Planning, coordination, and expecting the unexpected run through the DNA of all those involved in FBO and business aviation services. With a projected increase in requests and movements of roughly 25% throughout the event, FBOs have the daunting task of delivering the same top-notch service while accounting
for an influx of new guests and meeting the expectations of regular customers during an event like the Olympics.
From increased staff throughout the event to reinforced security from airport authorities and flawless communications amongst all parties involved, ensuring everything runs smoothly is easier said than done. In fact, for some, like Signature Aviation, preparations started last year, as Sophie Lesnoff, EMEA area director, shares.
“To manage the increased traffic, it was decided last year to demolish an old hangar and get additional parking space. We are excited to share that the work started at the beginning of May and will be completed at the beginning of July.”
Along the same lines, Yulia Zakharkina, general and commercial director for Astonsky, an FBO based at Paris-Le Bourget Airport, also notes that preparations started back in 2023 and took several months to complete. “It’s a long process of analyzing every detail, a lot of work in cooperation with all relevant authorities,” she says.
The influx of private jets and commercial aircraft during the Olympics will also significantly increase the demand for parking spaces. Sarra Kriai, general manager for Jetex FBO Paris, believes facilities will be stretched to their limits, necessitating advanced planning and real-time management to optimize space usage.
“Ensuring the safety and efficiency of aircraft parking in such a congested environment is critical, and we are implementing advanced scheduling systems and strategic parking arrangements,” Kriai says.
Managing expectations
From the customer’s standpoint, it is paramount to plan everything as much as possible. Petra Dlabolova, Euro Jet’s OCC manager, encourages clients to make all necessary bookings — slots, parking, and ground support services — as soon as possible.
While Euro Jet does not run an FBO in Paris, the company is participating in the flight operations related
to the Olympics from the position of being a global trip support company.
“Slots are distributed on a first come, first serve basis with a very high demand and limited parking options available,” adds Dlabolova.
A major event will increase demand from a range of nations outside of the norm, and visibly change the type of customer.
“The ceremonies will attract a lot of officials and sponsors of the event, meaning there will be diplomatic and corporate aircraft. Charter flights for athletes, media, or support staff are expected to be welcomed as well,” says Zakharkina.
Furthermore, she expects 30% traffic spikes on the days related to the opening and closing ceremonies. Therefore, some additional staff is planned to be in place.
That’s an impressive customer rise in such a short period. Lesnoff agrees, “A minimum of 300 passengers will transit through our FBO during the Olympics period.”
Jetex anticipates specific dates will generate more traffic. “We expect to be at our full capacity during the peak days of July 24-28 for the opening, August 3-5 for the 100 meters final, and August 10-12 for the closure,” reveals Kriai.
Redundancy in communication is one of the aviation industry’s pillars. These events remind the ecosystem how vital this component is to secure safe and flawless customer service. It also plays a massive role in keeping them informed and uncertainty levels low, especially for first-time travelers.
Libor Sollar, Euro Jet’s business development manager, believes anticipation is critical when providing customers a flawless service. “We try to collect as much information about their specific flight operation from our customers as possible in advance. This helps eliminate any late requests or last-minute unforeseen issues,” he says.
“Customers only need to arrive in a good mood with a passport in hand,” shares Zakharkina. “All the rest we will take care of. Our ramp will take care of the aircraft, and our operations and concierge will take care of the planning from A to Z,” she adds.
Flexibility is also a key component in the equation for all parties involved. For instance, Lesnoff highlights that customers may need to be flexible on arrival and departure times due to slot restrictions.
“Keep in mind that slot restrictions are in effect at Pau Pyrenees (LFPB) from July 14 to September 16, 2024 and parking space is extremely limited,” she says.
Moreover, the costs of services are not only higher than normal during the Olympic games but also have non-refundable fees once booked. Euro Jet’s Dlabolova recommends carefully checking the relevant clauses before finalizing the booking and not booking your hotel before your slot is confirmed.
“Once the confirmation for the desired or closest available slot is received, we advise against making any changes to the schedule as it will most likely lead to losing the slot and parking allotment and possibly having to go on a waiting list.”
