Story ID: 025
2026 AIN FBO Survey
By: Curt Epstein
Caption: AIN readers rate the best FBOs in the Americas and EMEAA
Word Count: 5126
With business aviation activity expanding globally last year by 4.5% over 2024, that spelled good news for the FBO businesses servicing those aircraft. According to data from industry analyst WingX Advance, the nearly 3.9 million private jet departures represented a quarter million more flights year over year. Most of the FBOs AIN spoke with for this year’s FBO Survey saw strong growth in 2025, with several reporting it as the busiest in their history.
WingX noted that the active business jet fleet increased by 2% worldwide last year, and according to industry experts, that trend is expected to continue. “New business aircraft deliveries are projected to pick up with fractional demand leading the way,” said Ron Jackson, co-principal of the Aviation Business Strategies Group.
He noted that data specialist Argus International forecasts a nearly 2% increase in flight activity for 2026, adding that slow and modest growth is “good news for the FBO owner and operator.”
A recent study from business market researcher The Insight Partners predicts that the global FBO operator market will nearly double in value by 2031, to nearly $41.5 billion annually over the next five years.
Given those prognostications, it is little wonder that the FBO arena remains a seller’s market, one in which private equity and investment funds are playing an ever-increasing role.
“One of our key perspectives is that, over the past two to three years, for those deals in the $10 to $25 million range, we have seen a shift in the buyer base where the percentage of interested ‘industry’ buyers now seems to be much less than the percentage of those who are funded by private equity [PE] groups,” explained FBO industry veteran and consultant Carl Muhs. “While many industry buyers are still out there and are active, the number of independent PE buyer groups that are actively pursuing FBO sales has increased substantially.”
The industry’s two mega chains, Signature Aviation and Atlantic Aviation, are both owned by private equity funds. They face stiff competition for new locations from smaller rising chains and new entrants.
Another dynamic is that airport sponsors expect considerable investments along with new lease awards, and FBO operators, in return, want much longer terms. “Clearly, over the past five years, the buyers’ expectation of the acceptable term of the lease...has increased significantly,” Muhs told AIN.
Against this backdrop, for the 45th consecutive year, AIN once again asked its readership to rate the facilities and services at the FBOs they frequent both in the U.S. and internationally. For a service provider to reach the highest ranks in the survey, it is not enough to excel in one or even two areas; they must demonstrate consistent quality across all five categories that make up the final score.
The Americas
Pentastar Aviation at Detroit-area Oakland County International Airport (KPTK) once again earned the highest rating among all aviation service providers worldwide in AIN’s annual FBO Survey, repeating its score from last year’s survey, and edging out second-place finisher Modern Aviation at Fort Worth Meacham International Airport (KFTW) by two hundredths of a point.
The top 5% of the Americas portion of this year’s survey was dominated by Florida and Texas FBOs, with the two states claiming 11 of the 14 top slots between them. Michigan, South Carolina, and Idaho each had one.
Filling out the remaining top five positions in the survey this year were Sheltair Tampa (KTPA), Henriksen Jet Center at Austin Executive Airport (KEDC) in Texas, and Jet Aviation at Palm Beach International (KPBI).
Among the remaining nine FBOs scoring in the top 5%, four celebrated their first time in the top tier of the survey this year: Eagle Aviation at South Carolina’s Columbia Metropolitan Airport (KCAE); Stancraft Jet Center at Coeur d’Alene Airport—Pappy Boyington Field (KCOE) in Idaho; Sun Valley Aviation at Harlingen’s Valley International Airport (KHRL) in Texas; and Sheltair’s facility at Florida’s Jacksonville International Airport (KJAX).
4.83 Pentastar AviationOakland County International Airport (KPTK), Pontiac, Michigan
This year marks the sixth in a row of holding the top spot in the AIN FBO Survey for Pentastar Aviation, one of the half-dozen service providers at bustling Detroit-area Oakland County International Airport (KPTK). In operation for more than six decades, the company began life at Willow Run Airport (KYIP) as automaker Chrysler’s flight department before moving to KPTK and transitioning to serving general aviation customers.
