N747JB
Final Approach
I fly into Destin DTS 20-25 times per year, usually staying from 2 to 5 days at a time. The fuel has never been cheap and honestly I have never found cheap fuel at a beach resort area, but this month the new owners of the FBO dropped fuel by $.50 per gallon!! BUT, they raised the tie down fee to $90 per night for my Conquest, $75 for a Meridian, $110 for King Airs and I think singles got a similar increase. They no longer waive one night with minimum fuel purchase, just waive the new ramp fee. I spoke to the assistant general manager as I have met him a couple times and it seems they are excited about the new lower price of their fuel, and think it will bring more fuel sales. He pointed out I saved $35.00 on my fuel purchase, I pointed out I paid $180 to be tied down outside for 48 hours! I don't think I am the winner here.
I would be glad for someone that knows the FBO business to explain how this will help them grow their business. Most of the turbine equipment just drops passengers off and leaves, NetJets and such, I am they were already getting a contract price on fuel, the charter companies and business jets that come in don't stay overnight, so they aren't generating tie down fees from them, just selling fuel at a lower margin. So, no additional revenue, actually less revenue for the FBO.
I would be glad for someone that knows the FBO business to explain how this will help them grow their business. Most of the turbine equipment just drops passengers off and leaves, NetJets and such, I am they were already getting a contract price on fuel, the charter companies and business jets that come in don't stay overnight, so they aren't generating tie down fees from them, just selling fuel at a lower margin. So, no additional revenue, actually less revenue for the FBO.