A green Amazon parrot has proved a favourite with cabin crews looked after by Grafair in Stockholm. "We are an FBO that has some special characters that clients look forward to meeting and one of them is the parrot," says manager Johan Emmoth. "I got him years ago and brought him to the office. He loves the company and the varied attention he gets daily, from 6 a.m. to 10.30 p.m."

Apart from chatting to Grafair's "mascot," crews can play piano, listen to visiting musicians, enjoy free ice cream in Stockholm's often surprisingly warm atmosphere or sit by the fireplace. "We do not do machine coffee, we make it individually for each client," says Emmoth.

Grafair Jet Center is Stockholm's primary facility for general and corporate business aviation. "Our ground services include everything from aircraft refueling, readily available ground power supplies (28 and 115 volts), oxygen, nitrogen, de-icing, TKS-fluid, hydraulic and engine oils, aircraft maintenance services and so forth. There are special amenities for pilots such as a computer equipped flight planning room with broadband internet access as well as a printer/scanner/copier and telephone etc. The 'snooze room' for visiting pilots is popular and equipped with very comfortable recliners, television, films, games and its own shower," Emmoth adds.

There is free car parking and Grafair has an entrance situated just in front of the main driveway to the airport. "Entering a waiting business jet can be as quick as a 30 seconds walk or even quicker limousine drive," says Emmoth. "We have golf carts for carrying luggage as well as Lektro trucks for towing aircraft. We also have mini-buses readily available with space for up to nine passengers. But because our parrot can speak many languages, I think saying hello to him is what many of clients enjoy most."