FlyXcite FBO launches state-of-the-art facility at London International Airport, promising new era for private aviation

FlyXcite has opened a new facility at London International Airport, catering to private and corporate aviation. CTV’s Gerry Dewan explains.

FlyXcite FBO has officially unveiled its expansive, 35,000-square-foot fixed-base operator (FBO) facility at London International Airport (YXU), ushering in what the company describes as a “new standard” for private and corporate aviation in southwestern Ontario.

The state-of-the-art hangar and service centre is designed to cater to a growing demand for premium accommodation and operational flexibility for discerning air travellers, introducing a first-of-its-kind model in North America inspired by leading European aviation practices.

“London airport traditionally has never had a facility of this caliber to house larger corporate aircraft, and that was the big need that we found,” explained FlyXcite CEO Nick Erb. “Our corporate aviation side has grown over the years, but we just didn’t have the ability to properly service or house or hangar these types of aircraft.”

The new facility directly addresses this gap, offering services tailored to an international clientele, including the growing number of European companies with operations in London.

“We’ve got now a full facility for these corporations to be able to come in,” he added. “Before they were never comfortable coming into London and staying.”

The 35,000-square-foot hangar boasts the capacity to accommodate aircraft previously unable to utilize London’s facilities.

“We just had a local company, General Dynamics, bring in their corporate aircraft from head office and they stayed overnight, which they’ve never been able to do,” Erb said, noting the key was being able to accommodate a Gulfstream G500 corporate jet. This capability is crucial for attracting and retaining business travel.

FlyXcite aimed to anticipate every need of its clientele. Beyond aircraft servicing, the facility includes dedicated office space and meeting rooms equipped for catered functions. A bistro lounge is available for flight crews, while passengers can enjoy premium lounges with complimentary refreshments and high-speed Wi-Fi.

The new hangar has also enabled FlyXcite to expand its charter business, including the recent acquisition of a helicopter capable of rapidly transporting clients to meetings or public functions.

FlyXcite also provides concierge services, trip support, catering coordination, on-site car rentals, executive transportation, flight planning, weather briefing services, and essential ground handling and aircraft support.

A key differentiator for FlyXcite is its innovative fuel model, marking the first implementation of its kind in North America. Drawing inspiration from Europe, FlyXcite empowers aircraft operators with the freedom to choose their preferred fuel provider, rather than being limited to a single supplier. This approach combines premium, first-class facilities with greater cost control and operational flexibility, a significant shift in the traditional FBO experience.

Erb emphasizes the core value proposition of corporate aviation.

“That’s really what corporate aviation is all about. The stigma is that its high class flying. It really isn’t true. It’s a time saving for corporations to be able to conduct their business in a short amount of time, freeing up executive time for other projects,” he told CTV News.

While the new FlyXcite facility has been operational for about a month, its official grand opening is set for Aug. 21, coinciding with the beginning of Airshow London. Attendees will be able to view the airshow from a second-level deck overlooking the airport.

Erb credits the foresight of the London International Airport team for providing serviced land just 100 feet from the airstrip, making the development possible.

FlyXcite built the new facility with an eye towards future expansion, even anticipating being “a few years ahead of our time” for a potential phase two. However, the demand has exceeded expectations.

“We’re finding more and more our facility is starting to fill up more quickly than expected,” Erb remarked, indicating strong market reception.