Wilson Air Center – Houston recently completed a large-scale construction project which entirely reconfigured previous offices and support structures to create an unrecognizable lobby and entrance for passengers and pilots. Wilson Air Center – Houston has been in operation since September of 2005 and inherited the already decades old FBO structure upon opening. And while their customer service, hospitality, and amenities consistently grew, the Wilson employees never had a space to reflect their award-winning status, until now.
The 15x Best FBO Chain has unveiled a newly constructed 7,200 sq. ft. terminal complete with a modern Western décor that is a perfect fit for Houston Hobby Airport (KHOU). The cowhide rugs and custom saddle seats are a fun splash of personality set against a classic FBO layout with all the amenities pilots and passengers could ask for. The new terminal is a large upgrade from the 1,750 sq. ft. lobby customers have previously been familiar with, and pilots and passengers have already expressed their love of the spacious new lobby and its Texas character. Individuals can enjoy the 18 ft. high ceilings and observe the busy aircraft ramp as well as view the downtown Houston skyline through the expansive windows that surround the lobby.
While Wilson Air Center – Houston has proven to run at award-winning levels in their old facilities, the employees are eager for this next chapter. Operations continue as normal, but the new lobby, nicknamed the “Corral”, is alive with excitement at the improvements. Employees, long-time base tenants, and even customers arriving for the first time can feel the energy and confidence that the upgraded terminal has delivered.
The newly finished terminal includes a VIP Conference Room that seats 10, Flight Planning Room, Pilot Lounge, ample seating that looks directly onto the ramp, and a fully stocked refreshment bar and high-top table area complete with Blue Bell ice-cream year-round, a local and personal favorite of Bob Wilson. The lobby also features a natural “Rootbeer Root” console table that displays its beautifully intertwined, textured design and has easily become a focal point for all who enter the terminal.
Wilson Air Center – Houston has 100,000 sq. ft. of hangar space, 20,000 sq. ft. office space, can handle up to a B767-300 on their expansive ramp, and currently offers a complete range of FBO services. The old lobby will be upgraded and re-imagined as a Charter Terminal and VIP Lobby. Available for service 24/7, 365 days a year, Wilson Air Center - Houston is located on the less congested south end of the field, with easy in and easy out direct from runway 13R, is the only FBO adjacent to US Customs Service, and is prepared for any need that may arise during their customers’ stay.
Regional Customer Service Manager, Mary Kay, says “I have been at Wilson Air Center for 11 years and one of the things that I love about the company is the feel of “home”. I liked the old lobby because it made you feel welcomed; however, when I walk into the new lobby, I feel a sense of accomplishment and our emphasis on hospitality still makes it feel like home. Witnessing the customer’s reaction to the new space is a great feeling. I love the windows, the open front desk, and most of all being close to the customers. Overall, I can say that I love the new terminal and I am grateful that Mr. Wilson trusted us with it.” To truly embrace the new layout and décor, Mary Kay has named the large picture of a Longhorn in her office. When pilots visit, they are invited to guess the name of her Longhorn to win a prize.
Wilson Air Center continues to stand out even with a multitude of FBO choices at Houston Hobby Airport. The hotel-style concierge greeting passengers immediately upon arrival, attention to detail from landing to takeoff, and the southern hospitality wins over customers time and time again. And now, Wilson Air Center – Houston and their customers have a beautiful terminal that is finally worthy of the award-winning level of service that has been hard at work for years.
While this 9-month long renovation project has just wrapped up, Wilson Air Center – Houston is not done with its scheduled improvements. Plans are in the works for a porte-cochere and newly designed parking lot as well as expanding its fuel farm to keep up with their ever-increasing jet traffic at Houston Hobby Airport (KHOU). Wilson Air Center – Houston aims to continue growing their exceptional amenities, while still providing the same personalized service to meet the needs of all their customers.
Wilson Air Center – Houston is one of four Wilson Air Center locations including KMEM, KCLT, and KCHA. The chain has been voted as the Best Small Chain FBO 15x and is consistently ranked among the top US FBOs by aviation publications.