The Los Angeles facility joins Signature’s San Francisco FBO which has already made the switch to 100% SAF.

“This is a transformative time for Signature, and our partnership with Neste is helping us take another significant step towards net zero by providing a 100% supply of blended SAF at our Los Angeles location,” said Derek DeCross, company’s chief commercial officer.

“This collaboration exemplifies how we’re working together with both our guests and our partners to accelerate the adoption of environmentally friendly practices and paving the way for a more sustainable future in aviation.”

Signature said that customers who don’t want to pay the SAF price that it won’t affect them as the premium will be transferred to the book and claim system.

The system allows customers to buy SAF credits at any Signature location globally, paying the price difference. They’ll get environmental credit, but the actual eco-friendly fuel will be used by another plane elsewhere, like in Los Angeles where it’s available.

The operator recently passed the 30m gallon mark in terms of total SAF delivered throughout its network.

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The private aviation terminal operator has partnered with BETA to install the charging infrastructure currently at three on-airport locations across the US east coast. In addition to the multimodal charging station at Manchester-Boston, there are two more signed agreements in place for Frederick Municipal Airport and the Charlottesville–Albemarle Airport. Discussions are also in progress for additional locations, according to BETA. The two additional sites are forecasted to be online this summer.

Derek DeCross, chief commercial officer for Signature Aviation said: “We are thrilled to further solidify our partnership with BETA, which underscores our unwavering commitment to shaping the future of aviation through our sustainability initiatives in Signature Renew. Today’s announcement is indicative of a transformative time for Signature, with our recent visual identity update focused on delivering innovative hospitality across every element of the guest journey.

“Together with BETA, we’re not only creating greater access to electric aviation but also unlocking new possibilities in regional air mobility for our guests, all while championing sustainability and innovation in the aviation industry.”

The infrastructure, which can charge both aircraft and electric vehicles, will be open to the public. BETA used an international standard (CCS) to ensure compatibility with BETA’s own all-electric aircraft, other developers’ electric aircraft, and ground EVs.

Nate Ward, BETA’s head of Network Development said: “As one of the leading private terminal operators anywhere in the world, Signature takes a forward-leaning approach to best serve their broad base of aviators. We’re excited to partner with Signature as they prepare for what comes next, and install infrastructure to enable modernisation as aviation continues to evolve. BETA has long been focused on building a reliable, accessible network of chargers for aircraft, and this collaboration represents another important pathway toward scaling our network.”

The new Signature sites join BETA’s growing network of chargers across the US. The firm has chargers online in 19 locations, with another 50 sites in the permitting or construction process. The network spanning from Vermont to Florida and across to Arkansas includes chargers purchased by the Department of Defense, regional and state-owned airports, other electric aircraft developers and FBOs.

MHT Airport Director Ted Kitchens said: “Manchester is emerging as one of the top high-tech hubs in the Northeast, and we are honoured that Manchester-Boston Regional Airport was chosen as Signature and BETA’s first operational electric aviation site. This interoperable charging station will help enable Manchester and southern New Hampshire to have better access to electric aviation, which will bring us better regional air mobility as we move into this exciting new era of electric transportation.”

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“We’re excited to welcome Meridian into the Signature family given our shared mission to operate safely and provide excellent customer service and a great team member experience,” said Tony Lefebvre, CEO, Signature Aviation.

“Meridian has a phenomenal history of exceptional service that we look forward to preserving and leveraging across our network.”

The acquisition transaction was completed on January 1, 2024, following which Meridian’s Teterboro, NJ (TEB) and Hayward, CA (HWD) bases joined Signature Aviation’s FBO network of more than 200 locations in 27 countries.

The two companies announced to complete transition over the coming months including enhancing site plans, updating branding and integrating Meridian’s team members into Signature Aviation.

“We embarked on this journey having a strong sense of which company would best build on the incredible legacy we’ve created, delivering award-winning service to our customers and treating our team members like family,” said Meridian’s CEO Ken Forester.

 “Signature is best positioned to do just that through their great network, providing even more services to our customers and opportunities to our people.”

Signature Aviation operates in 38 of the United States top 50 busiest airports. The company also operates over 14m square feet of multi-use office and hangar real estate.

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“Providing SAF for aircraft departing from this year’s convention not only makes the event more sustainable, but allows NBAA members to take an active role in helping the industry to achieve our net-zero target,” said Ed Bolen, president and CEO, NBAA.

SAF will be available at Henderson Executive Airport (HND), North Las Vegas Airport (VGT) and Harry Reid International Airport (LAS).

The NBAA will host the event from October 17th-19th at the Las Vegas Convention Center and HND Airport.

World Fuel Services will provide 40,000 gallons of SAF fuel at HND and VGT in conjunction with the convention. Meanwhile, Signature Aviation and Atlantic Aviation will provide supply SAF at LAS.

