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The Ultimate Guide to FBO Airports

Aero Center ILM Hangar and Ramp, FBO Airports

Unveiling the Luxurious World of Private Jet Travel and FBO Airports

FBO airports are key players in this sophisticated travel experience when flying by private jet, which we consider to be the epitome of luxury and convenience. Additionally, as a premier FBO, we offer an insider's look into the world of Fixed Base Operators (FBOs), demystifying the concept, services, benefits, and integral role these facilities play in private aviation.

Aero Center ILM Hangar and Ramp

What Are FBO Airports?

Fixed Base Operators, or FBOs, are privately owned businesses granted the rights by airports to operate on their premises. In addition, they provide a plethora of services crucial to private jet operations and their clientele, offering an unparalleled level of comfort, efficiency, and exclusivity.

The History and Evolution of FBOs

Post-World War I, transient pilots offered airplane rides and lessons from rudimentary facilities. These were known as 'fly-by-night operators.' As a result, the term "Fixed Base Operator" was coined to denote established, permanent flight operations, highlighting their reliability and authenticity.

Why FBOs Are Integral to Private Aviation

FBOs cater to private jet travelers, providing services ranging from aircraft maintenance and fueling to ground handling and hangarage. Additionally, they also offer exclusive amenities to enhance the passenger experience such as private terminals. Above all, they offer many amenities such as luxury lounges, concierge services, and direct tarmac access.

Unparalleled Services for Aircraft

FBOs offer a suite of services for aircraft, including:

  • Maintenance: Regular checks and repairs ensure that the private jets are always flight-ready.
  • Fueling: They provide reliable fueling services, adhering to international safety standards.
  • Hangar: FBOs offer hangar space to shield aircraft from the elements when not in use.
  • Ground Handling: This includes baggage handling, aircraft cleaning, and cabin restocking.

Luxurious Amenities for Passengers

Also, passengers can enjoy a plethora of amenities, which are designed with privacy and luxury in mind:

  • Private Terminals: These terminals offer ultimate privacy, bypassing the main airport terminal hustle.
  • Luxury Lounges: Passengers can relax or work in well-equipped, comfortable lounges before their flight.
  • Concierge Services: Personalized services include arranging ground transportation, hotel bookings, and catering services.
  • Direct Tarmac Access: Passengers can drive directly to their aircraft, ensuring a seamless transition from ground to air.
Aero Center ILM Wilmington Lobby, FBO Airports

How to Utilize FBO Services

Utilizing FBO services can greatly enhance the private jet experience. Correspondingly, passengers can avail themselves of the luxurious amenities, while operators ensure their aircraft is serviced and flight-ready. Above all, it's essential to communicate your requirements to the FBO in advance for a seamless experience.

The Future of FBOs

FBOs are constantly evolving, integrating advanced technologies and expanding their services to deliver a more streamlined, personalized, and luxurious travel experience. Additionally, they focus on sustainable practices, implementing digital platforms for smooth transactions, and enhancing security measures.

Finally, by elevating the standards of private aviation, FBOs redefine luxury travel, and promise an unmatched experience for discerning private jet travelers.

Aero Center ILM Lobby

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Jeremy Epperson

“Jeremy is a true world-class leader in the aviation community,” said S. Michael Scheeringa, co-founder and managing director of SAR Trilogy Management.

His life-long passion for the industry and history of developing both people and markets made Jeremy the first and natural choice to lead Aero Centers.

Epperson started his aviation career in the United States Marine Corps, where he developed his leadership and passion to serve. He graduated from the University of California, San Diego, and is a commercial pilot with P135 experience. He has demonstrated his affection for the business with successful FBO leadership roles at Signature and Republic. 

Aero Centers will bring a level of professionalism and experience back to aviation communities,” added Jeremy Epperson. “Our FBOs demonstrate to the industry we are committed to first-class facilities with knowledgeable and experienced local team members with a passion for aviation. I am very excited to lead the team responsible for developing full-service FBOs and delivering customer-centric service to all aviation customers in a community. I had a vision for bringing passion, fun, and expertise back into aviation communities, just like it was 30 years ago. Aero Centers’ focus on full-service FBOs brings the dream to reality.

Jeremy Epperson

Sanjay Aggarwal

Aggarwal has over 25 years of experience in the aviation and hospitality industries. Aggarwal is a co-founder of SAR Trilogy Management. Previously until 2015, he was the CEO of Global Crew Logistics (GCL), a Miami-based travel management company specializing in the movements and accommodation of business aviation and cargo airlines’ flight crews. GCL doubled its EBITDA in a short two-year period under Aggarwal’s leadership. 

Between 2008 and 2013, Sanjay served as CEO of two commercial airlines in India – Spicejet (a private-equity-backed low-cost air carrier) and Kingfisher Airlines (a publicly listed full-service carrier). Under his leadership, Spicejet saw its first profitable year and increased its domestic market share from 7% to 12%. Prior to that, he served as COO of Flight Options LLC, one of the world’s largest operators of business jets. He and Scheeringa worked together to take Flight Options to profitability. 

Earlier, Sanjay worked in IT, strategy, financial planning and other roles at Marriott International and US Airways. He received his BS in Industrial Engineering from Nagpur University in India and his MS in Industrial and Systems Engineering from Virginia Tech. 

Sanjay Aggarwal is a co-founder of SAR Trilogy Management

MICHAEL SCHEERINGA

Scheeringa has almost 30 years of experience in general and commercial aviation as an operator and supplier. Scheeringa is a co-founder and managing director of SAR Trilogy Management, an aviation investment and management company. Before he founded SAR Trilogy in 2015, he was the President and CEO of BBA Aviation Flight Support, which comprised Signature Flight Support, the world’s leading FBO network, and ASIG, a leading operator of commercial aviation fueling services. Under his leadership, Signature grew from 85 to 124 global locations, almost doubled in revenue and tripled profit resulting in the company outperforming the market in 65 out of the last 72 months of Scheeringa’s tenure.

From 2004-2008, Scheeringa served as CEO of Flight Options LLC, one of the world’s largest operators of business jets. He was responsible for the turnaround of the business taking it from a negative 20% margin to a positive 5% margin. Prior to that he spent 13 years at US Airways in officer-level positions in network and operations planning and as the head of the company’s wholly-owned subsidiaries. 

Scheeringa received his BS in Transportation and Logistics Management from Arizona State University. Scheeringa was a board member of the Central Florida Expressway Authority. He is a Past Chairman of the National Air Transportation Association and a private pilot.

Michael Scheringa Founder of Aero Centers