Million Air

Thank you for your interest in becoming a Million Air franchisee.

The ultimate customer service experience takes flight when independent owners combine their entrepreneurial spirit under the Million Air name.

Million Air Interlink was founded in 1984 in Dallas, Tx. where the first FBO (Fixed Base Operation), Million Air Dallas, successfully launched one of the most recognized brands in aviation.   Today, Million Air is celebrating its 25th Year of providing outstanding FBO, charter and maintenance service through a network of independent franchisees.  Million Air's dedication to selecting qualified franchisees along with the strength of our franchise relationships has been a key factor in the growth and the success of the business.  We remain committed to our franchisees and their dedication to excellence in the true entrepreneurial spirit.

Million Air continues to grow by seeking highly qualified FBO owner operators to join the Million Air family.    Business and or public service experience, financial qualifications and a proven track record of success are important factors in the evaluation process of a prospective franchisee particularly if the candidate has demonstrated successful ownership or management of an existing FBO.

The stringency of our standards comes from our commitment to our customers is to assure that they will always receive outstanding service that is consistently delivered throughout the many Million Air locations.  

Below you will find a quick overview of our franchise selection process and many additional programs available.  Again, thanks for your interest in Million Air. We look forward to hearing from you.

Sincerely,

Sandy Nelson
Chief Brand and Business Development Officer
Million Air
Office: 713-640-4013
8501 Telephone Rd
Houston, Texas 77061

For more information please email: snelson@millionair.com or call.

Goals

• "To be the Premier, Worldwide, Industry Leading Aviation Service Provider..."
• To continue to build a worldwide network of first-class FBOs by developing a solid infrastructure and effective sales and marketing programs that produces higher sales revenues and overall returns
• Increasing the gap in our Market Leadership position as the leading FBO network by providing tools and services that produce higher earnings through efficiencies and better managed FBOs

Mission Statement

Million Air Headquarters has established the infrastructure, that creates the growth, and maintains the brand image for our family of FBOs to enjoy both Product and Profit Dominance. We accomplish this by selecting quality locations, filtering for "Service Centric" employees and owners, providing superior training to all FBO facilities, maintaining integrity in the system through well defined business controls, and ensuring that each Million Air customer consistently experiences supe­rior service while receiving exceptional value.

Million Air FBOs are operated as corporate owned and managed FBOs and independent ownership. With more than 1,500 employees, over $300,000,000 invested and approximately $500,000,000 annual revenues and more than 900 aircraft within the leasehold of our facilities, we set the stage for changing the service standards of the aviation industry. With more than 25 years of Fixed Base Operations experience, development and service, Million Air is uniquely qualified to design, develop and support you and your FBO while providing great benefits to the city, airport, and greater communities for all general and commercial aviation users of the airport.

Million Air's Unique Advantage

Research indicates that 50% of our competition's customers are less than satisfied with the quality of service offered other FBO chains (Aviation Resource Group - Denver, Colorado). Million Air Interlink currently receives approximately two new calls a week offering or suggesting new Million Air location opportunities. To take full advantage of this reality, Million Air strategically maintains its strong brand identity, stays close to its customers, and leverages the brand to keep “top of mind awareness' with every customer. These critical assets are tools are already in place.

In summary, Million Air has the following advantages over its competition:

• Exceptional name recognition.
• Proven track record.
• Superior customer service.
• Exceptional internal growth disciplines.
• Competitive programs through Loyalty Programs.
• Cost reduction programs.
• Decision Science Tools for top line growth and site selection
  

Million Air Success

Million Air brings a successful record in FBO operations. The network has seen unprecedented top line revenue growth all the while combining purchasing power for substantial cost cutting strategies. Strengthened management and an emphasis on product quality and cus­tomer relationships have proven to be a winning and sustainable business strategy for both profits and growth.

Through Million Air's exceptional track record for starting and developing FBO's, we believe in our ability to grow and develop any new location. The Million Air name identifies an FBO as a first-class luxury facility providing outstanding customer service. Customers come to Million Air FBOs because of the look and feel of the facility and the special way they are treated, or in other words, the performance staged for their benefit. Our exceptional reputation is safeguarded by our consistently outstanding product and service. This helps assure the continued strength of Million Air and the image we have earned.

