PrivatPort expands global FBO network

PrivatPort has announced the next phase of its global expansion, increasing its dedicated FBO network from seven to nine locations and establishing a centralised, 24/7 Operations Control Center (OCC) in Dubai. The network expansion includes two additional FBO locations in Mexico, strengthening PrivatPort’s presence across key international business aviation markets. The dedicated facilities are supported by executive aviation services at more than 70 locations worldwide, providing operators, brokers and flight departments with broader access to Swissport’s established ground-handling infrastructure. The Dubai Operations Control Centre will serve as the central coordination point for PrivatPort missions across the network. Scheduled to become fully operational in August 2026, the OCC will provide continuous support across time zones, creating one point of contact for flight coordination, ground handling, passenger and crew requirements, and mission changes. Together, the expanded FBO network and centralised OCC form PrivatPort’s hybrid operating model, combining dedicated local facilities with coordinated access to a wider international ground-services network. Through the Dubai OCC, operators and brokers will be able to manage mission requirements through a single PrivatPort team, from the initial request through to post-flight completion. The OCC will coordinate services including ground handling, flight planning, permits, airport and runway slots, fuel, catering, transportation, crew support and passenger requirements. It will also oversee changes and contingencies as missions progress across different airports and jurisdictions. This centralised structure is designed to reduce the fragmentation that can arise when multiple providers, stations and communication channels are involved in an international mission. PrivatPort will provide one commercial and operational point of contact while working directly with its dedicated FBO teams and the wider Swissport network. “Expanding our dedicated FBO network is only one part of the equation,” said Josua Hildbrand, CEO of PrivatPort. “The Dubai Operations Control Centre connects these locations and our wider ground network through one operational team, giving operators and brokers greater consistency, visibility and continuity from the initial request through to mission completion.” Behind the customer-facing experience, the OCC will provide the operational oversight required to maintain service continuity across the network. Local teams will retain their airport knowledge and operational expertise, while central coordination will provide visibility across the complete mission. This model brings together two complementary elements of the PrivatPort proposition: tailored service at the airport and continuous operational coordination behind the scenes. PrivatPort’s dedicated FBO network includes locations in Switzerland, Morocco, New Zealand and Mexico, with additional facilities forming part of the expanded nine-location network. These are complemented by executive aviation support across more than 70 airports internationally. Gulfstream says G800 passes key milestones (IMAGE: Gulfstream) Gulfstream Aerospace announced the company’s next-generation G800 achieved the Gulfstream fleet’s 800th city pair speed record and then completed the farthest fastest flight in business aviation history. The G800 secured the 800th city pair speed record earlier in June with a flight from Reykjavik, Iceland, to Savannah. The aircraft traveled 2,973 nautical miles/5,505 kilometers in 5 hours and 52 minutes at an average cruise speed of Mach 0.91. On June 28, the G800 completed a separate record-setting mission from Melbourne, Australia, to Moline, Illinois. The flight covered 8,303 nm/15,377 km in 16 hours and 56 minutes at an average cruise speed of Mach 0.85. “With every new aircraft, Gulfstream continues to push the boundaries of performance for our customers,” said Mark Burns, president, Gulfstream. “Reaching our 800th city pair speed record and completing the farthest fastest flight in our industry’s history demonstrates the strength of our next-generation fleet and the advanced capabilities of the G800.” Gulfstream aircraft have now achieved 815 speed records across the fleet, including 15 set by the G800 since entering service in August 2025. The G800 is designed for long-range missions, offering a range of 8,200 nm/15,186 km at Mach 0.85 and 7,000 nm/12,964 km at its high-speed cruise of Mach 0.90. The aircraft can also fly 8,000 nm/14,816 km at Mach 0.87 and features a maximum operating speed of Mach 0.935, allowing operators to maximise mission flexibility while maintaining optimal fuel-efficiency and operational reliability. The G800 features a low cabin altitude of 2,840 feet/866 meters when flying at 41,000 ft/12,497 m, 100% fresh air replenished every two to three minutes, a plasma ionization air purification system and 16 Gulfstream Panoramic Oval Windows. The interior can be configured with up to four living areas or three living areas and a crew compartment, ideal for the ultralong flights the G800 can make. For Editorial Inquiries Contact: Editor Matt Driskill at [email protected] For Advertising Inquiries Contact: Head of Sales Sally Passey at [email protected]