Fixed Base Operators Expand And Stay Fixed

Jet Aviation Zurich
Credit: Jet Aviation

Fixed-based operators (FBO) in recent months have announced network expansions and partnerships that have extended their services to new customers and locations. And in a testament to its longevity, Meridian is celebrating its 75th anniversary at Teterboro Airport in New Jersey, where it lays claim to being the only remaining family-owned FBO.

Expansion At Zurich Airport
Jet Aviation has acquired the ExecuJet FBO and hangar operations at Zurich Airport (ZRH) and the Swiss aircraft management and charter division of Luxaviation. With the dual acquisitions, announced on June 25, Jet Aviation added a second FBO terminal, two private ramps and two hangars at ZRH and 17 aircraft to its European fleet.

“Acquisition of the ExecuJet FBO in Zurich enables us to offer a more comprehensive range of services, including hangar space for short- and long-term private parking,” said Stefan Benz, Jet Aviation SVP of operations for the EMEA region. “For our charter customers, Luxaviation’s Swiss aircraft management and charter business significantly expands our fleet in Europe, offering even greater choice in meeting their varying requirements.”

In another announcement on July 1, Jet Aviation said it has gained a fuel concession from the Geneva International Airport Authority and now offers direct fueling there with a dedicated team of trained fuelers. Jet Aviation is a wholly owned subsidiary of General Dynamics.
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Magnum FBO graphic
Credit: Paragon Aviation Group

European Network Expansion
Paragon Aviation Group of Cypress, Texas, has added Magnum FBO locations at Vienna International/Schwechat (LOWW) Austria, and Bratislava Airport (LZIB), Slovakia, along with nine handling locations across the two countries.

“As we return to in‐person business transactions and events, we are pleased to have Magnum FBO join our network and provide Paragon customers with a new travel region that instills the same core values as our other members worldwide,” said Paragon Aviation Group President Megan Barnes. “Magnum’s high operating standards and dedication to safety assures travelers a flawless journey no matter which Paragon Network location they visit.”

Paragon Aviation Group performs a comprehensive audit of the facilities and services offered to ensure the quality of the member base before an FBO joins its network of more than 100 operations in 25 countries. Each member FBO must comply with a set of strategically developed core standards to remain in the group.
https://marketplace.aviationweek.com/company/paragon-aviation-group
 

Click Aviation lounge
Credit: Click Aviation Network

Partnership At Dubai South
Aircraft services, charter, FBO and consulting company DC Aviation Al-Futtaim (DCAF) has entered into a partnership with Click Aviation Network. 

As part of the agreement, Click Aviation Network customers have access to a dedicated lounge, 24 hr. customs and immigration services, ground support, conference room, business services, crew lounges and passenger showers at DCAF’s Dubai South facility at Al Maktoum International Airport. DCAF also offers line maintenance services and passenger and crew transportation, as well as arranging catering, hotel accommodations and local transport for Click Aviation customers.

DCAF is a joint venture between DC Aviation GmbH, based in Stuttgart, Germany, and Al-Futtaim of Dubai.

“Click Aviation’s vision of a global network can only be achieved when parties collaborate and help one another,” said Samer Mansour, Click Aviation Network managing director. “Our partnership with DC Aviation Al-Futtaim, a premier FBO with luxury facilities, will be another leading step for Click. We are honored to partner with them.”
https://marketplace.aviationweek.com/company/dc-aviation-al-futtaim-llc
 

Meridian Teterboro
Credit: Meridian

75th Anniversary
Meridian this year is celebrating its 75th anniversary at Teterboro Airport (TEB), New Jersey, where it lays claim to being the only family-owned FBO still at the airport serving the greater New York City metropolitan area.

The company traces its beginning to 1946, when Ken Forester, Sr., and his brother-in-law, Bob Hewitt, both Army Air Force pilots during World War II, formed Mallard Air Service at TEB. Forester’s son Kenneth, a veteran U.S. Air Force pilot, now serves as CEO.

Originally as General Aviation Company, Meridian joined the Million Air FBO network in 1986; it left the network and rebranded as Meridian in 2006 with a new FBO terminal and office facility.  In 2016, the company opened a West Coast location at Hayward Executive Airport (HWD) near San Francisco. 

Meridian also offers aircraft detailing, cleaning and decontamination services at its Teterboro facility.
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Bill Carey

Bill covers business aviation and advanced air mobility for Aviation Week Network. A former newspaper reporter, he has also covered the airline industry, military aviation, commercial space and unmanned aircraft systems. He is the author of 'Enter The Drones, The FAA and UAVs in America,' published in 2016.