FBO

Avfuel And Tac Air Partner with Branding Agreement At KBUF

Avfuel Corporation is proud to partner with TAC Air as the branded fuel supplier of its newly-acquired FBO at Buffalo Niagara International Airport (KBUF). The FBO makes for the fourth TAC Air location in the Avfuel-branded network, along with KLIT in Little Rock, Arkansas, KBDL in Hartford, Connecticut, and KRDU in Raleigh/Durham, North Carolina.

The branding agreement comes on the heels of TAC Air announcing its acquisition of the long-standing, lone FBO on the field: Prior Aviation Service.

Having served the Buffalo aviation community for nearly 60 years, the FBO is transitioning from one family-owned business to another, befitting a partnership with a family-owned fuel supplier. While Avfuel has been the contracted fuel supplier at KBUF for more than 10 years—providing consistent, safe, reliable aviation fuel products—the new partnership with TAC Air – BUF expands the contract to include branding elements and support services as a full Avfuel Network FBO.

By maintaining a fuel supply relationship with Avfuel and keeping the 120 employees from Prior Aviation on board, TAC Air ensures a seamless transition for customers. But with an expanded branding agreement, the FBO and its customers will now benefit from a slew of proven, efficient solutions.

In addition to competitive pricing with Avfuel Contract Fuel, guests will enjoy transaction ease with the Avfuel Pro Card—the new preferred payment solution at KBUF. The Avfuel Pro Card enables users to put fuel and non-fuel items on one transaction, with or without the physical card present for a touch-free transaction process.

Operationally, the branding agreement grants TAC Air – BUF access to reliable back-end solutions that benefit customers, but often go unnoticed. These support services include extensive training and quality control resources for safe operations; quality assurance audits and inspections; access to insurance and risk management services; expertise on equipment, parts and supplies; heightened visibility with a globally-recognized brand; and an in-house sales team connecting the FBO and flight department customers with the fuel and services they require.

Such support is backed by the resources and connections afforded by a partnership with a branded network that’s 650+ locations strong, along with a fueling network of 3,000+ locations.

“The decision to become a branded partner goes far beyond installing a sign with the Avfuel logo,” said Joel Hirst, Avfuel’s vice president of sales. “It’s a true testament to the trust an FBO has placed in a fuel supplier as its end-to-end aviation service provider. We’re honored TAC Air has entrusted these operational considerations to Avfuel and excited about the opportunities that lie ahead through the power of partnership.”

“With over 11,000 GA flights at Buffalo airport last year, we look forward to serving customers in this market with the same great experiences they find across the TAC Air FBO network,” stated Joe Gibney, TAC Air chief operating officer.

“Avfuel has shown the same commitment to our customers and the industry as the TAC Air team and we are thrilled to expand our existing relationship,” commented Brian Evaldi, TAC Air – BUF general manager.

As part of the acquisition, TAC Air will now take over the full range of KBUF’s FBO services, including: fuel, hangar, aircraft handling, into-plane fueling for commercial airlines, charter handling, cargo services, de-icing and airline maintenance. The FBO complex includes more than 126,000 square feet of hangar and office space across four structures housing private aircraft, charter services, U.S. Customs and Border Patrol, flight departments and a flight training school.

Tapping into the strength and resources of its 16-location FBO network, TAC Air looks forward to enhancing the customer experience at KBUF with heightened service, additional training on quality control, upgraded equipment for streamlined fueling and inventory processes, and plans for facility enhancements. The team is also committed to serving the local community by serving as a premier gateway for business, tourism and transient traffic, as well as by identifying growth opportunities for the FBO and airport.

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