In the world of business aviation, first impresSions are made not in the air but on the ground. Each year pilots, passengers, owners and operators weigh in on the world’s top FBOs, those crucial front-line service providers that define the private aviation experience from touchdown to take off. This year’s Business Air News global survey reveals not only those FBOs setting the gold standard for service, efficiency and luxury, but also how customer expectations are evolving in a post-pandemic, sustainability-conscious era. From ultra-personalised service to cutting-edge technology and crew care, the results tell a compelling story about what truly sets the best apart.

Common denominators among all the highest-regarded FBOs are profesSional yet personal interactions with passengers and crews, making every interaction exceptional while combining genuine hospitality with seamless and flexible efficiency. It can be a difficult trick to pull off.

Customer requirements have shifted slightly post-COVID, in that they have evolved towards greater sustainability and choice, but they will always expect a top level of service.

The Business Air News survey results reveal the top five FBOs in each of four regions: Europe, Middle East and Africa; North America; South and Central America and the Caribbean; and Asia Pacific. Let’s take a look at what brings the cream to the top.

Europe, Middle East and Africa

Top in the EMEA region, the London Southend Jet Centre benefits from having no slot restrictions and, while no further from Central London than most other major London airports, it offers quicker ground times that result in faster door-to-door journey times. Daily operating hours were extended to 06:00-01:30 local time, year-round, at the start of April this year, making it the most flexible and accessible airport in the London market.

The cross-trained team know how to make effective, operationally sound and safe deciSions, even at the height of peak traffic or busy schedules. On top of that, London Southend airport combines the facilities, infrastructure and connectivity of a commercial airport with the full-service integration of a private one. Each department operates under the same umbrella, from the FBO, fuel team and fire service to security and ATC, and having everything in-house enables services to be streamlined, which maximises efficiency.

The team loves feedback from passengers and crew, who are often pleasantly surprised by the lounge area, with its open plan and fully stocked inclusive bar, comfortable seating area and fully functioning log burner.

The team believes the future of business aviation lies in using smart technology to deliver efficiency, convenience and added value to customers. But operations manager Jack Tarbuck says: “While many processes can be automated and will continue to evolve, one thing that can never be replaced is human interaction and personal service.”

“Tusind tak,” says head of commercial operations Simona Doddi Jespersen, thanking everyone who voted airport-operated Roskilde Executive Handling into third place in EMEA. The Copenhagen FBO’s strategy is built on working simpler, better, together – a mindset she believes is key to Roskilde airport’s strong positioning.

Thoughtful improvements have been made to the crew lounge, and in early 2025, initiatives were launched to reduce ultra-fine particles and minimise APU usage. Roskilde is also accelerating its digital transformation to improve efficiency and reduce costs.

The FBO is proud of its journey so far and even more excited about what’s ahead as it continues to build an airport experience that is personal, efficient and uniquely Danish.

Signature Aviation in Sion, Switzerland ranked fifth in the EMEA region. “The last time this happened was back in 2019 and we were still TAG Aviation,” says general manager Ilias Ziragachi. The high ranking is due, he believes, to the company renewing the crew lounge and adding a luggage guy, along with great safety results and a thorough adheSion to procedures.

2025 is the year of tech transformation for Signature Aviation, and its EMEA bases will reap the benefit in 2026, particularly with real-time aircraft tracking such as FlightRadar24. In terms of sustainability, SAF is provided at most of the US and some EMEA bases, and any left over or cancelled catering is donated to local associations.

Peak traffic and tight turnaround schedules are managed by having all the team members present, as well as bringing on one or two extra personnel where necessary. Ziragachi finds that being together in this way creates a really strong and efficient synergy.

Today, the highest expectations of his passengers and crews relate to safety. And while aircraft are getting bigger, the space available at airports isn’t growing at the same rate. “While this is something that doesn’t concern guests, they do expect the FBO to continue doing its excellent work regardless of the challenges within which it operates,” he notes.

North America

Second and fourth in the North America region are Million Air White Plains and Austin, respectively. Chief brand officer Allison Woolsey-Smith says: “This recognition is all about our people. Being ranked #2 and #4 in North America by Business Air News is a reflection of their pasSion, profesSionalism and commitment to creating unforgettable experiences.”

For Arvin Missick, general manager at White Plains, the ranking reflects the FBO’s unwavering dedication to delivering something far beyond standard FBO service. “Time and again clients say they feel like they are returning home when they arrive here,” he notes. And while the FBO has refined its operations so as to deliver efficient turnarounds while maintaining elevated service standards, he adds: “It is never a choice between speed and sophistication. It is, however, the mastery of both that defines us.”

White Plains has adopted digital platforms to streamline scheduling, coordination and communication, and its support for SAF and energy-conscious infrastructure reflect a commitment to innovation. It explores automation where it enhances efficiency, but never at the cost of genuine, human interaction. It has implemented LED lighting systems, installed EV charging stations, minimised single-use plastics and transitioned many internal workflows to digital platforms.

Missick has seen a marked shift toward hyper-personalisation, increased privacy and efficiency: “The future of business aviation is not just faster or more luxurious, but more thoughtful, more responsive and more human.”

“We attempt to wow our customers at every opportunity,” says Million Air Austin general manager Dave Koss. Technology is a critical enabler to successful operations, and the team relies heavily on systems that provide data to improve situational awareness. From digital bookings to real-time aircraft tracking, being able to track and predict aircraft movement allows better planning for ramp operations. The company is also experimenting with technology that will streamline the billing process to make the admin side of operations go more smoothly.

