Desert Jet Center, the premier independent full-service executive Fixed Base Operator (FBO) located at the Jacqueline Cochran Regional Airport (KTRM) in Thermal, California, proudly announces its recognition as one of the Top 5% Highest-Rated FBOs in the Americas. This distinguished honor also marks the fourth consecutive year that Desert Jet Center has been rated the No. 1 FBO in Palm Springs, CA, in the highly regarded Aviation International News (AIN) FBO Survey.

Additionally, for the second year in a row, Desert Jet Center achieved the highest overall average score among FBOs in the West Region of the U.S. – which includes Anchorage, Honolulu, Las Vegas, Los Angeles, Portland, San Diego, San Francisco, Sonoma, and Seattle.

The 2025 survey results, compiled through feedback from AIN subscribers and FBO users around the globe throughout the past year, highlighted the outstanding performance of the Desert Jet Center’s team. Its Line Service Technicians ranked No. 2, and Guest Service Coordinators ranked No. 6 in the Americas. Special recognitions were also awarded to Peni Nelson, Customer Relations Advisor at Desert Jet Center, who was named on the “Above and Beyond” list, highlighting her among 73 individuals from thousands of FBO personnel.

The AIN annual survey rates five critical categories: line service, passenger amenities, pilot amenities, facilities, and customer service representatives (CSRs). FBOs must demonstrate exceptional consistency across all categories to rank among the top performers.

“We are truly honored to be recognized as one of the best FBOs in the nation,” said Roman Mendez, General Manager of Desert Jet Center. “This achievement reflects the invaluable feedback from our pilots and guests and the trust from schedulers and dispatchers who see us as part of their teams. Our dedicated staff works tirelessly each day to improve our services. This recognition underscores our commitment and care in everything we do.”

The award recognitions received are significant considering the FBO’s size, location, and the seasonal nature of the desert, positioning Desert Jet Center as a standout performer compared to larger chain FBOs and other FBOs that operate year-round.

“We are incredibly proud of our FBO team’s hard work, dedication, and commitment to providing exceptional service to our valued clients,” said Jared Fox, Chief Executive Officer at Desert Jet. “These accolades are a testament to our focus on quality and customer satisfaction as we continue to set high standards in the aviation industry.”

AIN has been conducting FBO surveys since 1981, asking about the service that FBOs provide their customers and reporting the results annually.
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About Aviation International News (AIN)

Founded in 1972, Aviation International News is an independent media company focused on the aviation sector. Their stated mission is “To provide timely, accurate and balanced aviation and aerospace news, analysis and data around the world.” They accomplish this mission by employing a dedicated staff of experts in their respective fields. They adhere to strict guidelines of ethics and good practices, a policy that has made AIN Publications one of the most trusted sources for aviation news in the world.

About Desert Jet

Desert Jet is a prominent business aviation service company providing full-service executive FBO and aircraft maintenance services in Palm Springs/Thermal, California (KTRM).

Desert Jet Center is an independent FBO serving the business and general aviation community at the Jacqueline Cochran Regional Airport (KTRM). Rated as the #1 FBO in Palm Springs, CA, the facility features a 32,500-square-foot executive building with modern amenities, a luxurious terminal, and a hangar.

As the closest airport to the Coachella and Stagecoach music and arts festivals, polo grounds, world-class golf courses, equestrian horse park, and The Thermal Club INDYCAR Grand Prix, Desert Jet Center is regarded as the Gateway to the Coachella Valley® and offers **NO Special Events Fee**. It is NATA Safety 1st certified and designated as a NATA Safety 1st Clean location and is the CAA and CJP Preferred FBO at KTRM.

Desert Jet Maintenance is an FAA-certified Part 145 Repair Station, offering scheduled and unscheduled AOG aircraft maintenance and repair services for a wide variety of aircraft throughout Southern California.

For more information about our services, visit www.desertjet.com or call (800) 381-JETS.