO in St. Louis, Aero Charter knows a thing or two about what makes a fixed base operator great.
Flight crews and dispatchers may be quite familiar with FBOs. But for those travelers who have heard the term once or twice (or have never heard it at all), here’s a deeper dive into what it means and how it can benefit you.
What is an FBO?
Fixed base operators have a long history, beginning around the time of World War I, distinguishing the pilots who had established permanent operations from those who were more transient, flying from small town to small town.
Today, FBOs have evolved. Typically, the term refers to aircraft services company located on an airport to support the local and transient aircraft that utilized that particular airport. The FBOs can be operated and maintained by the local city or a private company.
Normal services can range from just assisting with fueling to providing hangar, maintenance, rental cars, arranging for catering, and having nice lobbies and amenities for the passengers and crew. The range of services differ greatly depending on the airport and how much aircraft traffic the airport can support.
What Should I Look for in an FBO?
At some airports you have a choice. Airports that support a fair amount of aircraft traffic may have more than one FBO. Some of the FBO operators are national operators and others are locally owned and operated. FBOs offer amenities and services for aircraft owners, pilots, crew, and travelers alike.
At the Spirit of St. Louis Airport, Aero Charter is locally owned and operated. Priding itself on customer service and making you feel at home our FBO goes above and beyond to serve those who pass through our facilities.
Here you will find one of the few operators that can provide everything from fueling to providing hangar space, maintenance, avionics and even being able to charter an aircraft. Aero Charter is your true “full-service” FBO.
Best Jet Fuel Prices
As a pilot or aircraft owner, you know how expensive fuel can be, especially if you fly frequently. Knowing you are getting the best possible fuel price at Aero Charter is one less thing for you to have to worry about.
Pilot Amenities
As a way to help pilots relax before or after their trips, FBOs, like Aero Charter, often offer a pilot’s lounge. Complete with snacks, beverages, TV, WiFi, and recliners — along with a separate quiet room — pilots are able to take the time they need to recharge and be ready for their next flight.
With our available crew cars at Aero Charter, pilots and crew members can feel free to head out for a meal at one of the great local restaurants.
State-of-the-Art Complex
When you’re looking for an FBO, take a closer look at their facilities. How much ramp space will you have? What is the condition of the hangar?
At Aero Charter, our FBO is located in two adjacent buildings, both built or remodeled in the last eight years. Our 180,000 square feet of ramp space and 55,000 square feet of heated hangar space were developed to serve — and impress — pilots and visitors.
Visitor Convenience
An FBO should elevate the visitor experience. With complimentary snacks and drinks, comfortable lounges, TV and WiFi, passengers and aircraft owners can sit back and relax — or get important work done — before their flights.
Charter Flight Services
Don’t own your own plane? That’s not a problem if the FBO offers aircraft to charter, like Aero Charter does. With charter services you can book a flight and choose the right aircraft from their exceptional fleet of aircraft for you and/or your corporate team to get to where you need to go, when you need to go.
This service is not available at many FBOs, which is what helps Aero Charter stand apart as well as understand and serve the traveling client better.
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Are you a pilot, aircraft owner, or passenger looking for the best FBO in St. Louis? Contact us today or get an online quote to get started.
