For the seventh consecutive year, American Aero FTW landed atop the list of the best FBOs in the world in the annual Aviation International News (AIN) FBO Reader Survey.
American Aero, a fixed-base operator (FBO) serving private aviation travelers at Fort Worth Meacham International Airport, was once again ranked the best FBO in Texas and the South-Central Region and captured sole possession of the No. 2 worldwide ranking after tying for second place in last year’s poll. The survey included more than 4,500 operators, American Aero said in a news release.
The release quoted AIN: “When American Aero FTW opened seven years ago, it was with the goal of incorporating virtually any innovation to improve the FBO experience for its clients, and it has certainly accomplished that goal, according to AIN’s readers who have placed it firmly in the top 5 percent of all FBOs since 2018.”
AIN’s annual survey is the industry’s only independent evaluation of FBOs, American Aero said. Results are based on reviews by passengers, pilots, flight crews, and dispatchers who are asked to evaluate an FBO’s customer service, amenities, and facilities.
“American Aero’s mission is to continually redefine the ground handling industry by setting new standards in service, safety and customer satisfaction,” said founder Robert M. Bass. “This recognition confirms that we are delivering on that promise, and our customers place American Aero firmly at the top of its field.”
Located in Meacham’s terminal building adjacent to U.S. Customs and Border Protection and Immigration, American Aero is an 8,600-square-foot facility with more than 250,000 square feet of hangar and office space, four passenger and crew lounges, a wide range of amenities and technological advances that enhance soundproofing, lighting, and comfort. The FBO also offers air start capabilities and three Gulfstream master-rated technicians onsite.
Pilots appreciate the facility’s 11-acre ramp, the largest on the field, because it allows for easy maneuverability of multiple aircraft of various sizes and reduces the issue of jet blast on the ramp, the news release said, also noting that American Aero is among a handful of FBOs worldwide to hold the industry’s highest safety accreditation from the International Business Aviation Council.
“Our team is singularly focused on protecting what our customers hold dear,” said American Aero Vice President Robert Agostino, an award-winning aviator and creator of the Bombardier Safety Standdown. “Passengers and flight crews know that they will get the same level of service and safety on the ground as they demand in the sky.”
General Manager Angela Thurmond said American Aero’s customer service and line crew service teams are always ready to exceed expectations. She said team members receive customer service training from the Ritz-Carlton Leadership Center and NATA Safety 1st training from the National Air Transportation Association.
“It is an incredible honor to be recognized by our customers in this way,” said Thurmond. “From the largest to the smallest planes on our ramp, we are committed to creating an extraordinary experience for every customer on every visit.”
Since opening the doors to its new facility in 2017, American Aero has consistently ranked among the best FBOs worldwide in the AIN survey and has also been recognized with the prestigious Navy SEAL Foundation (NSF) Patriot Award, NSF’s highest civilian honor. American Aero helped launch and continues to fund an NSF scholarship for active and retired SEALs interested in earning pilot certification.
More information about American Aero can be found on the FBO’s website.
