FBO (fixed-base operator)
An FBO is the private terminal at an airport that handles business aircraft: fuel, parking, crew and passenger lounges, customs facilitation, catering orders and ground transport. The name comes from early US aviation, when operators with a permanent base were distinguished from itinerant barnstormers. Big chains include Signature, Atlantic, Jet Aviation and Million Air, alongside many independents. Passengers arrive at the FBO rather than the main terminal, typically 15 minutes before departure, and walk or drive to the aircraft. FBO fees, from a few hundred to several thousand dollars per visit at busy airports, are passed through in your charter quote; an aircraft that buys fuel usually gets some of them waived.