New FBO to ease Shannon transit for business aviation to USA

Middle Eastern business aircraft operators flying to the USA and making their pre-clearance technical and immigration stop at Ireland's Shannon Airport will have a new FBO to take their break.
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Quintessentially Aviation Handling (QA) will be formally launching its new FBO at the NBAA event in Las Vegas next week, but working with Sky Handling Partners, QA has begun soft operations in advance of the formal launch.

QA FBO chose NBAA as the launch platform for its new venture in consideration of the strong links Shannon Airport has with the American market. Custom Clearance Shannon is the only location in the world outside of the Americas that can offer US pre-clearance for business aviation. Turnaround times can be as little as 45 minutes for those passing through the QA FBO making it a popular airport stop off or starting point for passengers needing to access the USA quickly and efficiently.

“We anticipate that 90% of our clientele will be transatlantic clients wishing to maximise the ease of clearance opportunities at the airport. They are also likely to be high net worth individuals originating in Russia or the Middle East, so Shannon’s security, which has been audited by various international agencies, is also an attraction” said managing director Brendan McQuaid. ,

As a division of Quintessentially, the global concierge and luxury lifestyle group, the new facility will bring a fresh, contemporary style of service to business aviation crew, passengers and guests passing through the FBO. The relationship gives QA FBO clients the opportunity to leverage the full range of bespoke Quintessentially services available from 60 international concierge offices. “We are in a truly unique position to be able to offer our customers a quick and seamless aviation experience complemented by an international network of tailor-made services before, during and post flight. Quintessentially is renowned for fulfilling the array of demanding requests presented by high net worth individuals and QA FBO aims to fulfil similar expectations,” McQuaid said.

The FBO will be fully complete by the end of 2013, and the new 1750 sq feet state-of-the-art crew facilities will incorporate a rest area, showers, flight planning capabilities, WiFi, satellite TV, and a stylish lounge for passengers. Local hotel accommodation, transport and knowledge will also be provided to passengers and crew. McQuaid also hopes to attract new clients by implementing competitive fuel pricing in conjunction with strategic partner World Fuel. QA FBO is already a member of Air Elite, a network of independent FBOs, and ensures that crew using World Fuel are offered quadruple ‘FlyBuy’ loyalty points.

The Shannon facility could well be the first in a branded chain of QA FBOs. “Obviously we have to prove that we can provide this unique service, but in essence our strategy is to explore the options for a fully independent network of FBOs at strategic points around the globe,” McQuaid said.
Shannon Airport has some of the best clear weather records for remaining open, it has runway of 3,200m (the second longest in Europe) is operational 24/7 all year round.