University of Houston Independent Research Shows Results

An independent study by the University of Houston commissioned to evaluate recently joined Million Air FBOs which studied the impact of the Million Air brand. The purpose of this independent study was to measure, subject to franchise law, the impact that the Million Air brand brought to new entrants to the network. In short, the industry growth during the study period was 2.8% while the newest Million Air locations grew at a mean average rate of 21% within the first two years.

Worldwide presence

Million Air's highest quality service standards at the world's leading commercial and general aviation airports makes Million Air is one of the largest and most respected names in FBO service industry.

Today, Million Air succeeds at servicing more than nearly 1 million aircraft movements and 2.5 million passenger movements and nearly 70 million gallons of fuel to business, general aviation and commercial aircraft each year. Million Air's award winning programs continues to succeed by developing innovative approaches of providing outstanding customer service while maintaining a loyal customer base delivered by our most precious resource, our more than 1,500 employees.

Being a Million Air franchisee offers you many advantages - from the training by, and the support of, a solid organization to the opportunity to own a thriving and successful business.

Million Air Operational Standards

Million Air University

Million Air maintains a "People First" philosophy which makes training Million Air employees a top priority. Million Air helps ensure that standards of Quality Service and Safety provide for an FBO experience that customers will enjoy on every visit. The Million Air culture is designed by building and training the Million Air team based on strategic processes that give Million Air locations that leading edge.

“PLST Professional Life Service Training” Professional Line Service Training is a technical training program that teaches subjects such as: Aircraft Identification, Aircraft Marshalling, Aircraft Towing and Storage, Aircraft Fueling, Fuel Quality Control Standards, Lavatory and Water Servicing, and Deicing/Anti-Icing and our newest initiative called Million Air's 212 Program. This initiative was designed and trained to Million Air LSTs in conjunction with the Navy's Blue Angels line service team. The program introduced the professional and crisp hand signals used by the prestigious Blue Angels. The purpose and design of this program is to establish and maintain taxing control of all aircraft entering a Million air ramp providing crisp hand signals directing all pilots while on the ramp so as to minimize incidents and accidents. The professionalism and showmanship of the Million Air Line Service

teams lets our customers know the extent of which we take that role’s responsibility to run and operate a safer ramp all while displaying a level of professionalism never before seen in our industry.

Annually, Million Air holds retreats for all managers in the network designed to connect employees together in an environment of fun and education. Training and networking are the goals of the Million Air University's annual events. Mixed with education we hold team building programs and opportunities to promote and exchange information about each other's facilities within the network. All Million Air managers are required to attend annually.

Customer Service Standards

In addition to its innovative, high quality facility design and development standards, Million Air strives to provide the highest level of customer service. Million Air has a passion for excellence largely fueled by entrepreneurial spirit, high performance expectations of leadership, and the pride and joy of achievement. But most importantly our greatest success squarely lies in the heart and soul of our culture and our people. Daily, our culture is personified by how our employees choose to live the Million Air Brand. Million Air believes that the most important part of our success is the capacity for Million Air employees to deliver Extraordinary Customer Experiences.

Million Air's proprietary programs have proven to increase fuel sales and customer visits creating loyal followers across the Million Air network.

Quality and Safety Standards

Million Air's customized quality and safety program support our employees so that they are fully equipped to exercise good judgment in every situation. The safety and risk management program highlights employee and customer safety comfort issues beyond OSHA regulations. Along with Million Air's commitment to design, décor and quality equipment, are the safety and operational risk management programs which are an innovative and industry leading collection of techniques and procedures that intelligently reduce the risk inherent in FBO operations while insuring the highest level of customer service and profitability. As an example, line service technicians engaged in aircraft movements are not only presented a set of guidelines and rules which encompass normal operations they are also provided customized and practical judgment training so that they are fully equipped to exercise good judgment in new situations. The safety and risk management program also highlights employee and customer safety comfort issues beyond OSHA regulations. The program takes into account human factors engineering and normal human psychological influences to enhance safety, raise morale and provide the optimal experience.

