Signature Reduces International Wait Times with In-FBO Customs Clearance in Central America and Caribbean
Signature Flight Support, in partnership with local customs authorities, has introduced passport control facilities within its Fixed Base Operations (FBO) at Tocumen International Airport in Panama City, Panama (PTY/MPTO) and Piarco Int’l Airport in Trinidad (POS/TTPP). Passengers and flight crews will now experience expedited entry into their country of arrival, bypassing commercial service infrastructure and ensuring rapid transfer to their next mode of transportation.
At Tocumen International Airport, arriving aircraft are parked in close proximity to the entry doors of the FBO terminal and are expeditiously greeted by a dedicated immigration official who will complete the necessary documentation, conduct a brief screening of traveler luggage, and facilitate entry into Panama. Passengers can expect to clear customs in approximately 10 minutes, saving considerable time in a process that previously took 45 minutes.
Similarly, visitors to Piarco International Airport arrive at the Signature ramp and are directed to a VIP lounge within the private aviation South Terminal. Trinidadian Customs and Immigration representatives conveniently conduct any necessary screenings from the comfort of the lounge, with traveler entry typically conducted within 15 minutes.
Maria Sastre, President and Chief Operating Officer of Signature Flight Support, noted, “These new initiatives represent an extraordinary collaboration between local customs and immigration organizations and Signature Flight Support. We have found our partners in Panama and Trinidad to be particularly receptive to the needs of business aviation travelers and visiting flight crews, and are excited to continue finding new and innovative ways to respond to and support our customer’s needs when flying privately.”
These upgraded services are now active and available for immediate use by crews and passengers.
Signature Flight Support, a BBA Aviation plc company, is the world’s largest fixed-base operation (FBO) and distribution network for business aviation services. Signature services include fueling, hangar and office rentals, ground handling, maintenance and a wide range of crew and passenger amenities at strategic domestic and international locations. Headquartered in Orlando, Florida, Signature currently operates at more than 200 locations in the United States, Europe, South America, Africa and Asia. For more information, please visit: www.signatureflight.com or on Facebook at www.facebook.com/signatureflightsupport. Follow Signature Flight Support on Twitter: SignatureFBO
BBA Aviation plc is a leading global aviation support and aftermarket services provider with market leading businesses and attractive growth opportunities. BBA Aviation's Flight Support businesses (Signature Flight Support and Signature TECHNICAir) are focused on maintenance, repair & overhaul, refuelling and ground handling of business and commercial aviation aircraft. Its Aftermarket Services businesses (Dallas Airmotive, H+S Aviation, International Turbine Service, Barrett Turbine Engine Company, International Governor Services and Ontic) are focused on the repair and overhaul of jet engines and the service of aerospace sub-systems and components. For more information, please visit www.bbaaviation.com.
