Standard Aviation at the Cyril E. King Airport in St. Thomas, USVI. Photo Credit: STANDARD AVIATION.
Standard Aviation has once again earned top honors in the Caribbean region, with Aviation International News (AIN) naming the luxury facility at Cyril E. King Airport the number one fixed-base operator (FBO) in the region in its April 2025 issue. The recognition marks the third time Standard Aviation has received this distinction, based on votes from private jet pilots and passengers who visited the location in the past year.
According to the release, voters in AIN’s 44th annual FBO survey awarded Standard Aviation an average rating of 4.64 out of a possible 5.00, up 0.04 points from last year’s score. The publication described the company’s performance as placing it within “the top 20 percent of FBOs in the Americas.” The annual survey is considered one of the aviation industry’s most trusted benchmarks for FBO performance.
“From the moment a high-net-worth visitor flies into St. Thomas, our Standard Aviation team members are dedicated to the anticipatory service they expect,” said Standard Aviation General Manager Aquino Bonelli. “I could not be prouder to lead the team that brought this award to my island home, supporting tourism essential to the territory's economy.”
Bonelli also received individual recognition from AIN, being named to the publication’s prestigious “Above and Beyond” list, based on voter responses.
Standard Aviation first opened its luxury FBO facility at Cyril E. King Airport in 2020 and quickly established itself as a key player in regional aviation. It was previously named the top FBO in the Caribbean by Professional Pilot magazine in 2022, just two years after opening, and was also awarded the top honor by AIN in 2024.
A portion of Standard Aviation's interior. (Credit: Standard Aviation)
“We wish to congratulate the Standard Aviation team and especially General Manager Aquino Bonelli on receiving these honors,” said V.I. Port Authority Executive Director Carlton Dowe. “As a trusted tenant and partner of the port authority, these awards solidify that Standard Aviation has made St. Thomas one of the most desirable destinations for affluent travelers.”
The AIN survey is based on ratings in five categories: amenities, customer service representatives (CSRs), line service, passenger amenities, and pilot facilities. Votes are counted cumulatively from 2015 onward, with results published annually. The 2025 survey was reported by AIN Senior Editor Curt Epstein and included data compiled by Dave Leach.
Standard Aviation is a 24/7 fixed-base operator that provides aircraft fuel, FBO services, and customs clearance. The facility includes 24,000 square feet of enclosed hangar space, making it the largest free-span building in the Caribbean. The company is part of the Air Elite network by World Fuel and serves as a gateway to both the U.S. and British Virgin Islands, offering concierge-level service to high-net-worth visitors, yacht transfers, and seamless travel connections.
For more information, visit STTfbo.com or call 340-244-4990.