Million Air requires every FBO to utilize and constantly maintain the NATA Safety 1st Professional Line Service Training (PLST) Program and 212 Training for 100% of applicable employees.

Design Standards

Million Air designs facilities to fit our product, service standards and the minimum standards of the airport requirements. To create an “Exceptional Facility” for general aviation customers we focus attention to the passenger's lounge, VIP Center, theater cinema room, pilot's lounge, conference rooms, restrooms, ramp and street side appearance, ground service equipment and front desk.

Ground Service Equipment and Ramp Standards

Million Air provides a full range of ramp services to aircraft at airports including passenger assistance, concierge, and baggage and cargo unloading. Services for on-site aircraft will include marshalling, parking, repositioning, grown power, potable water, and lavatory service. Million Air performs routine checks on all aircraft under its care to ensure safety and security. Line service personnel place cones at the nose, both wingtips, and tail of the aircraft to ensure adequate visual clearance for ground vehicles and taxiing aircraft.

Fuel and Line Services

Million Air dispenses both Jet and Avgas fuel and other aviation petroleum products for all types of business and general aviation aircraft as well as transport category aircraft frequently used by high profile users and charter that visit. Million Air always installs new, state of the art, environmentally friendly fuel farms at new FBO facilities.

Million Air's professional line service technicians follow established safety procedures, including bonding, surface/finish protection, and the use of protective wing mats in over-the-wing fueling. Refueling services are provided promptly, safely, efficiently, and in an environmentally responsible manner, with modern, well-maintained equipment. Million Air's proposed fueling equipment meets and exceeds industry standards and are required to be less than 5 years of age. Rigorous quality maintenance and aesthetics are a priority for the safety image Million Air portrays.

All Million Air trucks are equipped with wireless connectivity for quicker invoicing, and state-of-the-art safety and fuel quality control devices, including water sensors (located in the filter/separator sump), brake locks, (which prevent vehicle movement unless all fuel hoses are properly stowed), and bottom-loading capability. Safety cones are stored on all trucks and deployed during fueling operations to ensure high visibility and clearances. Absorbent booms, absorbent materials, and hand tools are stored in all fuel trucks, as well as the hazardous response cart, which is positioned on the ramp area and readily available in the unlikely event of a fuel spill.

Safety Management

As a provider of professional aviation fuel and line services, we stress the importance of safety for our customers, their equipment, our employees and the environment in our daily operations. A written line service safety program will be maintained which will include procedures for reporting accidents, incidents and hazards associated with line operations, including emergency contact information, procedures for periodic safety checks, analyzing safety data and dissemination of the safety information to appropriate line service technicians and written training and education program for line service technicians.

A member of the site management team will be appointed as a Safety Officer to ensure that the written line service safety program is followed. The Safety Officer will report directly to the site manager on matters of line safety. The Safety Officer will be required to attend the NATA Line Service Supervisor Training Seminar.  All line service personnel (both full time and part time) will take the NATA Safety 1st written and practical exams.

Corporate Level Safety and Service Audits

Each Million Air Facility is audited yearly by Million Air and the fuel brand provider to ensure compliance with all applicable corporate, federal, state, local , and airport regulations, and the company's own rigid internal standards.

Costs and Benefits of Joining the Million Air Family

There are many undercurrents that are changing the fixed base operator industry: airports getting into the services sector at their facilities and the growing influence of outside money and consolidation of our market.

Over the past 20 years, the FBO industry has undergone a transition due to the acquisition of many of the independent FBO owners of whom were responsible for creating the initial foundation for the general aviation services sector. Through this consolidation of buyouts by outside investors - exemplified by Signature Flight Support, the Carlisle Group and the Macquarie Group - the FBO industry today looks significantly different. And it appears more change is forthcoming.

Best of all and now more than ever, the Million Air's franchise option offers independent owners the advantages of doing business as an internationally recognized brand. Larger flight departments and fractional programs are seeking to do business with a handful of networked FBOs as opposed to the numerous dispersed groups of independent operators of before. For this and many other reasons, choosing to join the Million Air family is a smart choice.

