This year, Galaxy FBO at Addison Airport (ADS) earned a spot among the Top 10 U.S. FBOs, ranking #4 nationwide with an impressive overall score of 9.63. The score reflects high performance across six essential service categories: Line Team, Customer Service Representatives (CSRs), Facility, Amenities, Promptness & Efficiency, and Value for Price.

In addition to this individual location honor, Galaxy FBO was once again named the #1 Small FBO Chain (3–10 locations)—marking its third consecutive year earning this top distinction in 2023, 2024, and 2025. With an exceptional chain-wide score of 9.68, Galaxy FBO continues to set the standard for excellence across its three locations: Addison (ADS), Conroe (CXO), and Houston Hobby (HOU).

The Professional Pilot PRASE (Preferences Regarding Aviation Services and Equipment) Survey, now in its 52nd year, is one of the most trusted benchmarks in the business aviation industry. In 2025, more than 8,000 individual evaluations were submitted by qualified operators, scoring FBOs on the core elements that matter most to pilots, dispatchers, and flight departments.

Galaxy FBO’s continued presence at the top of the rankings is a testament to its relentless focus on customer service, operational excellence, and facility innovation. Whether you’re flying to Greater Houston or Dallas Metroplex – Galaxy FBO provides a seamless and elevated ground experience.

On Friday, April 11, Galaxy FBO at Addison Airport welcomed the community for an unforgettable evening of culinary creativity and connection during the 2nd Annual Taste on the Tarmac, presented by Oncor. The event showcased a unique competition featuring CFBISD high school culinary students, who were challenged to prepare inventive dishes using ingredients commonly found in a food pantry.

A distinguished panel of guest judges—including Addison Mayor Bruce Arfsten, Farmers Branch Mayor Terry Lynne, Carrollton Mayor Pro Tempore Richard Fleming, and Coppell Mayor Wes Mays—awarded top honors to The Veggie Slayers, earning them a coveted spot at this year’s Taste Addison.

Guests also had the opportunity to cast their vote for the People’s Choice Award, which was awarded to The Spice Girls. In addition to sampling creative dishes, attendees enjoyed live cooking demonstrations and flavorful offerings from Chef Richard Chamberlain of Chamberlain’s Steak & Fish.

This year’s Taste on the Tarmac saw more than double the attendance of its inaugural event and welcomed special guests including Mayor Pro Tempore Darren Gardner, Deputy Mayor Pro Tempore Nancy Craig, and Council Members Chris DeFrancisco and Howard Freed.

Most importantly, the evening served a meaningful purpose—proceeds benefited the Metrocrest Services Sack Summer Hunger Program, which provides nutritious meals to children in need during the summer break when school meals are unavailable.

Galaxy FBO is proud to host events that bring the community together and support impactful local causes. We thank all who attended, contributed, and helped make the event a success.

Galaxy FBO is honored to share that our Conroe-North Houston Regional Airport (CXO) location has been ranked within the Top 5% of all FBOs in North America in the newly released AIN 2025 FBO Survey. With an overall score of 4.71, Galaxy CXO continues to be recognized for our unwavering commitment to service, safety, and hospitality.

This marks a significant year-over-year gain, building on our strong performance in the 2024 AIN FBO Survey, where Galaxy FBO CXO earned a 4.64 rating—placing us among the Top 10% at that time. The jump in rankings underscores the consistent enhancements we’ve made in customer service, amenities, and line operations.

Our Addison (KADS) location also maintained a strong standing in the Top 10%, reinforcing Galaxy FBO’s reputation for excellence across our growing network.

Consistently High Scores Across Key Categories

Aviation International News readers evaluate hundreds of aircraft handling facilities on a 1 to 5 scale in five categories: line service, passenger amenities, pilot amenities, facilities, and customer service representatives. To attain the highest overall rankings, an FBO must exhibit excellence across all five categories in the eyes of its AIN readers.

Galaxy FBO CXO received high marks in all five categories surveyed in 2025:

Our focus on hospitality, efficiency, and attention to detail has helped us earn the trust of the aviation community – from corporate flight departments and crews to owner-operators..

Our Promise to You

In a special highlight this year, Lisa Peterson, our FBO Experience Manager at Galaxy ADS, was recognized by AIN’s 2025 survey for going “Above & Beyond” in the field of customer service. Lisa’s commitment to anticipating needs, personalizing every arrival, and delivering memorable guest experiences embodies the very heart of Galaxy’s mission—and her recognition is a proud moment for our entire team.

The AIN FBO survey recognition is a reflection of the dedication our team brings every day to every flight. Whether it’s a quick tech stop, an overnight hangar stay, or a cross-country departure, Galaxy FBO provides a consistently elevated experience, tailored to the unique needs of every flight.

We thank our customers, pilots, schedulers, and dispatchers for their continued trust and feedback – and we look forward to continuing to raise the bar.

Galaxy FBO CXO Team Members: Lauren – Customer Service Representative, Maria – Operations Manager and Blake – Line Service Technician.

