Advantage Flight Support is celebrating two decades of handling services and almost three years of running its own dedicated facility at East Midlands International airport in the UK. Having initially operated from the main terminal building at the airport, in 2014 the company entered discussions with the airport authority to find a site for a permanent FBO unit, which opened in May 2015.

Last year one of the main ground handling agents that assisted Advantage with larger types pulled out, so the FBO has recently invested in some ground handling equipment, including a set of steps capable of reaching the Airbus A320 family.

"Our location is at the end of the Mike taxiway and we have direct access from the FBO to parking positions a few metres away," comments ops director Chris Potts. "We have been steadily growing the business and as a wholly independent, privately owned FBO we have been successful in gaining some important contracts over the three years we have had the facility.

"A highlight for us was working with Iron Maiden's B747, and we also handle a variety of bands for the Download Festival at Donington Park, which happens every June. Football and other sport charters play a big role for us, and this season we have looked after several teams as well as corporate shuttles, air ambulance, corporate, business and general aviation flights. Another proud moment was being responsible for a VIP A340 from the Middle East with passengers travelling to the Champions League final," Potts says.

Advantage's facility can accommodate between 30 and 40 passengers across three lounges. Potts is always keen to drum up more business. "We are proactive in looking for future customers and would love to talk to anyone who may wish to use a fully independent FBO located in the heart of the UK with three major cities within a 12 mile radius," he concludes.