FBO, Airport Management Operation & Flight School
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PROFITABLE FBO, AIRPORT MANAGEMENT & FLIGHT SCHOOL - SPARTA, IL
Established in 1988, this exceptional aviation enterprise represents a rare opportunity to acquire a dominant position at a public general aviation airport in Sparta, Illinois. With 38 years of proven success and revenue that has quadrupled under the current ownership, this business offers multiple revenue streams with exceptionally low overhead, and still has room to grow.
THREE CORE REVENUE PILLARS:
Airport Management: Secured long-term contract providing stable governmental income for daily airport operations oversight.
Fuel Sales: Exclusive FBO position capturing high-margin fuel sales from both local aircraft owners and transient traffic throughout the region at two local airports!
Flight School: Well-established training program with deep student roster and excellent reputation for pilot education.
Hangar Rental: 100% occupancy on all based hangars, with an extensive waiting list.
STRATEGIC ADVANTAGES:
• Only FBO on the airfield
• Controls fuel sales at a neighboring airport
• Ideally positioned outside St. Louis metro area offering lower operating costs while accessing the regional customer base
• Loyal, long-term customer base built over decades
• Low overhead structure maximizing profitability
• Complete infrastructure and systems for seamless day-one operations
GROWTH OPPORTUNITIES:
• Expand flight training programs and fleet
• Add aircraft maintenance services
• Increase fuel sales through targeted promotion
• Develop aircraft sales and management services
FINANCIALS:
Asking Price: $549,000 + Inventory, Cash & Prepaids - Liabilities
Current Inventory, Cash & Prepaids - Liabilities: $47,501
FF&E Value: $122,775 (included in price)
2025 Annual Revenue: $900,567
2025 Cash Flow (SDE): $189,266
This turnkey operation provides an exceptional entry point into the aviation industry with established contracts, proven revenue streams, and significant expansion potential. The seller offers transition assistance to ensure smooth ownership transfer.
Owner selling to pursue other aviation opportunities.
Established in 1988, this exceptional aviation enterprise represents a rare opportunity to acquire a dominant position at a public general aviation airport in Sparta, Illinois. With 38 years of proven success and revenue that has quadrupled under the current ownership, this business offers multiple revenue streams with exceptionally low overhead, and still has room to grow.
THREE CORE REVENUE PILLARS:
Airport Management: Secured long-term contract providing stable governmental income for daily airport operations oversight.
Fuel Sales: Exclusive FBO position capturing high-margin fuel sales from both local aircraft owners and transient traffic throughout the region at two local airports!
Flight School: Well-established training program with deep student roster and excellent reputation for pilot education.
Hangar Rental: 100% occupancy on all based hangars, with an extensive waiting list.
STRATEGIC ADVANTAGES:
• Only FBO on the airfield
• Controls fuel sales at a neighboring airport
• Ideally positioned outside St. Louis metro area offering lower operating costs while accessing the regional customer base
• Loyal, long-term customer base built over decades
• Low overhead structure maximizing profitability
• Complete infrastructure and systems for seamless day-one operations
GROWTH OPPORTUNITIES:
• Expand flight training programs and fleet
• Add aircraft maintenance services
• Increase fuel sales through targeted promotion
• Develop aircraft sales and management services
FINANCIALS:
Asking Price: $549,000 + Inventory, Cash & Prepaids - Liabilities
Current Inventory, Cash & Prepaids - Liabilities: $47,501
FF&E Value: $122,775 (included in price)
2025 Annual Revenue: $900,567
2025 Cash Flow (SDE): $189,266
This turnkey operation provides an exceptional entry point into the aviation industry with established contracts, proven revenue streams, and significant expansion potential. The seller offers transition assistance to ensure smooth ownership transfer.
Owner selling to pursue other aviation opportunities.
About the Business
- Years in Operation
- 38
- Employees
- 6 (2 Full-time, 3 Part-time, 1 Contractor)
- Facilities & Assets
- Assets to be included: Aircraft Tug, Fuel Terminals, Courtesy car, Tractor, Mowers, Skid Steer & attachments, Grounds maintenance equipment, Office fixtures & supplies, Non-inventoried parts, Aircraft Maintenance Tools & Equipment
- Market Outlook / Competition
- Business is the only FBO on the airfield, and holds the airport management contract for guaranteed governmental income. The airport is ideally positioned outside of the St. Louis metro area, offering lower cost of living and a good training environment, while being situated close enough to St. Louis to be able to attract customers from the entire region. The business has an additional contract for the fuel sales at a neighboring airport.
- Opportunities for Growth
- The FBO has an excellent opportunity for growth in the flight school, as well as an aircraft maintenance shop. Fuel sales can also increase with the right promotion. Aircraft sales and management is a category that has been very strong in the past.
About the Sale
- Seller Motivation
- Owner is pursuing other individual aviation opportunities.
- Transition Support
- Transition assistance is available from current owner
Listing Info
- ID
- 2500556
- Listing Views
Listing ID: 2500556 The information on this listing has been provided by either the seller or a business broker representing the seller. BizQuest has no interest or stake in the sale of this business and has not verified any of the information and assumes no responsibility for its accuracy, veracity, or completeness. See our full Terms of Use. Learn how to avoid scams.
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