Signature Aviation is introducing a new pricing structure intended to give business aviation operators clearer visibility of FBO access costs, while planning to restrict event-related surcharges from 2027.
Known as Signature Access, the programme combines charges linked to an aircraft’s size, the time it spends on the ramp and the location of the terminal into a single price. It is already operating at selected locations and will be introduced at further sites in phases over the coming months.
A single price for access-related charges
At Signature Aviation’s locations in the continental US, customers making eligible fuel purchases will also receive a waiver covering the first hour. Services such as hangar accommodation are not included in the consolidated charge and will continue to be available separately.
Customers can use Signature’s estimator before a visit to review anticipated costs. The company said the approach was developed with input from its customers and operators, with the aim of making charges easier to understand ahead of an aircraft’s arrival.
“Their feedback was instrumental in creating a clearer, more predictable pricing approach that gives guests greater visibility, flexibility and control.”
Derek DeCross, chief commercial officer at Signature, said the company was grateful to the guests and operators who had contributed to the development of the programme. His comments were published as Signature began the phased rollout.
Event fees to be limited from 2027
Signature also plans to change the way it applies temporary event fees. From 2027, the company intends to limit them to a “very small number” of categories associated with extraordinary demand. Any such charge is planned to be published at least 30 days in advance.
| Planned 2027 category | Location or event |
|---|---|
| Sports event | Super Bowl LXI, Los Angeles |
| College sports | 2027 College Football Playoff National Championship, Las Vegas |
| Arts event | Art Basel, Miami Beach |
| Major events in New York | US Open Tennis Championships and United Nations General Assembly |
| Motor racing | Select Formula 1 weekends in Miami, Montréal, Austin and Las Vegas |
The planned categories cover a small group of major events in the United States rather than a general seasonal surcharge. Signature said the fees would be announced in advance, allowing operators to factor them into trip planning and operating budgets.
NBAA welcomes greater visibility
The National Business Aviation Association (NBAA) said transparency in FBO operations, including pricing, was a significant concern for its members. Dan Hubbard, the organisation’s acting chief operating officer, said Signature’s initiative appeared to be a step towards the transparency operators were seeking.
“Transparency in all aspects of operations, including FBO pricing, is of paramount importance to FBO customers.”
Hubbard added that the NBAA would continue reviewing the programme and was looking forward to feedback from operators once it had been fully implemented. Signature Access therefore remains in a staged rollout, with the structure currently live only at selected locations and further implementation planned during the coming months.
- Signature Access combines several access-related charges into one price based on aircraft size, ramp time and terminal location.
- Eligible fuel purchases at continental US locations qualify for a first-hour waiver.
- From 2027, event fees are planned for only a small number of extraordinary-demand categories and must be published at least 30 days in advance.