Since 1981, Aviation International News has been ranking FBOs worldwide among qualified subscribers; pilots, flight attendants, and dispatchers the people who use or make arrangements. Today, a comprehensive list of over 4,500 FBOs worldwide are ranked in the AIN FBO Survey

When it comes to restoring and upgrading a classic aircraft, the journey is just as important as the destination. March 2025 issue of the Twin & Turbine Magazine features the meticulous transformation of a Beechcraft P Baron, proving that even a 44-year-old aircraft can be given new life with the right expertise and patience.

In the latest edition of Twin & Turbine Magazine, the feature article “Remake of a Classic” highlights the author David Miller’s meticulous restoration and avionics upgrade of a classic Beechcraft Pressurized Baron, which is now a base tenant at Galaxy FBO at Addison Airport (KADS). The article shares insights from the owner’s journey—from finding the ideal aircraft and assembling the right restoration team, to extensive avionics upgrades and rigorous training.

Twin & Turbine Magazine is a respected monthly aviation publication aimed at owner-pilots and operators of twin-engine piston, turboprop, and jet aircraft, such as Beechcraft Barons, King Airs, and Cessna Citations. Known for its in-depth aircraft reviews, maintenance tips, pilot proficiency articles, and personal aviation stories, the magazine is recognized for its professional yet approachable style. It serves as a trusted resource for pilots and aviation enthusiasts focused on improving flight safety and enhancing the overall aircraft ownership experience.

Editor Lance Phillips said; “I had a great time taking photos for David Miller’s article on the restoration of his new Baron 58P. We woke bright and early to get an empty ramp at Dallas’s Addison Airport Galaxy FBO. David had just completed the Baron’s avionics update and training. He was still getting acquainted with everything, so we didn’t have a chance to fly it together. Hopefully, that will happen soon. “

Check out the March 2025 edition of the Twin & Turbine Magazine at twinandturbine.com

Embry-Riddle Aeronautical University’s Business Eagle Student Club is an elite group of high-achieving business students preparing to lead in the aviation and aerospace industries. Selected for their academic excellence, leadership, and dedication to the field, these students had the opportunity to gain firsthand insights into the dynamic world of business aviation.

General and Business Aviation play a vital role in the Dallas-Fort Worth metroplex, home to one of the busiest aviation markets in the world. With a strong presence of corporate flight departments, charter operators, and major aviation businesses, DFW serves as a critical hub for private, executive, and specialized aviation services. Airports like Addison (KADS) support the region’s economic growth by providing essential infrastructure for business travel, cargo operations, and flight training, reinforcing the importance of FBOs in keeping aviation running smoothly.

Jamie Munoz, General Manager of Galaxy FBO, guided the students through an in-depth exploration of a Fixed Base Operation and the critical role it plays in the aviation ecosystem. They also heard an inspiring personal journey from Elizabeth Williams, a Customer Service Representative at Galaxy FBO, who is balancing a full-time role while pursuing her dream of becoming a corporate pilot—an example of the determination and passion that drives the industry forward.

Other guest speakers included Melissa Shollenbarger of Wing Aviation, who provided valuable insights into the complexities of aircraft charter and management, emphasizing the business acumen required to navigate this sector successfully. The morning concluded with Charles Roberts, a Galaxy FBO tenant, who shared a compelling look into the life-saving mission of ENG Aviation and its vital role in organ transplant transportation.

As a premium FBO committed to fostering the next generation of aviation leaders, Galaxy FBO was honored to host these promising Business Eagles. With their combination of industry knowledge, leadership training, and corporate connections, these students are well on their way to making a lasting impact in the world of business aviation. We look forward to seeing where their journeys take them next!

Haas Moto Museum – recently relocated ‘closer’ to the Addison airport at 4301 N. Beltwood Pkwy in Dallas – features over 230 motorcycles spanning 13 decades. The collection showcases the evolution of motorcycles from 1899 to the present day, and also unveils a unique selection of over 60 custom motorcycles. As the year draws to a close, Galaxy FBO team wanted to reflect on a year filled with milestones, unforgettable moments, and the loyal support of our Dallas-Fort Worth area based long-time clients and community partners.

Lisa, Melissa & Jamie

At first glance, motorcycles and airplanes might seem worlds apart, but they share a deeper connection rooted in the spirit of freedom, innovation, and precision engineering. Both represent more than just machines; they are symbols of exploration and the pursuit of the extraordinary. Whether it’s carving through the curves of a mountain road or soaring above the clouds, they embody the thrill of adventure and the drive to push boundaries. The Haas Moto Museum, with its rich display of history and innovation, felt like the perfect venue to celebrate these shared values. It’s a place that showcases the craftsmanship and ingenuity behind these incredible machines, much like the dedication and expertise we bring to supporting our aviation community.

