What Does an FBO Do? A Plain Guide for Private Jet Travelers

FBO stands for fixed base operator. It is a company at an airport that serves private and business aircraft. Think of it as the private terminal. You walk in, you wait in a lounge, and you walk out to your plane. There is no big hall and no long security line.

What an FBO does

An FBO does the jobs that an airline terminal does for airline planes. The list is short and clear:

• Fuel. It sells jet fuel and aviation gasoline and fuels your aircraft.
• Ground handling. Staff guide the plane in, chock the wheels, and move bags and passengers.
• Parking and hangars. It rents ramp space and hangar space to aircraft that stay a while.
• Passenger comfort. Most have lounges, crew rooms, and quiet spaces for calls.
• Extras. Many arrange cars, catering, hotels, and de-icing.

Some FBOs also run a maintenance shop or sell aircraft parts. Others only handle fuel and parking. The service level changes a lot from one FBO to the next.

FBO vs airport terminal

Item	FBO	Airline terminal
Who uses it	Private and business aircraft	Airline passengers
Waiting time	Short	Often long
Car to the plane	Often possible	No
Pricing	Fees per visit, per service	Included in the ticket

Who pays the FBO?

If you charter a jet, the operator usually pays the FBO and puts the cost in your quote. Ask if the quote includes handling, landing, parking, and fuel. If you own the aircraft, you deal with the FBO yourself.

FBOs often charge a ramp fee or handling fee. Many waive it if you buy a set amount of fuel. Fees change by airport, so ask before you land. Do not rely on a number you read online. Get it from the FBO in writing.

Customs and security

Many large airports have customs at the FBO. Officers check your passport in the lounge. Not every FBO has this. If you fly in from abroad, confirm that customs is on site. If it is not, the plane may need to park at the main terminal first.

How to choose an FBO

1. Check the airport. Some airports have only one FBO. Others have several. When there is a choice, compare.
2. Ask about hours. Some close at night. Late arrivals may cost extra.
3. Ask about fees. Handling, parking, fuel, and any extras. Ask for them up front.
4. Check the facilities. Hangar space matters in bad weather. Lounges matter for long waits.
5. Read recent reviews. Look at what pilots and passengers say about service.

A chauffeur that can drive to the aircraft saves time at both ends. See our guide to private jet chauffeur services for how that works.

Where FBOs fit in a trip

A charter trip has three parts. The booking, the flight, and the ground. The booking is handled by a broker or operator, as we explain in broker vs operator. The flight is the aircraft and crew. The ground is the FBO. A good ground experience makes the whole trip feel easy.

If you want to fly for less, look at empty leg flights. These flights still use an FBO at each end, so check the fees.

FBOs also buy tugs and ground gear. For that side of the trade, read our aircraft tug buyer's guide.

Common questions

Can anyone walk into an FBO? Usually only passengers, crew, and staff. Most FBOs are behind a security gate. Your operator will tell you where to go.

Is an FBO the same as a ground handler? Not always. A ground handler is any company that services aircraft on the ground. An FBO is one type, and it also owns or leases the facility and sells fuel.

Do FBOs only serve jets? No. They also serve turboprops, small piston planes, and helicopters.

Can I pick my own FBO? Often yes, if the airport has more than one. Tell your broker or operator which one you prefer. Say so before the quote, because fees differ.

Find an FBO or ground handler

Browse ground handling companies in our directory: Ground handling. For private terminals, see our FBO pages.

Sources: FAA Advisory Circulars on airport operations; NATA (National Air Transportation Association) public materials on FBOs.