Desert Jet Center, the premier independent full-service executive Fixed Base Operator (FBO) headquartered at the Jacqueline Cochran Regional Airport (KTRM) in Thermal, California, is taking a clear stand against a growing industry practice: Special Event Fees.

A recent aviation industry article highlighted a growing trend among many FBOs during major events like the Super Bowl: the imposition of FBO Special Event Fees as an additional service charge.

At Desert Jet Center (KTRM), we’ve chosen a different approach.

We do not charge special event fees. Not during peak season. Not during holidays. Not during music festivals. Not during world-class sporting events. And not when the ramp is full, and the radios don’t stop. Because for our team, delivering exceptional service during busy periods isn’t a premium offering; it’s the standard.

Industry veteran Kenn Ricci, Chairman of Flexjet and a widely respected leader in business aviation, has spoken out about the growing number of extra charges across the industry, including FBO special event fees. He has described these fees as a form of gouging that adds unnecessary cost and complexity for operators, noting they can even undermine the convenience factor that drives private aviation usage in the first place. His comments reflect a broader industry conversation about fairness, transparency, and keeping the focus on service rather than add-on charges.

Last week’s American Express Golf Tournament and Concert Series in the Coachella Valley brought a significant surge of business and general aviation flights to the valley. A number that continues to grow exponentially year over year. The heavy volume of ramp activity required coordination, teamwork, and heightened attention to safety. For the Desert Jet Center team, it was business as usual.

Operators, pilots, and flight departments know exactly what to expect when they arrive at Desert Jet Center: calm professionalism, attentiveness on the ramp, and a team prepared for volume without sacrificing care.

In the middle of the activity, a pilot took the time to call and say, “Even with everything going on and all the pop-ups, you still provided excellent and safe service. I appreciate everything you do.” That feedback speaks louder than any event surcharge ever could.

With world-renowned events on the horizon, from the BNP Paribas Open and equestrian competitions at the Desert International Horse Park, to the Coachella and Stagecoach Music Festivals, the desert will again see significant aviation traffic. While other FBOs implement special event pricing, Desert Jet Center will not, because we believe the times when aviation gets busiest are when customers need predictability the most and not new line items on an invoice.

As Desert Jet Center CEO Jared Fox says, “Value isn’t just about price. It’s about predictability, trust, and performance.” And FBO General Manager Roman Mendez adds, “Special moments shouldn’t carry special charges.”

Desert Jet Center doesn’t see peak traffic as an opportunity to charge more. We view it as an opportunity to show customers why they keep coming back.

About Desert Jet

Desert Jet is a leading business aviation service company that provides comprehensive executive Fixed Base Operator (FBO) and aircraft maintenance services in Palm Springs/Thermal, California (KTRM). It also manages and operates two brand-new state-of-the-art hangars at Yampa Valley Regional Airport (KHDN) in Hayden, Colorado.

Desert Jet Center, an award-winning independent FBO at Jacqueline Cochran Regional Airport (KTRM), serves the business and general aviation community by providing premier fueling, ground services, storage, and aircraft maintenance. Rated as the #1 FBO in Palm Springs, CA, and #12 among all FBOs in the Americas, the facility boasts a stunning 32,500-square-foot executive building featuring modern amenities, a luxurious terminal, and a hangar. Its commitment to excellence and customer satisfaction distinguishes us as the Gateway to the Coachella Valley®. Desert Jet Center is NATA Safety 1st certified, 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 that provides scheduled and unscheduled aircraft maintenance and repair services, as well as AOG (Aircraft on Ground) support for a variety of aircraft throughout Southern California. With a strong reputation for excellence, Desert Jet Maintenance offers a wide range of services to ensure aircraft are safe, reliable, and ready for flight. Its team of experienced technicians and customer-focused approach has made it a trusted resource for aircraft owners and operators alike.

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