The facility repeated its feat from last year as the only FBO in the Americas to place in the top 10 in each category: line service (4.87), passenger amenities (4.78), pilot amenities (4.79), facilities (4.80), and CSRs (4.91).
“We are known for a consistent, high standard of safety and hospitality, backed by the scale to handle complex operations,” said company president and CEO Brad Bruce. “Customers choose Pentastar because they trust our team to deliver the same level of excellence on every visit, whether it is a quick turn, a multi-day hangar stay, or a high-profile movement that requires tight coordination.”
As a full-service FBO, Pentastar offers a wide range of services, from aircraft maintenance and completions to charter and management, in addition to the standard aircraft handling, fueling, and sheltering.
It continually invests to ensure that its facility “feels modern, intuitive, and comfortable,” according to Bruce. The 5,000-sq-ft main terminal offers passenger lounges, conference rooms, company offices, and the Fivestar Gourmet—the company’s fully-equipped catering kitchen, which has become so successful that, in addition to serving customers at neighboring FBOs at KPTK, it services other airports in the region.
Another unique feature is the Stargate, a two-story, 10,000-sq-ft-plus satellite facility, with a dedicated departure lounge, workstations, a baggage carousel, and the only privately-owned jet bridge in the country. “Stargate was designed for larger-cabin aircraft, higher passenger volumes, professional sports teams, and international groups,” Bruce told AIN. “It allows passengers to transition from aircraft to terminal with a level of comfort and security that is uncommon in general aviation.”
Pentastar offers 130,000 sq ft of hangar space, capable of sheltering the latest ultra-long-range business jets, and 10 acres of reinforced ramp to handle virtually anything else.The Avfuel-branded facility has 167 staff members and is open 24/7, 365 days a year, with trained line service and customer service teams available around the clock.
At the IS-BAH Stage II-registered FBO, improvement is an obsession, and the company runs its own internal customer surveys; any reported problems are followed up on by senior staff within 24 hours. In some cases, company owner Edsel Ford II has even personally responded.
“Our customer service philosophy is simple: safety and hospitality are non-­negotiable, and consistency matters,” said Ben Hammond, the company’s v-p of FBO services. “Our goal is to exceed expectations in a way that feels effortless and genuine, from first contact to wheels up.”
4.81 Modern AviationFort Worth Meacham International Airport (KFTW), Fort Worth, Texas
Two years ago, Modern Aviation made a big splash in the industry when it acquired the highly regarded American Aero FTW FBO, and this year the facility clearly demonstrated once again why it has been a favorite among AIN’s readers in our annual FBO Survey since it opened in 2012.
As the first in the world to achieve Stage 3—the highest level of the International Business Aviation Council’s (IBAC) International Standard of Business Aircraft Handling (IS-BAH)—safety has been baked into the facility’s DNA, and in its new role as one of the flagship locations in the growing Modern Aviation chain, it is serving as a model for its new siblings. “We studied and adopted many of the best practices developed here and applied them across our broader network,” explained general manager Mark Kindred.
The FBO, one of two service providers at Dallas-area Fort Worth Meacham International Airport (KFTW), ranked among the top 10 in four of the five categories and was one of only two facilities overall this year to tally a score of 4.78 or higher in every category. It earned its highest score (4.85) in the CSR category. “While facilities and certifications matter, what truly differentiates us is our people,” Kindred told AIN. “Our team embodies accountability, integrity, and nurturing relationships, creating consistent experiences that customers remember.”
A member of the Avfuel-branded dealer network, the FBO occupies 31 acres at KFTW, including 11 acres of ramp and 250,000 sq ft of hangar space. The company will augment the latter with the development of an additional pair of 40,000-sq-ft hangars, “complemented by supplemental office space, terminal lounge areas, expanded parking and associated ramp improvements.”
