FBOs have been fighting each other for business since their inception, and for some their ingenuity has paid off. It’s a competitive business where the smallest conveniences can make all the difference. One way is to bribe reward the pilot, thus encouraging them to influence dispatchers to continue visiting a particular FBO. The majority of FBOs now have some type of reward system in place, usually through their fuel distributor whether it be Avfuel, Chevron, Philips, and so on. The most popular reward system was created by Atlantic Aviation, named “Reward Bucks” or “Atlantic bucks”. Reward Bucks is a program where pilots who enroll in the program are issued a reloadable American Express gift card where money accumulates based on the quantity of fuel purchased. Currently, they are giving $5 for every 100 gallons of Jet-A purchased or $10 per 100 gallons if you say the magic words, “top it off.” The cost for Atlantic Aviation is approximately .12 cents per gallon after American Express’ fee is added.

Read the rest of this entry »