Stream of Acquisitions Trail Launch of Encore FBO

Just months after its inception, Encore FBO LLC has opened three FBOs - and is well on its way to becoming an integrated international service provider. Late last year, it acquired Eurolair in Le Bourget, Paris; FBO Dublin; Business Aviation Services in Sioux Falls — and took over the lease of a FBO facility at Addison Airport in Dallas.

Encore is selecting sites based on the viability of a FBO's local economy, customer demand for the location and the opportunity to add value, such as American-style customer service. In Europe, fuel and most other services, even transportation between aircraft and terminals, often carry a la carte fees. Encore's emphasis on bundling services will be a huge boost for FBO service in this market. For example, Encore is the only FBO in Dublin that provides fuel, now enabling trans-Atlantic aircraft enroute to mainland Europe or North America to make a fuel stops in Ireland.

The new Encore is more flexible, and able to customize its FBO service offering, says Donald Prescott, executive vice president and managing director — Europe. "Previously we couldn't do that," he adds. Dallas Addison and Sioux Falls are key to advancing Encore's network and business. U.S. stations generate greater fuel revenue than overseas locations, Prescott says.

The Sioux Falls acquisition covers charter service, avionics, maintenance, ground handling and freight business. Encore's facilities in Dublin and Dallas Addison will provide travelers and crews with Internet access, computerized weather and flight planning, conference rooms and concierge services. Encore is seeking to acquire up to 12 FBOs by 2008, however this goal is contingent on whether it identifies options that meet its service and safety requirements. Stay tuned for more details on the breadth of its service package. Encore has also acquired Trajen Department of Defense (DOD) and Trajen Systems, which operate from California and Texas. Encore is headquartered in Houston, Texas and is a portfolio company of Platform Partners, LLC, a private equity firm.