Its terminal occupies the 8,600-sq-ft ground floor of the airport’s renovated operations building. It was equipped from the start with the latest technologies, including automatically tinting windows to shield customers from the harsh Texas sun, white noise speakers embedded in the walls to provide privacy, high-speed dishwashers, a 20-seat conference room, and a soundproof snooze room. It features three passenger lounges, including a TSA-secure private lounge with an ensuite bathroom and direct ramp access. A large refreshment bar features a wide variety of curated snacks, including the ever-popular Coca-Cola beverages in glass bottles.
4.78 SheltairTampa International Airport (KTPA), Tampa, Florida
Sheltair Tampa began its existence at Tampa International Airport (KTPA) in 2007 as the Tampa International Jet Center and was already an established fixture at the top rungs of AIN’s annual FBO Survey when it was purchased by the Florida-­based service chain a decade ago. That quality has continued uninterrupted to the present: this year, it was again one of only three FBOs to earn a score higher than 4.7 in each of the five survey categories and placed in the top 10 in four of them, according to AIN’s readers.
For line service, the facility tallied its highest score (4.82). “Safety is our top priority at Sheltair, [and] our line service training is extremely comprehensive and takes many months to complete,” said Tony Scott, the Florida-based chain’s regional v-p of FBO operations, adding that the program ensures its teams work efficiently and safely in the fast-paced, potentially dangerous ramp environment.
Open 24/7, the Corporate Aircraft Association-preferred FBO has a staff of 42. It offers a two-level, 12,000-sq-ft terminal with a landside porte-cochère and an airy double-height lobby leading to the 12,000-sq-ft arrivals canopy on the airside. The terminal recently underwent a $1 million renovation and includes conference rooms, pilot lounge, refreshment bar featuring freshly baked cookies, and concierge.
Occupying 39 acres at KTPA, the Wyvern Wingman-certified FBO has 9 acres of ramp and more than 400,000 sq ft of hangar and office space, and it is home to 47 turbine-powered aircraft. In February, it announced its latest additions, a 50,880-sq-ft maintenance hangar—which is being used for aircraft storage until a third-party MRO provider signs on—along with an additional 50,000 sq ft of ramp.
Sheltair Tampa benefits from its airport’s unusual downtown location, with an upscale shopping and dining district just steps from its front door. KTPA also abuts Raymond James Stadium, home of the NFL’s Tampa Bay Buccaneers, and on event days, the FBO runs shuttle buses directly from the terminal to an airport side gate, which deposits guests right at the venue
4.78 Henriksen Jet CenterAustin Executive Airport (KEDC), Austin, Texas
This year marks nine consecutive years for Henriksen Jet Center, the lone FBO at privately-owned Austin Executive Airport (KEDC), placing in the top 5% of all FBOs worldwide, according to AIN’s readers. It placed in the top 10 in three categories: facilities (4.86), pilot amenities (4.79), and passenger amenities (4.85)—the highest overall score in that category.
Both the KEDC facility and its older sister at Houston Executive Airport (KTME)—which also landed in the top 5% this year—are members of the Paragon Aviation Group of upscale FBOs. The Austin location last year played host to the group’s leadership conference, which attracted representatives from more than 30 top-tier FBOs.
Henriksen KEDC—which celebrates its 15th anniversary this year—saw its busiest year ever, according to Andrew Perry, who serves as executive director of both airports. “We had record fuel sales and record aircraft operations,” he told AIN. Included in that was the location’s highest-traffic Formula 1 week. “KEDC and Henriksen Jet Center serviced over 525 turbine aircraft in a four-day period.” With 11.5 acres of ramp, the FBO is more than capable of handling that amount of traffic.
As the reliever airport for the Austin area, the location has a staff of 29 and is open 24/7/365. It offers a modern 21,500-sq-ft, two-story glass-sheathed terminal, with display pieces including an engine from the former Concorde airliner and a restored 1914 motorcycle in its freshly recarpeted, double-height lobby. Amenities include a pilot lounge with quiet rooms equipped with massage chairs, shower facilities, a theater room with stadium seating, and a 12-seat conference room.
Possibly the facility’s most popular amenity is its massive 15,000-sq-ft arrivals canopy. Capable of sheltering aircraft as large as a Boeing BBJ, crews find it invaluable on days where the Texas sun can fry an egg on the ramp and overstress aircraft cabin cooling systems.
