New FBO On Isle Of Man Offers Savings On EU-ETS And Handling Costs For Business Aircraft Making Tech Stops

            The environmentally designed 41,000 sq. ft. facility includes a 20,000 sq. ft. hangar with 28-foot height clearance. More than 4,200 sq. ft. is dedicated to the FBO, which is divided into two levels.                                                           

            The 2,100 sq. ft. lower level is comprised of a passenger lounge, customer service reception center, flight planning room, rest and sleep area for pilots, large  8-person board room, security screening area at the departure area and several Private Jet offices. The upper level is dedicated to office space for Private Jet customers.      

            "Over time, our customer reviews will document that our concierge and handling services are equal to higher standard  of  top-flight US FBOs,” said Corlett. “We're particularly proud of the fact that we help all flight crews with their flight plans and other ancillary requirements. That means, we file the flight plans and the APIS passenger information, gain all clearances, arrange for Customs, if requested and make sure all aircraft maintenance needs are met, where facilities and manpower exist.," Corlett said.

            The flight service center’s amenities include advanced flight planning and weather technology, pilot’s lounge, staffed reception desk, free WIFI connections, flight department office space, and a refreshment and coffee center. Upon request, customers also have the following services available: concierge, catering, cabin cleaning, power equipment, aircraft detailing, water and lavatory and Customs and Immigration.

            "Our services are the same for a tech stop as for an overnight or extended stay,” said Corlett. “We wear two hats, one as an FBO and another as a handling agent. Prior to building our new facility, we were—based on a true European definition—just a handling agent. We now provide turn-around services to aircraft by offering fuel from Shell, U.K. immigration/customs pre-clearance services and for most operations we have the aircraft and passengers onto their final destination in less than 45-minutes.                                                            

            In fact, based on the high standards of excellence set forth by EBAA's  International Standard for Business Aircraft Handling, once we  have received EBAA’s approval, in the very near future,  we will be considered a European Elite Handling operation.

            "Now we have expanded these offerings by providing passengers an actual ‘brick and mortar’ facility to enter where they can use our lounge during a Tech Stop, and take advantages of all the other amenities offered at a general aviation operation," Corlett added.                           

            All Private Jet line and CSRs are cross trained.. The cross training insures that CSRs know how to wing-walk an aircraft, while at the same time the line service professionals know how to handle fuel requests and other personal service requirements.

                        All line-service personnel are tested on the content of the line-service manual, including FAR 139 fire safety and strict EBAA line-service standards.

            The benefit of this stringent training is safe and efficient services. “The team can do a 45-minute quick turn-around on a Gulfstream 550 carrying 12 passengers, including refueling 4,000 gallons,” said Corlett.

            “Some may choose to stay longer at the Isle of Man, so whether it’s a business appointment, day of golf, casino visit or relaxation on our beautiful beaches, our customers will be whisked there in minutes,” Corlett said.  “As the commercial sector continues to grow in this area, superior concierge services will respond to all customer requests.”

Security Standards Take High Priority

            Security was one of the most important issues for the new FBO.