Story ID: 803_SignatureBarcelonaLuton.doc
Signature’s European FBO Network is Thriving
By: Charles Alcock
Caption: Expansion of London Luton facility is almost complete as Barcelona site grows.
Word Count: 491
Signature Flight Support’s FBO at London Luton Airport is in the process of completing a $40 million redevelopment that is due to be completed by the third quarter of 2016. The final phase involves construction of a 48,439-sq-ft FBO building, fully equipped for both passengers and crew.

Last month, a new 75,350 sq ft parking stand went into operation, significantly increasing capacity for visiting aircraft. The stand includes a storage facility for Signature’s ground support equipment. In April 2014, the company added a 48,439 sq ft hangar with space for a pair of Boeing Business Jets.

The new FBO building will include a covered arrivals area to shelter customers from bad weather. It will have a lounge and conference area, as well as catering facilities that include a full bar. Passengers will be able to access aircraft on the ramp via a dedicated, secure gate for customer vehicles.

Meanwhile, in Barcelona, Spain, the Menzies Aviation FBO became part of the Signature Select network in January. The partner FBOs maintain their own brand identity and have full control of their operations, while benefitting from being promoted as part of Signature’s chain of more than 125 locations worldwide.

The Menzies facility is part of the general aviation terminal in Barcelona and includes three lounges, two crew rooms, meeting rooms and office space, as well as showers. The FBO also benefits from having its own customs and immigration facilities, as well as space for parking around 100 cars and a ramp large enough for up to 75 aircraft.

According to Menzies Barcelona general manager John Kay, the level of customer service at the FBO has increased since it became part of Signature Select. “The support we receive from Signature has improved our service delivery, sales effectiveness and safety, elevating them to world-class levels,” he commented. “The additional reward for our loyal customers is supported by Signature TailWins, our pilot rewards program, which our customers have found exceptional value in.”

On the eve of this week’s EBACE show, Signature Flight Support president Maria Sastre acknowledged that business aviation traffic in Europe is still not recovering to the extent seen in the North American market. However, she maintained that the company is outperforming competitors on this side of the Atlantic. “We’re doing well in a soft market,” she commented, adding that Signature’s strong presence in the UK has served it well since the business climate is more positive there.

This week, Signature (Booth N114) is expected to announce further expansion of its FBO network in Europe. Sastre told AIN that pressures for consolidation within the FBO sector are still creating opportunities to grow through acquisitions and partnerships. “We’ve been on a transformational journey for the past five years,” she said. “Working hard [to improve] our people, service, facilities, technology and customer interaction as we move to being world class and best-in-class.”