Home to 57 private jets and turboprops, the Phillips 66-branded location has more than 200,000 sq ft of hangar space. That total will rise this summer when another 28,000-sq-ft community hangar capable of sheltering the latest ultra-long-range business jets is completed.
4.78 Jet AviationPalm Beach International Airport (KPBI), West Palm Beach, Florida
Jet Aviation is a global FBO brand with nearly 30 locations scattered around the world, from Bozeman, Montana, to Brisbane, Australia, and from Dubai to Dallas, but once again, it is its location at Palm Beach International Airport (KPBI) in Florida that earned its highest accolades in the AIN FBO Survey. Having celebrated its 40th anniversary last year, the facility underwent an interior furniture renovation to bring a bright and contemporary style to its 18,000-sq-ft terminal, which includes an airy lobby, executive lounges, conference room, business center, crew lounge with snooze room, and flight planning area.
Open 24/7, the FBO with a staff of 60 earned its highest scores in this year’s AIN FBO Survey in the guest-facing areas of line service and customer service representatives, with a dual 4.83 and top 10 placement in both categories. “What truly sets Jet Aviation Palm Beach apart is our people,” explained general manager Steven Schrammel. “Many of our team members have been here for more than 20 years, and their depth of experience and expertise have shaped a culture that extends across the entire team. This continuity fosters a level of service excellence that is both personal and intuitive.”
Holding Stage 2 IS-BAH registration, the safety of the team, customers, and assets in its care is the company’s number one priority, according to Schrammel. “Our line service personnel follow a structured training schedule, including both industry standard courses and our own additional safety training,” he said. The facility even provided onsite training for the staff at Jet Aviation’s newly-opened FBO at Miami–Opa Locka Executive Airport.
With 200,000 sq ft of hangar space capable of accommodating even bizliner-class aircraft, and 500,000 sq ft of ramp, the 25-acre facility is home to 55 aircraft.
Sustainability ranks highly among the company’s considerations, and KPBI is one of its nine locations to stock sustainable aviation fuel. “The facility has also been constructed with sustainability in mind, including features such as low-flow water fixtures, a white roof, and heat-reducing tarmac, as well as local drought-resistant plants and LED lighting,” Schrammel told AIN. “We continue to look for ways we can support our customers and our industry in this area.”
Nine additional locations rounded out the top 5% of the Americas’ FBOs in the survey this year. Five placed within the top tier last year, while the remaining four are making their debut there this year.
With a score of 4.77 were Banyan Air Service at Fort Lauderdale Executive Airport (KFXE) and Eagle Aviation* at Columbia Metropolitan Airport (KCAE) in South Carolina.
Just behind them at 4.76 were Henriksen Jet Center at Houston Executive Airport (KTME); Sheltair at Orlando Executive Airport (KORL); and Stancraft*, the lone service provider at Coeur d’Alene Airport—Pappy Boyington Field (KCOE) in Idaho.
Sun Valley Aviation* at Valley International Airport (KHRL) in Harlingen, Texas, tallied a 4.75, while Sheltair’s Daytona Beach International Airport (KDAB) and Galaxy FBO’s facility at Conroe/North Houston Regional Airport (KCXO) each received a score of 4.74 from AIN’s readers. With a score of 4.73, the last to land the top 5% this year was Sheltair at Jacksonville International Airport* (KJAX). z
*Made top 5% debut this year
In its annual FBO survey, AIN’s readers evaluate hundreds of aircraft handling facilities worldwide on a one-to-five scale in five categories: line service, passenger amenities, pilot amenities, facilities, and customer service representatives. The survey divides the globe into two segments: the Americas and the “Rest of World” (RoW). This year, for the first time, we included a separate top 5%, 10%, and 20% for the RoW segment. In its first year of survey eligibility, TAG Aviation Macau (VMMC) surged to the top of FBOs outside of the Americas, outstripping long-time incumbent Farnborough Airport (EGLF).
