Story ID: 
Growing Paragon Network Eyes Latin America
By: Chad Trautvetter
Caption: Services offered by Paragon include marketing, brand awareness, sales and economies of scale.
Word Count: 225
The recent addition of FBO Lux Air Jet Centers at Phoenix-Goodyear Airport to the Paragon Network brings the number of “elite” independent FBOs in the network to 23, three more than a year ago. To join the network, FBOs undergo a facility audit conducted by Paragon Aviation to ensure the facility and services offer top-level quality. Each member FBO must also comply with a set of core standards to remain in the group.

Services offered by Paragon include marketing, brand awareness, sales and economies of scale. Network facilities are currently concentrated in North America, but with three FBOs in the Bahamas and Puerto Rico among this group, Paragon Aviation is looking to add facilities in Latin America, executive vice president Megan Barnes told AIN this week at the 2016 NBAA Schedulers and Dispatchers Conference.

According to Barnes, the network helps independent FBOs thrive and compete against the FBO chain locations. “For a reasonable monthly fee, we help level the playing field for the independent facilities, which offer business aircraft passengers and crewmembers personalized service and a boutique feel. These facilities offer value and quality, not the lowest price—but you get what you pay for. And when there is a problem, customers can talk directly to the owner who can make decisions. You don’t get that at the chain FBOs.”