The Air Elite FBO network now numbers 30 locations worldwide with the addition of UK-based Harrods Aviation and the UAE’s Royal Jet. An offshoot of the group that owns the London department store, Harrods Aviation operates facilities at London Stansted and Luton Airports with luxurious guest and discrete VIP lounges, workstations, conference facilities and select Harrods merchandise. In addition to the standard crew amenities, the Stansted facility offers two private crew bunk rooms. Both locations can handle private bizliner-class aircraft, up to a Boeing 747-400 in Stansted’s case.
The network’s most recent member, Royal Jet, the group’s second Middle Eastern FBO, is located at Abu Dhabi International Airport, 20 minutes from city center and less than an hour from Dubai. The location offers red-carpet service, including executive hostesses, state-of-the-art conference rooms and VIP lounges, along with an on-site security, customs and immigration department. Positioned as a tech stop for aircraft flying to and from Europe and Asia, the facility offers a 40-minute turnaround time for transient aircraft stops. The FBO offers 24/7 ground services and maintenance. The Air Elite brand is managed by World Fuel Services and was formed in 2011 from members of the disbanded Exxon Avitat network. Each FBO that wishes to qualify for membership must first meet a number of facility and service quality standards.