From its origins in 1966, TAG Aviation has become an iconic brand that has evolved considerably over the years. The company’s future expansion into the Asia Pacific region had been signalled as early as 2006, with the formation of TAG Aviation Asia. The TAG Aviation Macau FBO opened in 2019 and today remains as TAG’s only such facility, alongside thriving aircraft management, charter, maintenance and training businesses at locations across Asia and Europe. EVA found out more about the Macau facility in conversation with TAG Aviation Macau FBO General Manager Rita Tam
TAG Aviation has changed quite a bit over the past few years. There used to be more FBOs in the network, but these were sold to leave Macau as the only TAG Aviation FBO. Macau opened in 2019 – is it a remnant of the previous FBO business or a new addition?
TAG Aviation’s Macau FBO was officially opened in 2019 and represents the company’s first fixed base operation in the Asia Pacific region. It is a new addition, not simply a remnant of the previous FBO business, which saw other TAG Aviation FBOs in the global network sold off. The Macau FBO marks a strategic expansion to serve growing demand in the Asia Pacific business aviation market.
The Macau FBO is a large, modern facility. What principles guided its construction and furnishing?
The Macau FBO facility is large, modern and designed to deliver a world-class customer experience. Its focus on superior customer service integrates VIP and business executive amenities, including spacious and comfortable lounges, conference rooms, shower and snooze rooms. The construction balances functionality and comfort to handle both passengers and crews efficiently, while supporting a full suite of aircraft ground handling and maintenance services.
Macau is a unique, very distinctive region, the product of Chinese and European influences. How does the TAG Aviation Macau FBO reflect this? Are there elements of the service offer that reflect Macau’s culture?
The Macau FBO offers a distinctive local experience through curated VIP hospitality and food offerings tailored to the region, including Portuguese egg tarts, almond cookies and more.
The FBO treats its passengers to comfortable lounges, shower rooms and conference facilities. What about services for their continuing journey? Can you help with cars, hotel reservations, helicopters, shopping, yachts…?
Passenger services at the Macau FBO go beyond comfortable lounges and shower facilities. TAG Aviation provides extensive concierge assistance including hotel reservations, shopping, ground transportation (limousines and car rentals), yacht and helicopter bookings, in addition to travel and catering arrangements, ensuring a seamless onward journey.
What facilities do you offer to crew?
Crew facilities include comfortable lounges and shower rooms, and comprehensive flight planning aids plus support for hotel and travel bookings, enhancing convenience.
You offer a range of aircraft support services. Are these provided by TAG-branded GSE? Do they include fuelling?
For aircraft support, TAG Macau offers a broad range of services including Jet A1 fuel, pushback, passenger steps, ground power units, aircraft cleaning and line maintenance for major business jet types. Our in-house fuel capability can help avoid the delays that are common at airport fuel supply points.
Many people come to Macau for its gaming, shopping and leisure activities, but there must be other key reasons to visit.
Visitors to Macau come not only for its famous gaming and leisure activities but also for expanding business opportunities in this rapidly developing economic hub linking China and Portuguese-speaking countries. Macau also serves as an attractive layover for business aviation traffic travelling within Asia and beyond, similar to how Dubai functions on other global business routes.
Do your customers arrive exclusively on business aviation aircraft, or do you also serve VVIP, heads of state and military aircraft?
TAG Macau’s clientele includes business aviation customers predominantly, but the premium nature of the facility means it can also accommodate VVIPs, heads of state and potentially military aircraft if required, given its top-tier handling standards and 24/7 operations.
How do you see the Macau FBO developing over the next few years?
TAG Aviation intends to continue developing the Macau FBO as a flagship operation in the Asia Pacific region, leveraging its prime location and strong government support to meet increasing regional business aviation demand and reinforce its reputation for operational excellence and customer service.