Avfuel Corporation has welcomed LAATS FBO at Guatemala La Aurora International airport to its branded network, marking the fuel supplier's first presence in Central America.

As an Avfuel-branded location, LAATS FBO now offers guests rewards through AVTRIP, and the FBO gains access to Avfuel's suite of operational solutions, including payment processing and leading training programmes.

“Every decision we make at LAATS FBO is made with our customers and our community in mind,” says Karen Nichols, LAATS FBO manager. “We are optimistic that this new partnership with Avfuel will enable us to add to our repertoire of industry-leading services and further connect our local economy with global partners.”

Avfuel VP of sales Joel Hirst adds: “We are proud to expand our branded presence into Central America and partner with leading service provider LAATS FBO. The entire LAATS FBO team, under the vision and leadership of CEO Mario Juarez, provides its customers with an exceptional level of support, aligning perfectly with the values behind the Avfuel brand.”

With more than 20 years of experience in the aviation industry, LAATS FBO is a leading ground service provider in Guatemala. Its team established the country's first true FBO and hangar complex, with the airport's only VIP lounge, to facilitate an exceptional travel experience as the premier gateway to Guatemala's economic epicentre. The LAATS FBO facility provides a host of amenities and services, including: relaxing lounges for both passengers and crew members, featuring modern architecture, natural elements and walls of windows; a conference room; office space; a bistro bar and gourmet dining; complementary snacks; a well-equipped business centre; entertainment and media equipment; wi-fi; restrooms; air conditioning and ramp access.

Guests who land will benefit from a suite of professional services, such as immigration and customs, dedicated concierge services, catering, hotel accommodations, car rentals, armoured car and limousine rental and laundry services.

LAATS FBO is ready to provide expert handling, secure parking, fuel coordination, flight planning services, permits coordination, AVSEC security services, ground power units, line maintenance, aircraft cleaning, oxygen/nitrogen services, lav services and weather briefings. Furthermore, with a complete fleet of ground support equipment, the LAATS team is on the ready to provide an array of specialised services, including presidential and diplomatic services, military operations, tech stop support, ambulance flights and charter flights.

Prioritising safety, LAATS FBO was the first operation in Guatemala to receive IS-BAH Stage I certification, and the first independent ground service provider in Latin America and the Caribbean to exceed requirements for IATA's Safety Audit for Ground Operations (ISAGO). To further demonstrate its commitment to health and safety, LAATS has also received certification from NATA's Safety 1st Clean initiative.

The organisation's rise in the industry was facilitated by its total commitment to customer satisfaction, operational safety and quality services. The FBO is led by a highly-trained, industry-savvy management team, which is proud to provide the aviation community with innovative services and equipment as a one-stop solution for passenger and cargo operations.