Story ID: 374WFS
World Fuel Expands European Footprint
By: Curt Epstein
Caption: The U.S.-based fuel provider has won fuel supply tenders at two French airports.
Word Count: 794
World Fuel Services (WFS) has expanded its European presence with the announcement that it has been selected as the fuel supplier for two French airports. After signing a contract with Aéroport La Rochelle-Ile de Ré to become its exclusive fuel provider six months ago, WFS has designed, installed, and commissioned new jet-A1 and Avgas fuel farms, which are fully compliant with the EU sustainability criteria, that will take effect in 2020. The jet-A tanks come equipped with an innovative bridger delivery process.

“The last six months have been a great demonstration of our engineering capabilities,” said company director Mark Atherton. “We were delighted to have won the initial tender, but the real reward has been delivering on our promises and bringing a new fuel solution to Aéroport La Rochelle-Ile de Ré in what is considered across the industry to be a fast, efficient, and well-executed turnaround. The contract and investment from the airport is recognition of our position as a top fuel provider in Europe.” The fuel farms will serve the airport’s business and general aviation customers as well as the airlines serving La Rochelle, including Air France, Easyjet, Flybe, Jet2 and Ryanair.

At Aéroport Strasbourg, the Miami, Florida-based fuel company recently won the tender that was released at the end of 2018, to develop a dedicated business aviation fueling infrastructure that will operate alongside its existing commercial airline service. The new fuel farm will consist of two 50-m3 jet-A1 tanks with self-serve capability and a 20-m3 jet-A1 truck.

WFS will provide repair and maintenance support for the equipment, as well as into-plane fueling training for the FlyingGroup staff that won the tender to operate a new FBO, which will be known as Strasbourg Executive SAS. Construction will begin shortly, with targeted completion by May 2020. “We will soon begin work on installing a new fuel farm employing state-of-the-art equipment,” said Atherton. “We are excited to be part of Aéroport Strasbourg’s heightened offering for business aviation customers and look forward to delivering our part of this improvement in the coming year.”

The fuel company has also officially launched its revamped and renamed customer loyalty program for its members and participating locations. Under the new structure, members in the former FlyBuys Rewards, now World Fuel Rewards, will now be classified into tiers—blue, silver, diamond, and diamond select—based on their usage.

“To reduce point-earning confusion, per customer and partner feedback, we upgraded the program by adding status and dramatically expanding eligible products that speed up rewards redemption,” said Malcolm Hawkins, the company’s senior vice president of North American sales, adding that nearly all transactions in the World Fuel Network recognize loyalty. “For example, points are awarded every time your pilots go to flight training or even when your aircraft is out for maintenance services or fueling. If you use invoice credits, it’s almost like you are earning free fuel for non-fuel activity.”

The program is free for schedulers, dispatchers, flight crewmembers, and pilots, all of whom will see their status in the program increase based on the number of points earned, which will also trigger points multipliers. In addition, participating locations can also provide more earning opportunities, with points banks to reward their most loyal customers and entice new customers to join the network.

At EBACE this week, showgoers can earn 1,000 bonus points by visiting the company’s booth (A67) and joining the World Fuel Rewards program or by showing proof of current membership.

The company also noted that its sponsored Air Elite FBO network has gained two new members in the Las Vegas, Nevada-area. Henderson Executive Airport will be the host of the static display at this year's annual NBAA convention, and Clark County (which operates both airports) has invested $30 to create a premier business aviation center for those visiting the city. Likewise, at North Las Vegas, the county recently completed a $2 million renovation and modernization to its 15,600 sq ft terminal. Both airports represent convenient and economical alternatives to McCarran International Airport.

These two additions bring the Air Elite Network to 73 locations worldwide. "In today's competitive business and general aviation market, we recognize the value of assuring operators and their passengers confidence when visiting an Air Elite FBO," said Steve Dryzmalla, WFS senior vice president for business aviation bulk fuel sales. "We firmly vet each location prior to granting them approval to join the network. North Las Vegas and Henderson Executive airports’ commitment to their customers and dedication to elevated service, as well as their upscale facilities make it apparent these locations are perfectly aligned with the Air Elite promise, and will make excellent additions to the network.”