Atlanta-area FBOs emerged victorious from the Super Bowl weekend, smoothly handling an estimated 1,000-plus private aircraft over the six days that reservations (priced from about $1,500-$1,700—comparable to previous Super Bowls) were required at half a dozen local airports.
Epps Aviation at DeKalb-Peachtree Airport (PDK) hosted some 140 jets, and fuel uplift per aircraft was far above average, as almost all were large-cabin jets. Hill Aircraft at Fulton County Airport-Brown Field (FTY) welcomed “well over” 120 aircraft and uplifted more fuel than expected. Signature Flight Support, with FBOs at Hartsfield-Jackson International Airport (ATL), PDK and FTY, had many drop-offs from charter operators and NetJets, in addition to ramps filled with parked aircraft.
FBOs brought in extra line and maintenance personnel and equipment to handle the traffic. At Cobb County International, Hawthorne Global Aviation Services added 45 line service techs and 15 customer service representatives. Atlantic Aviation at PDK brought in extra fuel trucks, tugs, lav servicing equipment, and power carts, while Signature deployed Technicair maintenance teams. But the only maintenance issue FBOs reported to AIN was a tire change on a Gulfstream.
FBOs credited detailed planning, experienced staffs, and the number of regional airports for the smooth operations.
Original article published on ainonline.com.