The Scope and Status of the Fixed Base Operator/General Aviation Service Industry in Illinois

This paper reports on the results of a 1998 survey of 143 Fixed Base Operators (FBO's) located at 128 public use airports in Illinois. The purpose of the survey was to determine the size, scope, and status of the Illinois FBO industry. After two mailings, an overall response rate of 53 completed surveys (44.9%) was achieved. The respondent FBO's indicated an average: (a) nine separate aviation services, (b) 6.4 aircraft owned, (c) 19.8 people employed, (d) payroll under $250,000, (e) $500,000 or more in annual revenue, (f) over 21 years in business, and (g) 1.1 competing FBO's on the same airport. When asked about FBO status over the past five years at local, statewide, and national levels, respondents reported that they believe local FBO numbers have remained the same and that statewide and national numbers have decreased. When asked about FBO status for the next five years, respondents reported that they believe local FBO numbers will remain the same and that statewide and national numbers will decrease. Finally, the most likely expected structural changes in the FBO industry, according to respondents, will be increased FBO specialization and more focus on corporate jet customers.