Million Air Franchisee

The traditional franchised FBO process includes partaking in the franchise selection process before joining the network.

Franchise Selection Process

Along with the evaluation of FBOs or areas for potential Million Air locations, the importance of managing the Million Air brand stands in the forefront of qualifying locations as potential selectee whether it is franchised, managed or owned facility.

Developing and adhering to this process bring value to the network both strategically and tactically. These series of steps are taken after a preliminary evaluation has been accomplished and the applicant is deemed a potential candidate. Should Million Air deem a candidate to be a viable choice as a franchisee and the candidate wishes to continue the process to join the Million Air network, below is a brief description of the selection process:

STAGE 1

1. Decision to start Selection Process
2. Credit / Background Check of Franchise Candidate
3. Assessment of the Following:
   • Financials of facility and/or owners
   • Experience
   • Capital investment capabilities
   • Culture fit for the Million Air network.

STAGE 2

1. Location assessment for brownfield (Assessment of an existing FBO considering upgrading to a Million Air location).
   • Design and Décor of FBO
   • GSE equipment audit
   • Service and safety standards assessment
   • Market analysis
   • Affinity to Million Air's customer service model from the top down
   • High level culture in the organization
   • High achievements as an independent FBO
   • Financial sustainability

or

1. Greenfield location (A new installation of an FBO without the requirement of integrating an existing FBO)
   • Architectural plans and layout of future facility for non-existing FBOs
   • Market analysis
   • Affinity to Million Air's customer service model from the top down
   • High level culture from owner/developer
   • Financial sustainability
   • Airport lease assessment
   • Operational and Business Plan
   • Proforma Evaluation
      
2. Million Air Design and Development team and Quality and Safety Team completes onsite assessment and reports to back to franchise candidate of necessary changes, upgrades and processes required to complete and meet the franchise selection process.
    
3. Franchise Agreement is executed.
   
   Before the Franchise Agreement is signed, MAI and the franchisee will mutually agree on a date by which all required changes must be completed and the FBO is allowed to open as a franchise. Renovations and/or build-out, completed training, hiring, approved audits, and staffing must satisfy licensing and certification requirements to begin operations as a Million Air.
    
4. Post execution of agreement
    
5. Final assessment and walk through: Safety, Brand Compliance, Design and Décor, etc.
    
6. Example of Preliminary Training Programs
   • NATA Safety 1st Program
   • Million Air Safety Standards and 212 Program
   • Initial Leadership Orientation Training for all managers of the FBO
   • Onsite “Million Air Outrageous Customer Service” training provided by team including the CEO of Million Air Interlink
   • Etc…
      
7. Soft Opening
    
8. Grand Opening

In today's market, Million Air receives numerous requests to work with private equity groups, developers, and independent entrepreneurs who are attracted to the aviation industry and are looking to expand their portfolio without having to work “in the business”. With this new trend, Million Air has developed management and business development program options geared towards taking a prospective Million Air FBO from “Greenfield to Grand Opening”.

These programs have been developed to offer a variety of comprehensive support options sustaining the various needs of prospective owners. These programs are above and beyond a standard franchise agreement and are custom designed to fit the needs of the investors.

Management of FBO on Behalf of Airport Authorities

Million has worked successfully with airport authorities and economic development groups to bring the all important “first impression” experience to visitors of our city or county airport locations. Our success at increasing business and customer satisfaction has more than double business in sole FBO locations that Million Air manages on behalf of an airport authority through comprehensive management agreements.

Corporate Partnerships

This program was developed for existing FBO owners whose facility may require renovation or expansion to meet a growing market or Million Air's brand standard requirements. Million Air works to provide capital to meet the Million Air brand standards and in turn becomes an equity partners in the FBO.

Million Air Performance Program

The Million Air Performance Program was developed for existing FBO owners whose operations seek management services from Million Air but in lieu of fees, Million Air Interlink earns eithers earns an additional fee or equity in the facility through capital funds, extra services and support and/or performance incentives negotiated between the owner and Million Air Interlink. The Million Air Performance Program helps supports growth through a dedicated sales and marketing team and you determine the freedom you seek from the day to day business of the FBO you desire.