The London area was well represented, with quality locations taking three of the top 5% spots for the segment, including Harrods Aviation and Universal Aviation at Stansted Airport (EGSS).
This year saw an unprecedented four Asia-Pacific FBOs occupying top 10% positions in the RoW segment of the AIN survey. In addition to TAG Aviation Macau, global aviation services provider ExecuJet’s facility at Australia’s Sydney Kingsford Smith Airport (YSSY), MJets FBO at Don Mueang International Airport in Bangkok (VTBD), and Hong Kong Business Aviation Centre (VHHH) were all standouts in the region.
Rounding out the top 10% RoW positions in this year’s survey were Jet Aviation’s locations at Amsterdam Schiphol Airport (EHAM), Zurich Airport (LSZH), and Geneva International Airport (LSGG).
4.75 TAG Aviation MacauMacau International Airport (VMMC)
For the first time since AIN introduced the Rest of World category to its annual FBO Survey in 2006, there is a new name at the top of the list. TAG Aviation Macau—in its first year of survey eligibility—ended the 19-year run of its former stablemate Farnborough Airport.
In 2020, TAG Aviation Holding sold off the remaining parts of its once global aviation empire to its joint venture partner in Asia, Young Brothers Aviation, and another unidentified private investor. The Asia sale also included the TAG FBO in Macau, which was established just two years before in the airport’s renovated general aviation terminal. This year, the company—one of the youngest to achieve Stage 3 registration, the highest level of the International Business Aviation Council’s (IBAC) International Standard for Business Aircraft Handling (IS-BAH)—demonstrated its consistency, finishing no lower than third in all five survey categories among FBOs outside of the Americas.
Open 24/7, TAG Macau—which earned its highest score this year in the facilities category (4.83)—occupies the entire 693-sq-m (7,460-sq-ft) upper floor of the facility on the south side of the airport next to the commercial terminal.
It features onsite customs and immigration clearance, a passenger lounge, and two private VIP lounges that can combine into one large lounge. The latter is a feature that came in handy last October when the FBO welcomed two professional U.S. basketball teams and their entourages that came to Macau on chartered airliners to play a pair of pre-season promotional games. Other amenities include a conference room, a refreshment bar offering dim sum and fruit platters as well as beverages, and a concierge to arrange catering, transportation, and accommodations, and assist with notams, filing flight plans, and weather. For aircraft crew, there is a pilot lounge with snooze rooms and shower facilities, all of which gave the service provider its second-place finishes for the passenger amenities and pilot amenities categories for FBOs outside the Americas, with a 4.74 score in both.
The complex also has an 8,200-sq-ft maintenance hangar and access to the airport’s 86,000-sq-ft general aviation hangar for aircraft shelter. In terms of the types of aircraft that frequent the airport and its nearly 11,000-foot-long runway—just an hour away from Hong Kong by ground transport via the Hong-Kong-Zhuhai-­Macau bridge—a Gulfstream G450 is considered “small,” according to TAG Macau general manager and industry veteran Rita Tam.
In the customer service representative category, TAG, with its staff of 19, ranked second among all FBOs outside the Americas (4.78). “I think we have a can-do spirit,” Tam told AIN. “We never say no to a customer; first you need to find a solution. Of course, if it’s something that we can’t control, then we can’t do it.”
4.69 Farnborough Airport (EGLF)Farnborough, UK
Privately operated Farnborough Airport held the top spot in the AIN FBO Survey for FBOs outside the Americas for an unprecedented 19 years before finally being dethroned. This year, the company led all FBOs in the Rest of World (RoW) segment in three of the five categories: passenger amenities (4.79), pilot amenities (4.77), and facilities (4.87).
The location’s 52,000-sq-ft, three-story terminal features VIP customer lounges (with refreshments) that can accommodate high-volume flights, conference rooms, crew lounge and snooze rooms, work area, passenger and crew shower facilities, laundry service, concierge, and gymnasium. Drive-through customs and immigration clearance is available, along with the five-star on-airport Aviator Hampshire Hotel.
