AIRPORTS · GLOSSARY
FBO
Also known as: Fixed-Base Operator, private terminal
A commercial business at an airport that provides services to general aviation — fuel, hangarage, passenger lounges, catering, customs facilitation and crew rest.
Other names for FBO
In the private aviation industry, FBO is also commonly referred to as Fixed-Base Operator and private terminal. These terms are used interchangeably by operators, brokers and crews.
IN PRACTICE
FBOs are the private aviation equivalent of an airline terminal. The largest networks are Signature Aviation, Jet Aviation, Universal and Million Air. At many airports more than one FBO operates and the choice affects ramp fees, fuel pricing and the time to clear customs.
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Frequently asked
What does FBO mean in private aviation?
Also called Fixed-Base Operator, private terminal. A commercial business at an airport that provides services to general aviation — fuel, hangarage, passenger lounges, catering, customs facilitation and crew rest.
Why does fbo matter when booking a private jet?
FBOs are the private aviation equivalent of an airline terminal. The largest networks are Signature Aviation, Jet Aviation, Universal and Million Air. At many airports more than one FBO operates and the choice affects ramp fees, fuel pricing and the time to clear customs.
Can my broker arrange fbo?
Yes. We coordinate fbo as part of every booking — ramp access, handling, customs, slots and ground transfer are arranged before you arrive.
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RELATED TERMS
- Ground Handling — The package of services delivered to a private aircraft on the ground: marshalling, passen…
- Ramp Fee — A fee charged by an FBO for parking a private aircraft on its ramp, typically waived if a …
- Private Terminal — A passenger facility dedicated to private aviation, separate from the main commercial term…
- FBO Fees — The aggregate handling, parking, ramp, security and after-hours charges levied by a privat…
- Slot — A timed permission to take off or land at a slot-coordinated airport, typically issued in …
- Prior Permission Required (PPR) — A condition imposed by some airports requiring operators to obtain explicit clearance befo…
- Noise Restriction — Local regulation limiting operations of older, noisier aircraft (or all aircraft during ni…
- Customs & Immigration — The clearance process for international arrivals — usually performed at the FBO for privat…
- Slot-Coordinated Airport — An airport where capacity is managed through formal slot allocation — every arrival and de…