Evaluate FBOs on More Than a Fancy Terminal: Altea

All factors, not just a stylish terminal, should be considered when selecting an FBO, according to aircraft industry sales and design consultancy Altea. “A quick sweep on the internet can be revealing, but this should be followed up by personal contact and recommendations where possible,” said Robin Dunlop, founding partner of the London-based company, which also has offices in Denmark, France, and Canada.

To help operators make informed decisions, Altea has compiled a free checklist of qualities and practices to look for before selecting an FBO. “Our checklist is designed to help owners look beyond surface-level and make wise decisions based on operational quality, transparency, and long-term value,” Dunlop explained.

Faced with rising operating costs, increased fuel prices, and special-event fees, operators need pricing transparency more than ever, Altea noted. This comes even as service providers face staffing pressures, growing fleet volumes, and increased aircraft size challenges.

Ground operations and aircraft handling remain critical factors in FBO selection. Inefficiencies can lead to delays, missed slots, and higher risk of aircraft damage. Recent incidents—including hangar fires, accidental fire foam discharge, and ground movement collisions—highlight how operational shortcuts can have significant consequences.

Security is another concern. Situations such as a security perimeter breach at an airport, which resulted in aircraft vandalism, demonstrate the potential risk when appropriate measures are not in place.