NBAA-BACE is the world’s largest business aviation event bringing together thousands of industry pioneers. The convention showcases technologies that are driving efficiency, safety and sustainability of aviation.

Moreover, the 2023 convention will highlight industry’s focus on sustainability with an emphasis on the notable innovations and advancements being made to shape the future.

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The new partnership with Lavazza marks a significant milestone in Signature Aviation’s commitment to delivering a consistent and exceptional experience across its extensive network of private aviation terminals. By introducing Lavazza across its U.S. network, Signature Aviation aims to create a familiar and premium coffee  brand and experience for their travellers from terminal to terminal, matching the elevated service standards travellers have come to expect while visiting a Signature location.

“Signature Aviation is passionate about consistently delivering an exceptional customer experience, and we’re always looking for opportunities to further elevate this experience.” Shared Derek DeCross, Chief Commercial Officer for Signature Aviation. “As one key step, we sought to reimagine our coffee program from the ground up with new technology and a world-renowned partner such as Lavazza. Together, we’re bringing a unique offering to private aviation, with excellence and precision in every cup.”

Earlier this year, Signature Aviation began an initial reimagining of its network coffee program with the installation of new, high-end machines at every location. These bean-to-cup machines will ensure that every cup of Lavazza coffee served will be prepared to perfection, following Lavazza’s exacting standards for taste and consistency.

As part of this collaboration, Signature Aviation will offer two distinct Lavazza coffee roasts to its customers: Gran Riserva, a rich and bold dark roast, and Gold Selection, a smooth and inviting light roast. Both options will be available in whole bean format. In addition, Signature Aviation will provide Lavazza’s Gran Riserva coffee for aircraft service and pilots. Decaffeinated coffee options will also be available upon request.

The partnership between Signature Aviation and Lavazza promises to set a new industry standard for coffee excellence at private aviation terminals, and this initial rollout will be followed by an expansion to all of Signature’s global locations in the near future.

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This move is part of Signature’s continued efforts to streamline its structure, remain competitive and deliver a great customer experience by investing in people, products and services that differentiate and keep it on top of the private aviation industry.

“We have been on a journey to transform our business by launching a multi-year strategy to enable a high-performing team, place safety at the forefront, deliver an elevated customer experience, and invest in sustainability,” said Tony Lefebvre, CEO, Signature Aviation. “Brad and Derek are experienced leaders who have a proven track record that will shape Signature’s future, as well as our industry.”

Brad Williams

Williams is responsible for all field operations, workforce optimisation, safety and security and continuous improvement for more than 200 bases globally. He most recently served as senior vice president of Corporate Store Operations and Restaurants for 7‑Eleven, where he was responsible for more than 4,900 fuel sites, 5,300 corporate-operated stores, and 900 restaurant locations.  Williams joined 7‑Eleven as part of the Sunoco acquisition in 2018. At Sunoco, he held the position of executive vice president of Operations where he was responsible for all corporate-operated convenience stores, Laredo Taco Company restaurants, real estate, and new business development. Prior to joining Sunoco, Williams was COO at L Catterton private equity firm’s Mid-Atlantic Convenience Stores. He also spent more than 13 years at The Pantry, as a member of the senior leadership team, where he last held the position of senior vice president of Operations.

Derek DeCross

DeCross has been promoted to CCO, having previously served as senior vice president of Customer Engagement. In his new role, DeCross will be responsible for delivering an exceptional customer experience across Signature’s global network of private aviation terminals, aligning business strategies with market demands, and optimising revenue through Signature’s loyalty, marketing, sales, and revenue management initiatives.

He joined Signature from IHG Hotels & Resorts, where he served as senior vice president, Global Sales, with responsibility for implementing a world-class sales experience across IHG’s portfolio of 17 brands, including over 6,000 hotels and resorts in more than 100 countries. During his tenure, he represented IHG across the industry as a member of the US Travel & Tourism Advisory Board, the Business Travel News Advisory Board and the Hospitality Sales and Marketing Association International Board.

Prior to IHG, DeCross spent 20 years with American Airlines across a multitude of commercial and financial functions, including senior leadership positions in revenue management, financial analysis, digital marketing, loyalty, and Global Sales. In his last position, as vice president of Global Sales, he led American’s global sales team and developed all sales and distribution policies worldwide, while spearheading American’s relationships with corporate customers and travel agencies.

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The new facility will provide services for transpacific and great circle rout traffic for operators that choose to stop over in Anchorage, as it is located on routes between Asia and Oceana to the US, as well as on European routes to the US West Coast.

The renovated terminal, built within the former Kulis Alaska Air National Guard facility, includes a 13,900sq ft passenger terminal and a 90,000sq ft ramp, as well as a US Customers and Border Protection station within the FBO. This will allow US-inbound flights to clear customs quickly before continuing to any destination in the US.

The FBO will be able to perform technical stops as quick as 60 minutes while simultaneously refueling and letting passengers and crew clear of US Customs, according to Signature.

