Le Bourget's biggest handler of corporate jets has completed the first phase of its $1.1 million refurbishment just in time for the Show. Formerly Transair, the fixed based operator (FBO) is starting to re-brand itself as PrivatAir, following the purchase in March by the PrivatAir Group of Transair¹s ground handling service.
The first visible sign of the re-branding is on its large hangar on the north side of the airfield, on staff uniforms, and in its revamped lounge - featuring a French café - and reception area, says general manager Richard Webb.
Luxury
When the entire refurbishment is complete, PrivatAir will have a luxury lounge area of 1,000 sq m, pilot rest area and showers, as well as VIP rooms for government ministers and heads of state.
All nine of PrivatAir's hangars will be upgraded, enabling it to handle larger jets such as the Bombardier Global Express and Gulfstream IV. It has 14,000 sq m of hangar space and 60,000 sq m of parking at Le Bourget.
"We are bringing PrivatAir's reputation for quality and service to Le Bourget and other airports and are already offering arrival services for large aircraft and increasing our share of the inter-plane refuelling business here," says Webb.
The Paris airhow is when PrivatAir is at its busiest. It is already the largest of the seven FBOs at the airport, handling 30% of all corporate jet movements.
The Le Bourget operation is PrivatAir's first European FBO. There are plans to establish a network throughout the continent, with an Athens service in the pipeline, while it is building its own terminal at Geneva Airport. The intention is to develop US-based FBOs too.
The PrivatAir Group was created by PrivatAir buying US corporate aircraft manager Flight Services Group and Transair. It provides private travel for VIPs, corporate shuttles and private tours. PrivatAir now operates three Boeing Business Jets (BBJs), a 737-300 and 757 and a Gulfstream IV-SP. One of the BBJs will arrive at Le Bourget on Tuesday to help celebrate the transformation of the Paris operation, says Webb.
In the US, FSG manages a fleet ranging in size from a DC-9 in an executive configuration to Beech King Airs from its 17 bases. It also offers executive charter and aircraft sales.
Source: Flight Daily News