Million Air Management Program

The Million Air Management Program is designed for both existing and new FBO owners whose operations desire management services from Million Air Interlink. A managed FBO is an FBO who has contracted with Million Air Interlink to provide day to day management of the facility for a set monthly fee to include incentives for growth based on fuel flowage. The owner stays in complete ownership of the FBO and is a traditional franchisee.

Facility Lease Program

Facility Lease Program brings Million Air in as an anchor tenant for aviation complexes helping grow business in new projects at various airports. The business is owned and managed by Million Air Interlink who becomes a tenant of the office and hangar space of the airport commercial development site.

Million Air Franchise Development Program

Because of the many requests by non-aviation investors in our industry, Million now provides pre-franchise development consultation for prospective Million Air FBO franchisees. The Million Air Franchise Development Program provides “Greenfield to Grand Opening” support through consultation, architectural design and development and well as a comprehensive start up program to complete and pass the final selection process of joining the Million Air network.

Design and Development Team

Million Air's design and development team is the industry leader in FBO architecture and design. We see building design as collaborative effort that unites our company's goals with our customer's expectations and value. Our current projects span from coast to coast in both the US and Canada. Million Air's design and development team are recognized as leaders in quality and innovation through design by combining elements of both traditional and contemporary architecture with classic interior design elements that convey the truly high tech world of aviation with the warm luxurious comfort associated with high end traditional architecture and interior finishes in specific customer “touch” spaces.

Million Air capitalizes on the vast experience of each component of the design and development team by utilizing proven and cost effective methods of construction, carrying over design elements from each successful project to the benefit of the next, enabling specific proprietary improvements to enhance our FBO Developments to represent the pinnacle of current FBO Design and architecture.

The Million Air Design and Development Team's resources include experienced and motivated professionals in project management, architectural over-sight, and field supervision. We enjoy professional relationships with talented and proven General Contractors and Construction Managers across the nation. Quality control, costs controls, and schedule compliance are hallmarks of our philosophy and contiguous with our Value Engineering.

Corporate Transition Team

For startup FBOs, the Million Air Corporate Transition Team brings the dream that begins with the Conceptual Designs of our Design Team into reality by providing the essential elements, training and expertise required to operate a Fixed Base Operation at the high standards of Million Air FBOs.

Our experts begin with marketing and training and end with inventory acquisition and the Grand Opening. Implementing the Million Air marks and systems in everything from point of sale customer service to accounting and financial planning our team of experts have the experience and training to guarantee a smooth transition from construction completion into business operations that are the envy of our industry.

On-site Management Team

Million Air's post-opening management team works closely daily with Million Air Headquarters and other Million Air FBOs in the network to secure new business and provide outstanding service standards to the many loyal customers. It's through an extensive quality selection process that Million Air brings exceptional management talent both locally and corporately increasing the added value to the growth of enterprise value through accountable and measured business process and customer satisfaction.

Business Development Team

Million Air’s in house sales and marketing team works diligently at caring for our existing customer base in our VIP Customer Care center but has had significant success on the new business side through the use of scientific data analysis and research tools that are a part of our proprietary software system.  This division of the Million Air team has been responsible for significant growth within the Million Air network and at individual location who have contracted with Million Air Interlink for support above and beyond the traditional franchise agreement.

In Summary

The Million Air name is recognized throughout the aviation community and to Corporate America as the premier provider of upscale FBO services.  A larger percentage of affluent individuals and companies are utilizing private aviation instead of facing the uncertainties, incon­venience and issues associated with commercial aviation. Scheduled new aircraft deliver­ies will further stretch the capacity of the world's FBOs. These developments will dramatically enhance the value of a Million Air franchise and provide exciting growth opportunities for the Million Air network. Million Air is in a growing business sector; the company has a passionate and winning management team, a keen vision backed by scalable processes that deliver real busi­ness and financial RESULTS. This company will, without a doubt, be one of the industry's most compelling success stories.