Other amenities include the large, private-use aircraft ramp that, a complimentary snack bar and a large executive conference room.

“Signature’s Kulis terminal for private aviation is helping restate the importance of Anchorage as both a global crossroads and a destination for private aviation,” said Geoff Heck, senior VP of Global Operations, Signature Aviation. “There is simply no better, faster or more reliable tech stop option available to operators that frequently find themselves travelling between Asia and the US than that provided by Signature Anchorage.”

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While other FBOs have achieved carbon neutrality across one or several of their bases, Signature claims it is the first of its kind to make its entire network of 200 locations carbon neutral.

The company said it achieved carbon neutrality for 2022 across all emissions, including ground equipment and vehicles, facilities, electric and gas heating and its buildings. Signature has committed to maintaining carbon neutrality for every year going forward.

The firm achieved this by the use of electric vehicles, on-site solar power, grid-based renewable energy and carbon offsetting. Signature said that it plans to use offsetting less in future years as it continues its investment in reducing its own emissions.

“It was important for us to take our entire network to carbon neutrality instead of ceremonially doing so at a few regional locations,” said Tony Lefebvre, CEO, Signature Aviation. “We’ve set out to achieve ambitious emissions reduction targets, and rather than just making promises, we are proud to deliver real, quantifiable progress by becoming the first FBO to achieve carbon neutrality across its entire global network.”

Signature has also been using its Eagle County Airport FBO in Colorado as a “test bed for sustainable innovation”. It was the company’s first site to achieve carbon neutrality in autumn 2022 due to its on-site solar generation, facility and fleet upgrades that reduced emissions by 15%, and the establishment of a supply chain for Sustainable Aviation Fuel (SAAF) in the nearby Colorado Rockies. Signature has delivered over 16m gallons of SAF, which it claims is approximately 80% of all general aviation SAF sold in the US.

In October last year, Signature signed a deal with Bombardier for the purchase of SAF through Book and Claim.

For all the latest news on SAF, visit our sister site SAF Investor. 

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The deal will see Bombardier purchase SAF from Signature through Book and Claim, to cover its flights associated with its production facilities in Quebec, Canada from January 2023.

The flights covered by the SAF include production testing and certification flights in Canada and customer demonstration flights that take place in Hartford, Connecticut, as well as after-service check flights conducted at Bombardier service centres across Florida, Berlin, Germany and Singapore.

The Book and Claim system means that a user located near a SAF production site will use the SAF that Bombardier has purchased in their flights, allowing Bombardier to claim the greenhouse gas (GHG) reductions associated with its use. Bombardier said the decision to purchase the SAF through Book and Claim will reduce annual GHG emissions from its fuel use in flight operations by 25%.

“Over the last two years, Signature has grown our SAF supply points to 17 global airports, or around 10% of our total network of private aviation terminals,” said Tony Lefebvre, CEO, Signature Aviation. “But until we reach the milestone of SAF at every one of our terminals’ fuel farms, Book and Claim gives critical coverage to gaps in supply while immediately taking greenhouse gases out of the atmosphere.”

Jean-Christophe Gallagher, executive vice president of Services and Support, Corporate Strategy, Bombardier said: “Bombardier already has a unique environmental advantage as our production facilities in Quebec are powered by cleaner hydroelectricity. We will drive our environmental stewardship even further by covering all our production flights with SAF through the new agreement with Signature.”

Earlier this week at NBAA-BACE 2022, Bombardier launched its new Executive cabin for its Global 7500 and Global 8000 aircraft.

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The company reported a $61.4m profit before tax in its full year accounts for the year ended 31st December 2021, up from a loss of $33.5m the previous year. Signature’s cash increased from $168m to $266.7m in the same period.

In June 2021 the company was taken private from the London Stock Exchange. Blackstone, Global Infrastructure Partners and Cascade paid $4.7bn the company.  The 2021 figures show they paid a multiple of 13x earnings or 15.7x 2020 profits.

Signature said changes in flying became more pronounced in 2021, with small and mid-sized aircraft recovering at a greater pace and accounting for a greater share of the market.

The US generated most of the company’s revenue. The company said that although it did not experience the usual pick-up in demand following Labour Day 2021, the overall market remained broadly at the levels expected. Signature anticipates continued recovery from the impact of the pandemic and said the business “continues to outperform” the market at the airports from which it operates.

The accounts highlighted that one of the longer-term risks it is preparing for is climate change but said the use of Sustainable Aviation Fuel (SAF) will help mitigate any potential regulation by governments in the short to medium term.

For the second year in a row, the directors did not recommend the payment of dividends, although directors did receive bonuses.

With expected continued improvement in flight activity, the company said it plans to grow its footprint through investing in its lease portfolio and real estate, underpinned by its “robust cash generation and strong balance sheet”.

In November last year, the company bought the Vail Valley Jet Center FBO at Eagle County Regional Airport (EGE) in Colorado for $325m, according to the accounts.

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