Facilities at the Austin FBO are designed not only with passengers but with crew in mind. It spares no expense ensuring a warm welcome, with space for them to plan the next leg and to fully relax. And it is leading efforts to be the first provider of SAF at the airfield.

South and Central America and the Caribbean

Number two is Odyssey Aviation Bahamas at Nassau’s Lynden Pindling International airport, a recognition that also reflects the dedication and profesSionalism of its teams across Exuma and Eleuthera.

Every team member, whether on the ramp, in operations or at the front desk, plays a vital role in ensuring that each customer interaction meets a high standard of service. Customers consistently highlight the profesSionalism and warmth of the team, where every arrival is met on the ramp by a customer service representative and line service technicians, with flight details and completed customs and immigration paperwork in hand.

Customers say they value Odyssey’s responsiveness and its proactive approach. Communication is key, especially across multiple islands where coordination with customs, handlers and connecting services is essential. Many arrivals involve tight schedules or onward connections to yachts, resorts and seaplane transfers, so the FBO plans ahead, ensuring full staffing while closely monitoring major events and schedules.

New X-1FBO software provides real-time visibility across all stations, allowing each department to track flight operations, fuel scheduling and customer requests simultaneously. This level of coordination has improved communication and reduced delays, enabling teams to stay ahead of the needs of each aircraft.

It has reduced single-use plastics by using filtered water stations with biodegradable cups and by encouraging reusable drink ware. It also aims to minimise waste through better resource management and local sourcing wherever possible.

Peak travel seasons bring high traffic, but the teams thrive under pressure. Through careful scheduling, full staffing and strong communication between stations, operations are smooth even during the busiest periods. At its fully secure, 100 per cent private ramps in Nassau and Exuma, aircraft can be positioned efficiently so as to manage simultaneous movements safely and quickly, supported by a number of fuel trucks.

Asia Pacific

Placed first is TAG Macau, one of the youngest FBOs to attain IS-BAH Stage III accreditation. The facility is designed for high throughput, with dedicated zones for passengers and crew that enable parallel processing. A highly trained team and robust coordination protocols ensure smooth operations during peak hours, and ground support equipment further reduces dependency on external services, allowing it to maintain control and speed.

Marketing manager Sarah Kwok believes passenger expectations have shifted toward greater personalisation, health safety and seamless travel. Clients now demand faster, more flexible services with minimal touch points.

She also notes: “Our strategic location has become even more accessible thanks to the Hong Kong–Zhuhai–Macao Bridge, allowing travellers to reach TAG Macau FBO from Hong Kong in just one hour, saving at least 20 minutes compared to previous routes.”

In second place is WingsOverAsia at Seletar Airport in Singapore, another IS-BAH Stage III facility.

Its customers value bespoke, preciSion-tailored support coupled with meticulous execution. “Every journey is unique, so flexibility and responsiveness are non-negotiable,” says commercial manager M Mahathir. “We have mastered both elements.”

While the crew takes care of the sky, WingsOverAsia takes care of the ground. “We ensure perfect harmony from ramp to cabin,” he adds. “The post-COVID landscape and robust economic developments are driving new client behaviours: demand for personalisation, efficiency and a readiness for spontaneous travel is surging.”

In fifth place, Revesco Aviation in Perth, Western Australia expanded it’s services into the FBO arena following the closure of Jet Aviation in Perth, and this is its first year operating in this market space; its beautiful building on the GA apron of Perth airport has been rated one of the best FBO facilities in the southern hemisphere. “We were very fortunate to have Prasad Marasinghe join our team as FBO manager,” says business services manager Martine Adams. “Prasad brings a wealth of experience and industry knowledge from the East Coast of Australia and we are thrilled that we have ranked so highly in our first year of operation.”

Peak traffic and tight turnaround schedules are managed through strong teamwork, an incredibly healthy knowledge of operating procedures and a safety-first attitude.

“Ultimately it’s our communication with our clients, aircraft crew and our team that has proven invaluable to the success of our efficient coordination in critically busy operations,” she adds.

Visiting crew may be a long way from home, a long time away from home or visiting the city for the very first time, and the team does its best to make their ‘rest stop’ just that. It aims not only to meet practical needs, but also to foster strong relationships with the crews.

And lastly

Votes to determine the leading FBOs worldwide were cast by business aircraft owner and operator subscribers to Business Air News. Voting was online only, and limited to individuals directly involved in business aircraft operations. A prize draw was made of all those who took part, and the winner of a rather fetching pair of Ray-Bans is a private owner of a CJ3 in Florida.

Top five in each region:

EMEA

1 Southend (London Southend): London Southend Jet Centre

2 Stockholm (Bromma): Grafair Jet Center

3 Copenhagen (Roskilde): Roskilde Executive Handling

4 London (Biggin Hill): Jetex London

5 Sion: Signature Aviation

North America

1 Fort Worth (Meacham International): Texas Jet

2 White Plains (Westchester County): Million Air White Plains

3 Fort Lauderdale Executive: Banyan Air Service

4 Austin (Bergstrom): Million Air Austin

5 Phoenix (Sky Harbor International): Cutter Aviation

South America, Central America and Caribbean

1 Abaco Island (Leonard M Thompson International): Cherokee Aviation

2 Nassau (Lynden Pindling International): Odyssey Aviation Bahamas

3 Providenciales: Business Aviation

4 Guatemala City (La Aurora): LAATS FBO

5 Panama City (Marcos A Gelabert): Panama Jet Center

b>Asia Pacific

1 Macau International: TAG Macau FBO

2 Singapore (Seletar): WingsOverAsia

3 Wellington International: ExecuJet & Capital Jet Services

4 Tokyo (Narita): Mainami Kuko Service

5 Perth International: Revesco Aviation