Thank You for Flying With Us

On December 19th, we took a moment to pause and celebrate everything that made 2024 unforgettable. This year has been about community, growth, and the shared love of aviation. Hosting our event in such a unique and inspiring venue reflected our appreciation for the passions that unite us. We had the chance to explore the fascinating exhibits, enjoyed delicious refreshments, and connect with over fifty fellow aviators and friends. As we gathered to celebrate, we expressed our heartfelt gratitude to all our customers, partners, and friends who have been part of our journey. Your trust and support fuel our commitment to providing exceptional service every day.

Haas Moto Museum

The expansive 20,000SF Haas Moto Museum & Sculpture Gallery, with its Collection of over 230 motorcycles and a premier array of metallic sculptures, is designed in an extremely user-friendly way so as to provide our guests with a comprehensive yet straightforward exposure to the major facets of motorcycle culture. 

For more information, visit haasmotomuseum.com

How do we know? Our Line Services Manager Chris Neufeld proved it!

Flying to DFW for this event? Choose Galaxy FBO at the Addison Airport. For a limited time, earn 2 points per gallon on purchases of Jet Fuel or 100LL when you pay with AVCARD® by @wfscorp or World Fuel Contract, plus receive our custom Golf Shoe Bag – please contact our Addison team for details. 

ENG Aviation and Taylor’s Gift Foundation is now collaborating to provide organ and tissue families with grief support after the tragic loss of their loved one.

Founded in 2010, Taylor’s Gift has a long-standing history of helping individuals and families walk the path of grief. Led by a donor family, professionals, and trained volunteers, their programs provide a safe environment for families and individuals to express feelings and emotions and the opportunity to walk with others who are experiencing a grief journey similar to their own. In 2021, they launched a grief support program to help organ donor families receive emotional support. For more information, visit www.TaylorsGift.org.

The two organizations marked the announcement with a ribbon-cutting event at Galaxy FBO’s Addison Airport hangars recently. Representatives from ENG Aviation and Taylor’s Gift spoke about the collaboration and the positive effect it will have on donor families.

With extended state-wide coverage, including an office and aircraft at Galaxy FBO Addison, ENG Aviation Group offers reliable, around-the-clock air transportation for organ transplants, ENG Aviation Group plays a pivotal role in increasing the acceptance rates of organs for their transplant customers. For more information, visit www.engaviation.com.

The US market will likely have a pilot shortage, over 30,000 regional pilots by 2030s. One factor creating the pilot shortage is the FAA-mandated retirement age. The only way to keep the airline’s flight line staffed is by hiring as many new pilots as those retiring. The issue is even more pressing because many pilots took early retirement during the height of the COVID-19 pandemic. This reduced an already shrinking workforce greatly, and the aviation industry wound up bouncing back quicker than early estimates predicted it would. 

It’s now more common for airline pilots to come from a civilian path, paying their way through flight school and becoming commercial pilots. Most will work as a flight instructor while building enough flight time to be eligible for the ATP certificate. Mainline airlines nearly always recruit pilots from these smaller carriers, so the regionals are left scrambling to find new hires. Most pilots consider a position at a regional carrier to be a stepping stone toward a mainline airline, so they’re more than happy to move up if the opportunity presents itself. Retaining pilots is especially difficult for regionals, who must rely on a steady flow of pilots leaving flight school.

Thrust Flight is a proprietary educational institution offering a variety of aviation training courses. Its purpose is to train students to be safe, confident, and disciplined aviators – not just “pilots.” The Thrust career programs are targeted to prepare graduates to gain entry level positions as flight crew personnel and/or flight instructors through education and training that meets or exceeds guidelines as set forth by the Federal Aviation Administration and industry standards. Effective communication and professionalism are stressed in every course offered. Thrust Flight offers extensive education and training in the classroom, in approved flight simulation devices, and in modern aircraft. Instructors are highly qualified professionals fully credentialed by the FAA.

Thrust Flight use fully motion Redbird Simulators and brand new Piper Archers for its Addison and Conroe locations. Each aircraft features full glass cockpits, G-1000 avionics, and air conditioning.

What sets us apart from other flight schools mainly is the culture and atmosphere. Thrust is more of a family where everyone supports and encourages one another. These other pilot factory flight schools are just that, pilot factories that are quite impersonal. There you are just a number and not a member of the family. At Thrust, we spend a ton of time in group ground school settings. Training looks like this…2-3 hours of group ground schooling and 2-3 hours of flying 5-6 days per week. Some days it’s one or the other and some days it’s both. Actually most big box “pilot factory” flight schools send you home with books and materials and it’s mostly self-study so you are on your own. Many of these flight schools don’t seem to care if you pass or fail while Thrust takes an active interest in the success of our students. 

Located just north of Dallas, Thrust’s Addison campus is its most popular location with the highest number of students training in an area known for having the most restaurants per capita in the U.S. Its newest Conroe location is the newest addition to Thrust Flight, perfect blend for those seeking versatility in their flight training experience, with a balance of urban amenities and the freedom of open skies for optimal flight practice. Thrust Flight utilizes Galaxy FBO facilities and services in both airports. For a list of all Addison and Conroe based flight schools, click here.

Thrust Flight School Hangar & Facilities at the Conroe North Houston Regional Airport