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Memphis International Airport (MEM) is a great location for private aviation, hosting various FBOs and concierge services.
Many private jet owners in the Tennessee area might assume Nashville Airport is the main destination for private jet hangars, maintenance services, and concierge services. But another great option for private jet management and services lies in Western Tennessee.
Today we’ll run through everything you need to know about charter flights and private aviation flying at Memphis International Airport, including the Memphis Airport construction updates.
About Memphis Airport (MEM)
Memphis International Airport has one terminal and 50 gates across three concourses: A, B, and C. A public airport, MEM is known to host the global FedEx hub, as hosts airlines Air Canada, United Airlines, Delta Airlines, American Airlines, Spirit Airlines, and more.
A national hub, MEM usually has some construction going on, but right now Memphis Airport construction is uncharacteristically extensive and worth about $500 million.
Current Memphis Airport Construction
Projects are underway to modernize Concourse B, which includes the addition of public art, a terrazzo, electrical and mechanical system updates, new metal framing, and a new jet bridge expected to be completed in early 2022. Another exciting Memphis airport construction project is a Consolidated Deicing Facility for airlines to maintain their planes during the winter.
Finally, a new Airfield Maintenance and Warehouse Facility began construction a few years back and was meant to host the Airport Authority’s airfield workspace, Memphis Airport Police, Operations, and the warehouse itself.
But of course, MEM offers more than just construction and flight services for big commercial airlines. Players in the private aviation industry have begun using a variety of services offered by the West Tennessee airport.
If you own or want to charter a private jet, here are some services at MEM you’ll want to learn about.
Memphis Airport Services
Memphis Airport offers a wide variety of standard airport services to both public and private flyers. Keep in mind though that these services aren’t specialized in any way for private jet owners or those in the private aviation industry (we’ll get to those later).
Blue Suede Service
The MEM Blue Suede Service is a group of local retirees with knowledge about the airport and aviation industry. They’re characterized by their navy blue vest and are available to answer any questions.
International Business Service Center
The MEM International Business Service Center has a variety of business services for travelers on business. One service of importance is Travelex, a currency exchange.
Airport Lounges
MEM has two airport lounges. Terminal A near Gate A27 hosts the military lounge, which is free and exclusive for veterans, US Army members, and their families. The lounge offers a comfortable resting area as well as snacks, television, and newspapers. The second is the Delta Sky Club for members, offering beverages, flight assistance, showers, and more.
Other general MEM airport services include:
- Wi-Fi
- Baggage carts
- Meditation room
- Food and beverage retailers
- Service animal areas
- Rental car services
- Shoeshine services
- Moving walkways
Flying Private at Memphis International Airport? Here’s everything you need to know.
FBO Operators
An FBO is a private aviation terminal offering a few services for passengers flying privately, either through their own private jet or with a chartered flight. FBOs offer lounges to sit in and socialize, flight planning assistance, showers, and sometimes, office space.
Some FBOs even offer aircraft and private jet maintenance services, but oftentimes they are meant for aircraft storage. The Airport Authority has two Fixed-Based Operators (FBOs) operating at MEM: Wilson Air Center (WAC) and Signature Flight Support (SFS).
Wilson Air Center
Wilson Air Center provides aircraft support services in four US cities: Houston, Charlotte, Chattanooga, and of course, Memphis. With over 20 years of private aviation experience, WAC is well known for its impeccable attention to customer service, safety, and satisfaction. Some services they offer at the MEM include:
- 26,000 sq. ft. canopy
- Renovated lobby
- Enterprise car rentals
- Ground power
- Crew cars
- Concierge
- Sleeping room
- Pilot’s lounge
- Conference rooms
- Discrete celebrity lobby
- CCTV security
- Heated transient hangar storage
- Aircraft Deicing
Signature Flight Support
Signature Flight Support is a well-established FBO with locations across the globe, including in the Caribbean, Canada, Latin America, and Europe, as well as 75 locations in the US.
The aircraft company’s FBO in Memphis is quite impressive, showcasing its brand value and commitment to southern hospitality. They offer services for both private and corporate aircraft.
Some services they provide at the Memphis International Airport include:
- 24-hour security surveillance
- Conference rooms, fax machines, and copiers
- Crew transportation
- Gym
- Airport restaurant
- Billiards
- Rental Cars by Enterprise, Nationalism and 3rd Party
- Showers
- Sleeping room
- Passenger lounge
- Medical capabilities
- Baggage carts
Unlike Wilson Air Center, SFS provides some aircraft maintenance services from third-party contractors, like:
- Aircraft detailing
- Aircraft lubricants
- Aircraft maintenance services
- Avionics
Private Hangars
Both FBOs have private hangars to provide storage needs to private jet owners. For example, the WAC has a whopping 125,000 sq. ft. of heated transient hangar storage. And Signature Flight Support has 99,000 sq. ft of hangar space that’s heated, ideal for overnight storage as well. These private hangars are great places to let your jet rest and get some TLC long flight.
Why not take that time to upgrade your upholstery and spruce up the inside of your jet? Southern Air Custom Interiors is based in Alabama, but would happily come to service your plane at MEM.
Concierge Services
MEM’s two FBOs both provide concierge services to help make your flight as smooth as possible. Both the WAC and SFS offer concierge services that channel the utmost dedication to customer service.
The concierge staff at each FBO are professionally trained to help you with all concerns, from travel requirements to special accommodations. Other things that the concierge can help you with include:
- Ticketing
- Baggage
- Meal arrangements
- Last-minute arrangements and bookings
- Car service
- General questions
Maintenance Companies
FBOs aren’t usually known for providing aircraft maintenance services. Instead, they’re more of a hub for private jet owners and charter flyers to relax before and after a private flight. Sometimes, though, FBOs will offer minor aircraft maintenance services at their hangars, provided by their own staff or sometimes by third-party contractors.
For example, SFS offers aircraft maintenance like detailing and avionics services from third parties.
Southern Custom Air Interiors also provides aircraft maintenance services, from skillful mechanics that have years and years of experience. We specialize in aircraft interiors (from King Air to Gulfstream and more) which includes avionics servicing and installation.
Southern Air Custom Interiors
While MEM offers a range of services from their two FBOs on-site, as well as great updates from the Memphis airport construction, neither MEM nor their FBOs offer any specialized service in aircraft interiors.
After years of flight hours, the aircraft interior of your private jet might need some TLC. Here at Southern Air Custom Interiors, our skilled technicians have decades of experience in creating custom aircraft interiors for many jet models, including Gulfstream, Beechcraft, and Cessna planes. Whatever your interior design vision for your aircraft, Southern Air Custom Interiors aims to manifest it.
Aircraft interior refurbishment, whether it’s a complete makeover or touch up can help you maintain comfort, style, and resale value for your plane. Interested in giving your aircraft interiors a boost? Contact us for a quote today!
