20 July 2026: Australian business aviation operator Machjet International has become one of only four Fixed Base Operators (FBOs) in Australia to join the prestigious Air Elite® by World Fuel network, marking another milestone in the company’s continued expansion of its premium aviation offering.
The internationally recognised network comprises 78 carefully selected FBOs worldwide, each meeting rigorous standards for customer service, operational excellence, safety and facility quality.
Air Elite membership is by invitation and is reserved for independently owned Fixed Base Operators that meet stringent international standards for customer service, operational performance, safety and facility quality, making it one of the industry’s most respected global FBO networks.
The appointment follows Machjet International’s significant investment in its purpose-built Sunshine Coast headquarters, including its multi-million-dollar Fixed Base Operation and hangar facility, and comes ahead of the arrival of two additional aircraft in the coming weeks as the company continues to expand its operational capability across Australia, Papua New Guinea and the South Pacific.
Global recognition follows significant investment
Managing Director Simon McDermott said the recognition reflected Machjet International’s long-term commitment to investing in premium infrastructure, service and operational excellence.
“Joining the Air Elite network is an important milestone in what has been a significant period of growth for Machjet International,” Mr McDermott said.
“We’ve made substantial investments in world-class facilities and continue to expand our fleet to meet growing demand from private charter clients, corporate operators, government agencies and international aviation partners.
“Being recognised by Air Elite validates that investment and gives operators even greater confidence in the facilities, service and operational capability we provide.”
A premium Fixed Base Operation on the Sunshine Coast
Located at Sunshine Coast Airport, Machjet International’s purpose-built Fixed Base Operation offers a premium alternative to larger metropolitan airports, combining streamlined aircraft handling with exceptional passenger and crew facilities. The facility includes VIP lounges, direct tarmac access, secure hangarage, aircraft parking for up to Code C aircraft, comprehensive ground handling services and 24-hour operational support.
Mr McDermott said the appointment further strengthened Machjet International’s ability to support the growing number of domestic and international operators choosing Queensland as a destination and gateway into the Asia-Pacific region.
“Business aviation operators have a choice about where they position aircraft and how they access Australia,” he said.
“The Sunshine Coast offers an attractive alternative to larger metropolitan airports, with significantly less congestion, greater operational flexibility and purpose-built facilities designed to deliver a seamless experience for both operators and passengers.
“Our investment has always been about building world-class capability backed by exceptional local service. Joining Air Elite provides global recognition of those standards and strengthens our ability to support operators flying throughout Australia and the wider region.”
Operated by World Fuel, the Air Elite network brings together independently owned FBOs that deliver a consistent premium experience for business aviation operators around the world.
As an Air Elite member, Machjet International will provide operators with access to World Fuel’s suite of aviation services, including Contract Fuel, AVCARD®, World Fuel Trip Support and World Fuel Rewards.
With more than 40 years of aviation heritage through the McDermott Aviation Group, Machjet International has grown into one of Australia’s leading premium aviation operators. From its bases on the Sunshine Coast and in Cairns, the company delivers private air charter, Fixed Base Operations, aircraft handling, aeromedical retrieval, cargo and specialised aviation services throughout Australia, Papua New Guinea and the South Pacific.
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