Recent Developments At Business Aviation Facilities

FBO News

Signature Opening In Costa Rica

Signature Aviation plans to open a general and business aviation terminal at the Guanacaste Airport in Liberia, Costa Rica, as the fixed-base operator (FBO) grows its presence in Latin America.

The facility is expected to open in 2026.

The move enhances the professionalism and ground-handling experience for private aviation passengers visiting the country, Signature says. The new terminal will feature a modern architectural design with sustainable design elements. It will include a secure and private VIP lounge, dedicated guest conference room, direct ramp access from the facility, dedicated customs and immigration clearance for private aviation guests, private indoor bay for guest vehicles and electric vehicle charging stations.

It also will feature finishes and design elements using local materials and will be a reflection of Costa Rica’s environmental mindset, Signature says.

The facility will be operated by Signature in partnership with Aerologística, a Costa Rican aviation ground handling service provider based in San José. Beginning immediately, Signature, along with Aerologística, will offer services at Guanacaste Airport, including coverage for all permitted aircraft types, including business, cargo, military and transport aircraft.

It also announced new service in conjunction with Aerologística at San Jose Juan Santamaria International Airport (SJO) and San Jose Tobias Bolanos International Airport (SYQ).

Bain Buys APP Jet Center

Bain Capital, one of the largest private investment companies, entered the FBO sector by purchasing APP Jet Center in January for an undisclosed price.

The group of five U.S. FBOs—in South Florida, Washington, D.C., San Francisco and Denver areas—will be “a strong starting point for our FBO strategy, as the business operates at attractive, capacity-constrained airports,” says Chris Leddy, a managing director at Bain Capital Real Estate. He cites an opportunity to invest in facilities, operations and leadership for the sector.

Mark Johnstone, who was CEO of Signature Aviation through its acquisition by a consortium including Blackstone, will lead the business.

Skyservice’s Napa Facility Joins Paragon Network

Skyservice Business Aviation’s facility at Napa County Airport (KAPC) joins the Paragon Aviation Group, a network of about 50 FBOs in 19 countries. Paragon seeks FBOs it deems “elite” and that provide distinguished service to join its network. It audits them to ensure they meet its standards.

“Joining Paragon allows our Napa clients and flight crews to seamlessly connect with top-tier FBOs across the globe—each aligned in safety, service excellence and operational excellence,” says Benjamin Murray, Skyservice’s president and CEO.

Skyservice opened its 60,000-ft.² Napa facility last year. It operates 13 facilities in the U.S. and Canada. 

News Briefs

APP Jet Center has reopened its FBO facility at the Treasure Coast International Airport in Fort Pierce, Florida, following remodeling of the FBO and restaurant. APP is experiencing increased domestic and international business aircraft traffic, it says.

Atlantic Aviation acquired Cedar Aviation Services at L.F. Wade International Airport (BDA) in Bermuda. The 6,400-ft.² executive terminal and 700,000 ft.² of ramp space is the sole provider of general aviation ground handling and air cargo service at the airport.

Atlantic Aviation also acquired ExecuJet FBO at Princess Juliana International Airport (PJIA) in St. Maarten. The FBO now operates as ExecuJet by Atlantic Aviation.

ExecuJet, a subsidiary of the Luxaviation Group, has been appointed the sole FBO at Sydney International Airport in Australia, following a multi-stage evaluation of international FBO operators. ExecuJet will be responsible for aircraft handling and coordination, passenger and crew services, ramp operations and concierge support. The mandate strengthens ExecuJet’s footprint in the Asia-Pacific region.

ExecuJet MRO Services Belgium, a subsidiary of Dassault Aviation, has earned FAA approval to perform line maintenance, aircraft-on-ground support and base maintenance on U.S.-registered business aircraft. The approval complements the company’s EASA Part 145 certification and enables it to grow its services and expand its access to the U.S. business aviation market.

Sheltair Aviation opened an MRO at Tampa International Airport that can accommodate up to three large-cabin or narrowbody aircraft such as the Boeing Business Jet. With this latest hangar, Sheltair now operates nine hangars at the airport.

Velocity FBO Network acquired BTR Jet Center, an FBO located at the east ramp at Baton Rouge Metropolitan Airport (KBTR) in Louisiana. Velocity is backed by Tallvine Partners in Miami.