American Aero FTW Launches New, World-Class FBO at KFTW, Creating Destination of Choice for Business Travelers

Fixed-base operator becomes primary tenant in newly renovated terminal building at Meacham International Airport, Fort Worth; delivering service, safety and state-of-the-art technology to private aviation customers

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American Aero FTW

Jan 24, 2017, 19:57 ET

FORT WORTH, Texas, Jan. 24, 2017 /PRNewswire/ -- A new day has dawned at Meacham International Airport, thanks to a public/private partnership between the City of Fort Worth and American Aero FTW, a fixed-base operator, or FBO.

Today, city officials cut the ribbon on a new, 85,000-square-foot administration building, marking a significant milestone in the history of the 91-year-old airport. American Aero FTW will be the prime tenant and only FBO in the new facility. FBOs focus on the refueling, ground handling, servicing and hangar needs of business and private aviation customers.

Employees of American Aero FTW, a fixed-base operator (FBO) at Meacham International Airport in Fort Worth, surround general manager Riggs Brown (center left) and owner Robert M. Bass (center right) as the team celebrates the grand opening of the private aviation terminal's new facility, designed to attract travelers from around the country and across the globe.

The makeover of the administration building is being funded primarily by the City of Fort Worth with a major investment by American Aero FTW, owned by financier and philanthropist Robert M. Bass.

"The city's commitment to rebuild the terminal and invest in upgrading the airport created the opportunity to partner with the city to make Meacham International Airport a major gateway. We worked with the city to create a five-star experience for our tenants, the arriving and departing pilots, and their passengers," Bass said.

"This is a significant transformation for the airport which opened in 1925, and American Aero FTW has played a key role in making it happen," said Jeff Kloska, assistant director of aviation and manager of the airport. "This is a proud day for Meacham International Airport, which is now poised for growth as the premier corporate and general aviation facility in North Texas."

American Aero FTW's new facility offers modern passenger lounges and fully equipped conference rooms. Pilot and crew lounges include a large-screen smart TV, fully reclining seating, work stations, a soundproof sleep room, shower, kitchen, and flight-planning room. A dedicated air concierge team serves both passengers and crew. iPads loaded with movies and TV shows are available for visitors.

The new facility was also designed with the latest technology, including:

Intelligent, electrochromic windows that automatically tint to reduce heat and glare while maximizing natural light
Sound-masking to enhance the customer experience
Wireless fuel meter system for instantaneous and precise on-ramp transactions

In 2015, American Aero FTW became the first FBO in the Western Hemisphere to earn International Standard for Business Aircraft Handling (IS-BAH) accreditation, which recognizes rigorous safety and ground handling operations. In addition to the new facility, American Aero FTW has built three new, state-of-the-art hangars, more than doubled its hangar space, for a total of 280,000 square feet of leasable hangar and office space. The FBO also offers 11 acres of open ramp, monitored 24/7, and U.S. Customs services onsite and on the ramp.

"By partnering with the city, we have enhanced Meacham International Airport's profile and revitalized a key sector of the community," said Riggs Brown, general manager of American Aero FTW. "Vibrant airports make vibrant cities, and we are proud to play a role in drawing more pilots and passengers to Fort Worth."

About Meacham International Airport

Located five miles from downtown Fort Worth and minutes from surrounding communities, Meacham International Airport offers travelers access to key business destinations and entertainment venues, including a Fortune 500 business district, the famous Fort Worth Stockyards, four- and five-diamond hotels and restaurants, professional sports teams, world-class performance arts and museums. Meacham officials estimate that the airport's economic activity exceeds $200 million annually. Meacham exceeded 140,000 operations in 2016.

About American Aero FTW

American Aero FTW is a private aviation terminal located at Meacham International Airport in Fort Worth, Texas. The fixed-base operator (FBO) is focused on the refueling, ground handling, servicing, and storing of business and private aviation aircraft and provides extensive crew and passenger amenities. In 2015, American Aero FTW became the first FBO in the Western Hemisphere to achieve the International Standard for Business Aircraft Handling (IS-BAH), a rigorous safety and ground handling accreditation from the International Business Aviation Council (IBAC). The FBO recently moved into a new 8,400-square-foot facility as the primary tenant and only FBO in the airport's main administration building. The FBO offers 280,000 square feet of leasable hangar and office space. American Aero FTW is a Signature Select^™ affiliated FBO and offers Signature TailWins^® points, Signature Status^® benefits, and the benefits of the Signature Flight Support network. More information can be found at www.americanaero.com.

SOURCE American Aero FTW