Challenges and increased safety
The Olympics will significantly impact the city of Paris, particularly in terms of congestion and traffic. Therefore, staff and operators traveling to and from Paris and the suburbs should be prepared for this.
Kriai also projects enhanced security measures during the Olympics. “The heightened security threat during the Olympics necessitates additional security measures, including more rigorous screening processes and increased surveillance.
“While these measures are essential for safety, they also add to the complexity and potential for delays.”
Zakharkina places time management of ground transportation to and from the airport due to the increased traffic as the biggest challenge, with additional time being advised to the customers following the real-time traffic situation.
“The refueling stock could be another point; therefore, the preliminary sessions are done with the providers to project and streamline the smoothest services,” she says.
In essence, the Olympics will impact the country’s daily life, and flexibility is paramount. But there are options. “If the aircraft cannot come to LFPB, we can propose alternative airports and supervise the handling and other services at these locations to continue to provide the highest level of service for our guests,” explains Lesnoff.
Jetex, for instance, will offer out-based assistance services for operators that will do quick turns in Charles de Gaulle Airport (LFPG) and reposition on other airports for parking.
Successful coordination of air traffic for a large-scale event like the Olympics requires constant communication. Operating at total capacity and with a regulated airport, ensuring adequate staffing to provide guests an exceptional experience throughout the journey is instrumental for FBOs.
Lesnoff explains that the French police will monitor and control every flight change due to the nature of the event. “No flight changes will be permitted within two hours before flight time, and any changes made within 48 hours before the flight are highly discouraged.”
For Astonsky, preparation is made externally in cooperation with the airport and all relevant authorities to implement the requirements and specific regulations and internally to increase staff capacity.
“Air congestion is well managed by the slots system, and the additional security checks before and during the flight assistance assure a safe and secure environment,” explains Zakharkina.
Another challenge is the overall operational strain of the ecosystem. An increased volume of passengers and flights will place additional pressure on all airport services, including baggage handling, customs, security screening and ground support.
Kriai says that slot restrictions will likely cause scheduling conflicts and delays. While these restrictions are designed to manage airspace congestion and ensure safety, they also mean that flight operations must be precisely timed. “We will need to work closely with air traffic control and regulatory bodies to secure necessary slots and adjust schedules dynamically to accommodate changes and avoid significant delays,” she says.
Special arrangements
The levels of customization in the business aviation industry are second to none. During such a significant event, the capability to meet the expectations of discerning clients might be a challenge. Therefore, service providers, committed to go above and beyond with exceptional services and arrangements, won’t leave anything to happen by chance.
Astonsky will provide sustainable electric shuttles to ensure connections airside and in the airport and a meet-and-greet service for those connecting with Charles de Gaulle and Orly.
“There will be a VIP welcome in our amazing lounge with live piano music, wine cellar, valets, and butlers taking care of the slightest passenger wishes. Luxury transfers, gourmet dining options, and luxury shopping assistance are already in place to meet the most demanding customers’ requirements,” says Zakharkina.
Likewise, Jetex has assistance for specific groups and diplomatic flights in place. “More than 120 heads of state are invited for the opening. We offer tailored services to accommodate these delegations in all Parisian airports,” says Kriai.
Pilots are key customers for FBOs, as they usually serve as the points of contact for aircraft owners or corporate flight departments. Constant communication with them while monitoring aircraft parking is critical.
An FBO’s operational team plays a huge role in avoiding second-guessing regarding slots, granting pilots the peace of mind needed to land and park the aircraft.
Communication, preparation, and flexibility for all involved parties will be paramount for a seamless service delivery and experience in the upcoming Paris Olympics. Yet there are some challenges connected to every significant event, like delays in ground transportation, lack of clarity in official procedures, and momentary unavailability of slots, parking, or other services.
Higher prices of services with non-refundable conditions should also be expected, especially when booking at the last minute.
“Even if you plan everything responsibly, be ready for last-minute changes that may occur during such an extraordinarily busy event,” says Sollar.
“Whether their travels take them to Paris for a few days or longer, we encourage them to take some time to enjoy the excitement of the games and explore all the City of Light has to offer,” says Lesnoff.
