This month, French company Aviaxess will open a helicopter FBO at Paris Heliport, Issy-le-Molyneaux, in addition to starting a fractional helicopter and jet program.
“A helicopter FBO is a new idea in France,” said CEO Frederic Aguettant, who was formerly with neighbor Paris Helicoptère. “We have only traditional jet FBOs at larger airports. But just like jets, our customers and crews deserve a place to welcome their passengers, pick up flight information, securely store their aircraft indoors–in fact all the services you would expect to find at a normal FBO.”

The new business is moving into one floor of a newly constructed office building at the citycenter heliport. Automobile parking is available, along with catering facilities. Amenities include TV, computers, hotel accommodations, on-site fuel and transport, including a limo service. “We thought it was important to make this available in Paris,” he said.

“Part of our current business is to charter and sell jets. We have an agreement with Bombardier Flexjet in Europe and represent the company in France. It’s because of these customers, and the way they are treated, that we decided our helicopter customers deserved the same level of service.”

“Our existing customers are very interested in the new facility,” he said. “People have been waiting for something like this to come along. I think more might follow our lead.”

Aviaxess operates a fleet of six helicopters–an EC 130B4 (the first in Europe), a Bell 407, three AStars (two AS 350B2s and a 350BA) and an AS 355N TwinStar. All but two will be based at the new Issy base.