As part of Farnborough’s continuing strategic investments, it will introduce a facility later this year to accommodate its growth in fractional and branded charter operator traffic. “The most significant development has been the progression of our dedicated premium operator terminal facility, which will further enhance segmentation and operational efficiency for high-volume fleet operators while preserving the exclusivity of our main terminal,” said Adam Skrzypczak, Farnborough’s terminal operations director, adding that any development at the airport is viewed through the lens of sustainability. “We assess major projects against environmental performance criteria to ensure long-term resilience, regulator alignment, and credible progress towards our net-zero commitment.”
The airport has 415,000 sq ft of climate-­controlled hangar space, including the Domus III four-bay complex that opened in 2024, increasing the facility’s aircraft storage space by 70%. Home to 73 jets, the hangars can accommodate up to ACJ- and BBJ-class aircraft. In addition, it offers nearly 21 acres of ramp.
Farnborough operates from 7 a.m. until 10 p.m. on weekdays and from 8 a.m. until 8 p.m. on weekends and bank holidays. It has a staff of 307 and finished in the top 10 in both the RoW customer service representatives and line service categories in this year’s survey.
In terms of history, Farnborough was the site of the UK’s first powered flight in 1908 and served for decades as a Royal Air Force facility, before it was turned into the UK’s only true private aviation facility. “What is unusual is that Farnborough is a fully dedicated business aviation airport—the entire infrastructure, staffing model, and service philosophy are designed exclusively around premium private aviation, rather than operating business aviation as an adjunct to commercial airline traffic,” Skrzypczak told AIN.
4.64 Harrods AviationLondon Stansted Airport (EGSS), UK
Harrods Aviation has been a consistent name among the top positions for FBOs in Europe and beyond in AIN’s annual survey. The company, the aviation arm of the world-famous Harrods department store in London, has existed since 2003. It has operated two facilities at London Stansted Airport (EGSS) since 2023, when it bought a rival service provider, and between the two locations operates 106,000 sq ft of hangar space capable of sheltering bizliner-­size aircraft.
Offering two full-service terminals at EGSS, Harrods offers onsite security, customs, and immigration clearance; conference room; passenger and pilot lounges; work area; gym; and driver rest areas with private vehicle ramp access and crew transfers. Its original facility (the Knightsbridge) is now geared to handle larger charters, such as head-of-state flights with more than 100 passengers, while the other location (the Brompton), which is fully capable of serving larger aircraft as well, is generally designated for private/corporate aircraft.
It was the first UK FBO to achieve IS-BAH Stage 3 registration. “We recognize the importance of continually evolving and improving our [safety management system] to maintain the highest levels of operational integrity,” the FBO said, adding, “What sets our location apart is our commitment to self-sufficiency. Unlike many competitors, we minimize reliance on third-party services, allowing us to maintain full control and reliability over our operations. We independently operate and maintain our ground service equipment, ensuring seamless efficiency.”
Finishing no lower than fifth place in all five survey categories for FBOs outside of the Americas, the company—which is operational 24/7 and has a staff of more than 300 between its locations—received its highest score this year for its customer service representatives (4.73). “Our customer service approach is grounded in delivering an understated sense of luxury with unwavering consistency,” the company added. “We prioritize anticipating our customers’ needs and creating frictionless travel experiences from start to finish.”
4.60 ExecuJet AustraliaSydney Kingsford Smith Airport (YSSY), Sydney, Australia
One of “Down Under’s” most established business aviation facilities, ExecuJet Australia has operated an FBO at Sydney Kingsford Smith Airport (YSSY) since 2000, and the facility traces its roots back nearly 30 years before that.
Now the lone general aviation service provider at YSSY, ExecuJet earned its highest score in this year’s survey (4.78) in the customer service representatives category. “Our philosophy is simple,” explained Matthew Guy, ExecuJet’s regional FBO manager for Asia-Pacific, “We welcome every visitor into our facility as if we are welcoming them into our home.”
