Paris Le Bourget airport (LFPB) is Europe's leading business aviation hub with over 50,000 movements per year. At the heart of this activity, FBOs — those specialised operators that handle VIP reception of private jets. This complete guide explains everything: what an FBO is, the 5 main operators at Le Bourget, how a tarmac pickup unfolds, and how to organise your transfer with a Mercedes S-Class private chauffeur.
I.What exactly is an FBO?
The term FBO stands for Fixed Base Operator. Born in the United States in the 1950s, it now refers to a specialised company that offers ground services to private jet owners and operators at an airport. At Paris Le Bourget, FBOs occupy private terminals separate from the commercial terminal.
Unlike commercial airports like Charles de Gaulle or Orly — where you cross crowded halls and go through standardised checks — an FBO offers a radically different experience: discreet private lounges, accelerated customs formalities, direct tarmac access, personalised services.
Typical FBO services include:
- Aircraft parking and hangaring (day or night)
- Fuel servicing Jet A-1 and AvGas
- VIP lounges for passengers and crew
- Customs and border formalities (PIF/Schengen)
- Crew coordination (hotels, transport, meals)
- Technical services (light maintenance, exterior cleaning)
- Dedicated concierge for VIP clients
An FBO is the equivalent of a 5-star palace for private aircraft: everything is designed so that pilots and passengers experience a smooth, fast and discreet journey.
Your chauffeur waits for you at the FBO
Flight plan monitoring, waiting included if your slot moves, discreet welcome in the lounge, luggage assistance. Mercedes E, V or S-Class depending on your party.
II.The 5 main FBOs at Paris Le Bourget
Paris Le Bourget airport currently has around fifteen ground operators, but five major FBOs concentrate most of the activity. Here is a detailed presentation of each, ranked by reputation and operational volume.
Signature Flight Support
The world's largest FBO network with over 200 locations. At Le Bourget, Signature operates from one of the most prestigious sites, with a large hangar dedicated to long-range aircraft (Gulfstream G650, Bombardier Global 7500, Falcon 7X/8X).
Strengths: VIP lounges with premium catering, 24/7 crew services, smooth international coordination. Often favoured by US- and UK-registered jets.
Particulars: partnerships with several premium airlines and fractional jet clubs (NetJets, VistaJet).
Universal Aviation Paris
Member of the Universal Weather and Aviation network, this FBO specialises in welcoming international business jets. Renowned for its multi-destination coordination service and very business-focused approach.
Strengths: 24/7 trip support, overflight authorisation management, multilingual reception, tight schedules executed flawlessly.
Particulars: widely used for diplomatic and corporate travel. Confidential lounges with meeting room services.
Advanced Air Support
French FBO of reference, renowned for its French service style: attention to detail, personalised welcome, refined gastronomy. Its ground team speaks French, English, Italian and Arabic.
Strengths: highly personalised approach, ideal for European UHNW clientele. Lounges decorated with artistic care.
Particulars: partnerships with fashion houses and Parisian palaces (Ritz, Plaza Athénée) for combined packages.
Dassault Falcon Service
The FBO operated directly by Dassault Aviation, manufacturer of Falcon jets. Naturally favoured by owners and operators of Falcon 2000, 7X, 8X, 6X.
Strengths: reference maintenance and technical services for Falcon, crews familiar with Dassault protocols, discreet lounges for business clientele.
Particulars: the only FBO at Le Bourget integrated with a manufacturer. Major completion and maintenance centre.
Jetex Paris
Recently arrived at Le Bourget, Jetex is the contemporary ultra-luxury operator in the landscape. Inspired by the palace experience (Aman, Bulgari), the Jetex lounge offers refined contemporary design with private rooms, marble showers, Michelin-starred catering.
Strengths: premium client experience, 5★ hotel atmosphere, perfect for celebrities seeking discretion and maximum comfort between flights.
Particulars: often chosen by celebrities, tech executives and Middle Eastern family offices. Higher pricing justified by service level.
Get our complete PDF guide "FBOs & Private Aviation in Paris"
Comparative table of FBOs, detailed profiles of the 5 operators, tarmac pickup checklist, aviation glossary, useful contacts. 24 premium pages · free · instant download.
Download the free guideIII.How does a VIP tarmac pickup work?
Tarmac pickup is the signature of private aviation service at Paris Le Bourget. Unlike commercial airports where you collect your passenger in a public hall, tarmac pickup allows your chauffeur to be present at the foot of the aircraft upon landing. Here are the 5 typical steps.
01.Prior coordination (D-7 to D-1)
The chauffeur (or operational coordinator) contacts the concerned FBO to communicate key information: name of the main passenger, flight number or aircraft registration, estimated arrival time, final destination. This advance coordination is essential to obtain tarmac access.
02.Real-time flight tracking
On the day, the chauffeur monitors your flight via aviation tracking tools (FlightRadar24, FlightAware). If your aircraft is late or early, the on-site arrival time is automatically adjusted. You do not pay for waiting time linked to your flight's variations.
03.Tarmac access and positioning
About 15-20 minutes before estimated landing, the chauffeur presents at the FBO. After identity verification and accreditation, the vehicle is escorted to the designated tarmac. The Mercedes S-Class is positioned in immediate proximity to the planned parking location for your jet.
04.Aircraft-foot pickup
When the aircraft door opens, the chauffeur steps forward to personally greet passengers and handle baggage directly on the tarmac. No waiting, no walking through public halls: you are immediately in your vehicle.
05.Transfer to Paris
The chauffeur uses the most efficient routes based on real-time traffic. Central Paris (8th arrondissement, Triangle d'Or) is 20-30 minutes from Le Bourget in off-peak. For specific destinations (palaces, events, train stations), the route is optimised.
IV.Practical information about Le Bourget (LFPB)
| ICAO code | LFPB |
| IATA code | LBG |
| Address | 93350 Le Bourget, Seine-Saint-Denis (93) |
| Distance to Paris centre | 14 km (20-30 min by car) |
| Specialisation | Exclusively business aviation since 1981 |
| Annual movements | 50,000+ (1st business aviation hub in Europe) |
| Runways | 3 runways (max length 3,000 m) |
| Operating hours | 24/7 (noise restrictions 10pm-6am) |
| Aircraft capacity | From very light jets to large BBJ/ACJ |
| Major annual event | Paris Air Show (June, odd years) |
V.The FAIZ TRANSPORT PARIS service at Le Bourget
Specialised in private aviation since 2021, FAIZ TRANSPORT PARIS is today a partner of several FBOs at Paris Le Bourget. Our approach: a premium chauffeur service calibrated for business aviation requirements.
Our commitments for Le Bourget transfers:
- Mercedes S-Class (W223) exclusively — quilted leather, panoramic roof, exceptional acoustic insulation
- Direct coordination with the 5 FBOs: Signature, Universal, Advanced Air Support, Dassault Falcon, Jetex
- Real-time flight tracking via professional aviation tools
- Absolute discretion — NDAs signed on request, chauffeurs trained in VIP protocols
- 24/7, 365 days availability — including night arrivals and public holidays
- Fixed rate confirmed before departure, no surcharge for flight delays
- Multilingual FR/EN — bilingual chauffeurs for international clientele
- Corporate accounts — company invoicing, family offices, concierge services
For urgent requests, contact us via WhatsApp at +33 7 54 13 92 96 — response within 15 minutes with guaranteed fixed rate.