Private aircraft love visiting islands as evidenced by the top five popularity among EBAN readers of FBOs in Mallorca, Jersey and Sardinia. But Francesco Cossu, gm, says that it is the quality of staff at Olbia as well as the charm of Sardinia that has propelled Eccelsa to joint fourth this year. "We have a very good team here," he says. "That makes the difference. My constant message is that 'a man's vision without a team remains a dream'."

Located on the north east coast of Sardinia, close to Costa Smeralda, Eccelsa Aviation operates a 24-7 dedicated private aviation terminal at Olbia airport. "The Eccelsa team is capable of assisting a vast range of aircraft from the smallest single piston engine to a Boeing 747 or Boeing 777. The airport does not control access by means of slots restriction or other limitations. And we are only minutes from world famous beaches, marinas, golf courses and convention centres."

Cossu says that Eccelsa will organise everything that is required down to the smallest detail. "Our concierge service coordinates every aspect of the visit, including aircraft and helicopter charter, hangarage, hotel accommodation, inflight catering, limousine service, luxury car rental, security service and yacht rental."

He agrees that smaller FBOs have the advantage over those who handle much larger numbers but Eccelsa is also investing heavily in new facilities scheduled to come into operation in April 2009.

"We obviously appreciate that 2009 is unlikely to be as good as 2008 but we have the utmost confidence in the private aviation sector," Cossu says. "The new facility will improve ramp handling and expand our space available to 5,000 square metres which is much bigger than we have now." Olbia regularly receives visits from Boeings that are configured with several bedrooms.