U.S. companies continue to expand their FBO networks in Europe. New moves by Signature and Encore reflect a growing awareness of the potential for U.S.-style FBO services in Europe.

Signature Flight Support has added FBO services at Liege in Belgium and Thessaloniki in Greece taking the company's global network to 82 locations.

"Liege provides separate passenger and crew lounges, customs and immigration, security screening and direct ramp apron access," says

David Best, md operations in Europe, the Middle East and Africa. "It can handle aircraft up to and including Boeing 747s." Signature acquired the FBO of ATAS which had been established at Thessaloniki since 1987.

The expansion follows the recent opening of a newly renovated FBO facility at Le Bourget formerly known as Le Terminal and now renamed Signature Le Terminal. "The extensive multi-million dollar upgrades include luxurious passenger lounges with panoramic views of the airport, separate work and rest areas for crew members, a private bar, dedicated concierge service, and a private, secure car park," says Best.

U.S.-headquartered Encore, which continues to acquire more FBOs to build a global network (EBAN 28 March 2007) has established a presence

in Nice to follow up its acquisition of Euralair Airport Services in Paris and the establishment of a set up in Dublin. "We offer full FBO services," says md Nice Nicolas Gourjon. "Demand for our services has been good."

But TAG Aviation Europe has sold its Berlin FBO to general manager Sebastian Pingel and the company is now trading under the name VIP Aviation.

"The sale of TAG Aviation Berlin reflects a strategic decision to concentrate the development of TAG Aviation Europe in three prime locations: Geneva, Farn-borough and Madrid," said Franck Madignier, ceo TAG Aviation Europe.

In other news developments Kruunupyy airport is completing new facilities for business aircraft, French Aviation Handling, established at Paris-Cergy, is developing facilities at Pontoise, and Harrods Aviation is upgrading its London Luton facility.