AVFuel Corporation – Fixed Bas

Avfuel Corporation Fixed Bas is a structured supplier partnership for fixed base operators, airport operators, and aviation entrepreneurs rather than a traditional consumer franchise. Founded in 1973 at 47 West Ellsworth Road in Ann Arbor, Michigan, Avfuel began as a regional aviation supply and logistics company. Craig Sincock acquired it in 1983 and expanded the business through more than 30 acquisitions. Avfuel marked its 50th anniversary in 2023. Its worldwide fueling network now includes more than 3,500 locations, including over 720 branded FBOs across North America and Europe. The global Fixed Base Operators market was estimated at USD 27.47 billion in 2025 and is projected to reach USD 46.98 billion by 2032, at a compound annual growth rate of 7.96%. For an FBO owner, the fuel relationship can affect supply, contract pricing, loyalty revenue, and customer retention.

North America held 35.1% of global FBO market share in 2024, with more than 3,300 FBOs representing 56% of global market presence. The region is projected to maintain a CAGR of 6.9% through 2031. Private jet departures rose more than 15% above pre pandemic levels, and over 86% of private flights used FBO facilities in 2023. Sustainable aviation fuel is another source of activity. More than 180 FBOs began offering SAF in 2023, while deliveries reached 39 million gallons, a 24% year on year increase led by France, Germany, and the United Kingdom. More than 600 FBOs upgraded facilities to meet VIP standards in 2023, and over 31% of North American FBOs now offer VIP concierge services. The global commercial aircraft fleet is expected to grow from approximately 29,000 aircraft in January 2025 to roughly 38,300 by the end of 2035.

Avfuel does not use the traditional franchise structure built around an upfront franchise fee and ongoing royalties. FBOs instead brand with Avfuel or join the Avfuel Network as dealers and partners. The relationship centers on fuel supply, contract fuel, loyalty tools, marketing, and operating systems. No traditional franchise fee, published royalty rate, or advertising fund contribution as a percentage of gross sales is disclosed in the source. Costs are tied to the commercial fuel supply relationship, including fuel pricing, contract fuel reimbursement, and network services such as AVTRIP, the Avfuel Pro Card, and contract fuel billing. Avfuel bills contract customers directly and reimburses the FBO for fuel cost plus into wing rates. The global FBO market was valued at USD 35,023.81 million in 2026. Establishing or upgrading an FBO to VIP standards requires millions of dollars for facilities, ground support equipment, and staffing. The main investment decision is therefore a strategic supplier alignment rather than a payment to a franchisor.

An Avfuel branded FBO provides fueling for private, charter, and general aviation aircraft using Avfuel jet fuel and avgas. Line staff can train through the FAA approved Avfuel Training System, and Avfuel offers a Part 139 Supervisory Fuel Safety Training Seminar for operators at certificated airports. Fuel quality assurance experts are available 24 hours a day, 7 days a week, 365 days a year for fuel and refueling equipment questions. Marketing support includes direct outreach, weekly pricing communications, newsletters, online management resources, social media, and advertising. Avfuel also provides credit and financing solutions, tax assistance, and aviation insurance through its wholly owned subsidiary, Avsurance Corporation. Avplan Trip Support provides international flight support and trip planning. Together, these services sit alongside the FBO's existing operation and support safety, customer retention, and revenue activity.

Since Avfuel operates as a supplier and services partner, individual FBO results are not presented like those of a traditional franchisor. Buyers should build unit level projections using airport traffic, service mix, and industry benchmarks. The global FBO market is projected to reach USD 46.98 billion by 2032, although revenue varies widely by location. Avfuel's contract fuel program lets corporate flight operators and charter companies access less than retail jet fuel rates at branded locations. Avfuel bills those customers directly and reimburses the FBO for fuel cost plus the agreed into wing handling rate. The FBO earns handling revenue without taking on the related credit risk. AVTRIP can encourage repeat visits, while the Avfuel Pro Card combines fuel and non fuel purchases in one transaction and may help customers avoid processing fees. More than 30 new contract fuel locations were added in the United States in one year, along with 230 international locations. Operators should model revenue from their own airport data while considering these network services.

Avfuel announced more than 650 branded locations at NBAA VBACE in December 2020, when 27 new FBOs joined in one announcement. The network has since grown to over 720 branded FBOs in North America and Europe, with more than 3,500 fueling locations worldwide. Aero Center Spokane at KGEG and Aero Center Felts Field at KSFF joined in January 2024. Fort Wayne Aero Center at KFWA and Smith Field Aero Center at KSMD in Indiana were added effective January 1, 2026. Sugar Land Regional Airport at KSGR and GlobalSelect joined effective February 1, 2026, ahead of expected international aviation traffic for the Houston World Cup 2026. City Terminal Flight Services at New Braunfels National Airport in Texas and Spring City Aviation at Milwaukee's Lawrence J. Timmerman Airport added coverage in secondary and regional markets. Avfuel's network includes long standing fuel relationships, logistics supporting more than 3,500 locations, AVTRIP, the FAA approved training system, and SAF supply and investment in next generation SAF producers. In February 2026, C.R. Sincock, II became President, Joel Hirst became Executive Vice President, Marci Ammerman became Senior Vice President of Marketing and Strategic Planning, and Jonathan Boyle became Vice President of Sales for Contract Fuel and Bulk Fuel.

The likely Avfuel partner is an established FBO operator, airport authority, corporate flight department, or aviation entrepreneur developing a fixed base operation. It is not designed for a first time buyer seeking a turnkey consumer business. Operators at certificated Part 139 airports may benefit from the compliance training and continuous fuel quality support. Multi location groups, including Aero Center in Spokane, can apply the marketing, loyalty, and contract fuel systems across several sites. The branded network is concentrated in North America and Europe, while the broader 3,500 location network extends internationally. Airports with rising business aviation activity, especially secondary airports serving traffic diverted from congested hubs, may offer a strong fit. Private jet departures were more than 15% above pre pandemic levels, and over 86% of private flights used FBO facilities in 2023. Banyan Air Service represents a long standing network relationship and has described Avfuel as a true asset to the Avfuel Network.

The Avfuel Corporation Fixed Bas opportunity combines a growing FBO market, higher private and business aviation activity, and a supplier partnership that provides contract fuel access, loyalty services, FAA approved training, continuous fuel quality support, marketing, insurance through Avsurance Corporation, and international trip support through Avplan. Its current Loan Activity Score is 38, rated Fair, reflecting the difficulty of comparing this supplier model with a conventional franchise. The network expanded from more than 650 to over 720 branded locations between December 2020 and 2026. Commercial fuel terms replace the upfront licensing structure common to consumer franchises, while local airport traffic, service quality, and operating performance remain central to returns. PeerSense helps prospective buyers review franchise information and compare opportunities as they assess financing options with SBA and conventional lenders. PeerSense is a commercial capital advisory firm, not a lender.