The FBO occupies a two-story 3,230-sq-ft terminal featuring passenger and crew lounges, as well as onsite CIQ services, and a catering preparation kitchen. While the company recently reconfigured its trio of conference rooms to create additional lounge space in the 1980’s vintage structure, even more upgrades are on the way.
“This year, we’ll be undertaking a comprehensive refurbishment of the facility, representing the most significant investment in the building since it was originally constructed more than four decades ago,” Guy told AIN. “The project will deliver a completely reimagined reception and arrival experience, upgraded passenger lounges and meeting rooms, dedicated private bathroom facilities, and improved staff amenities.”
In addition, the renovation will feature sustainable design elements as part of the company’s environmental awareness. “We’re also proud to be partnering with Australia’s first onshore sustainable aviation fuel (SAF) producer, which will allow us to offer SAF at Sydney Airport for the very first time, supporting greener operations for our clients,” said Guy.
As the first location in ExecuJet’s global FBO chain to receive Stage 3 registration under IBAC’s IS-BAH, the Sydney facility also received the highest survey score this year in the line service category (4.74) for FBOs outside of the Americas. “Line service training is a cornerstone of our operational excellence,” said Guy. “We invest significantly in ongoing education, regular assessments, and practical skills workshops to ensure our team is always up to date with the latest industry standards.”
With a staff of 45, the facility recently moved to 24/7 operation with the introduction of an overnight shift.
4.58 Universal AviationLondon Stansted Airport (EGSS), UK
With more than four decades of experience, Universal Aviation’s facility at London Stansted Airport (EGSS) is one of the longest-­established service providers in the UK.
Ranking in the top 10 in all categories among FBOs in the Rest of World segment in this year’s AIN FBO Survey, Universal Aviation earned its highest score in line service (4.74) and plans to upgrade its ramp services with new equipment this year. Over the past year, it was awarded Stage 3 registration under IBAC’s IS-BAH, making it just the second facility in the country (both at EGSS) to achieve that status. 
“The safety culture is strong at Stansted; training is thorough and frequent,” said Sean Raftery, Universal’s managing director for the UK and Ireland. “We believe that the safety of our customers, their assets, and our own people should be the number one priority for any FBO, and so we are justifiably proud of this achievement.” 
Open from 7 a.m. until 10 p.m. with a staff of 30, the facility has a two-story, 11,000-sq-ft terminal with arrival and departure lounges, crew business center, refreshment bar, pilot lounge, shower facilities, drivers’ lounge, and customs and immigration services available onsite. Its meeting rooms were recently upgraded with “smart” screens to improve their utility for customers.
The complex offers 40,000 sq ft of private ramp space, with access to several hangars that can house aircraft the size of Boeing Business Jets or Airbus Corporate Jets.
“Traffic levels have been surprisingly strong,” Raftery told AIN, adding that he believes the traditional links to geopolitical and economic activity have almost been ignored. “The prior year was a record year for us, but the last few months have exceeded year-on-year numbers.”
Universal Stansted was also a standout in the customer service representative category this year, earning a score of 4.73 from AIN’s readership. Raftery described the company goal there as removing customer stress and taking the burden off them so they can arrive and depart smoothly through the country. “Our customers put their trust in us,” he explained. “We are grateful for their recognition of our services, whether fed back directly to us or through mediums such as this AIN survey.
Three other FBOs in the RoW regions rounded out the top 20% in this year’s FBO Survey: Jet Aviation at Amsterdam Airport Schiphol (EHAM) with a rating of 4.56, MJets FBO at Don Mueang International Airport in Bangkok (VTBD) with a rating of 4.51, and Hong Kong Business Aviation Center at Hong Kong International Airport at 4.48 (VHHH).
The AIN FBO Survey once again is recognizing FBOs demonstrating the most improvement from last year. In the Americas segment, that is Modern Aviation’s facility at Sacramento Mather Airport (KMHR), which saw its score rise from 3.71 last year, to 3.84 in this year’s survey.
On the other side of the world, Universal Aviation/CJet—the joint venture FBO at Beijing Capital International Airport (ZBAA)—led the Rest of World category, raising its 2025 FBO survey score by 0.13 points to 3.48.