Private jet ground transportation: arranging a car at an FBO.

The short answer: book the car before the flight with the name of the FBO (the private aviation terminal), the aircraft's tail number or flight reference, the estimated arrival time, the passenger count and the luggage. Private arrivals move much faster than commercial ones, so the car should be in position before the aircraft lands, and the chauffeur and the handling team should know each other's contact details.

What is an FBO?

A fixed-base operator, or FBO, is the private aviation terminal at an airport. It handles business and private flights: passenger lounges, aircraft parking, fuel and ground handling. Passengers board and leave from the FBO rather than the main terminal, and at some airports border formalities for international private flights are handled there too. Many airports have more than one FBO, so the name matters.

Why the timing is different

On a commercial flight, passengers spend time taxiing to a gate, walking through the terminal, clearing immigration and waiting for bags. On a private flight much of that is shorter or happens alongside, so the gap between wheels down and passengers wanting to leave can be short. A car that would be on time for a commercial arrival can be late for a private one.

• Aim to have the car at the FBO before the scheduled arrival, not after it.
• Base timing on the latest estimate from the flight crew or handler, not the original schedule.
• Expect weather, slot times or early departures to move the arrival.

What to share with the chauffeur service

1. FBO name and airport.
2. Tail number or flight reference, and the estimated arrival time.
3. Lead passenger's name, total passengers and any security requirements.
4. Luggage, including oversized items such as golf bags or skis.
5. The handler's or crew's contact details, if they agree to share them.
6. Onward destination, stops and return plans.

Can the car meet the aircraft on the ramp?

It depends on the airport and the FBO. Some allow vehicles airside with prior approval and escort, others require passengers to walk through the lounge to the car park. Ask the FBO what is permitted, and tell your chauffeur service well in advance so any approvals can be arranged. Never assume ramp access.

Choosing the vehicle

Private flights often carry a lot of luggage for few passengers. An SUV or a sedan with a second vehicle for bags can be better than one larger van. For a group, consider a Sprinter van, which seats up to 14.

Departures

For departures, agree the time passengers should reach the FBO with the crew, and allow for traffic. Private departures can also move earlier at short notice, so keep the chauffeur on call.

Private arrival checklist

• FBO confirmed with the operator.
• Car booked with tail number and arrival estimate.
• Contacts exchanged between chauffeur service and handler.
• Ramp access rules confirmed.
• Vehicle sized for luggage.
• Onward plan and return booked.

Private aviation transfers with Black Drive

Black Drive arranges chauffeured transfers to and from private aviation terminals as part of its airport transportation, subject to local availability and the rules of each FBO. Choose from first class sedans, executive SUVs and vans, or in Toronto the Rolls-Royce Phantom and Cullinan through our luxury chauffeured vehicles service. Prices are fixed per vehicle in US dollars before booking. Tell us the FBO and tail number when you book and we will confirm the arrangements.