Oct. 9, 2015
Business aircraft operators returning to the U.S. from foreign locations will benefit from a new Customs and Border Protection (CBP) processing facility and expanded hours at Fort Lauderdale Executive Airport (FXE). The stand-alone CBP facility opened earlier this month, and will be open daily from 8 a.m. to midnight.
“The new facility at Fort Lauderdale Executive Airport will increase flexibility for operators by enabling additional processing of business aircraft and passengers,” said Greg Voos, NBAA’s Southeast regional representative. “The additional capacity will help alleviate congestion at larger nearby airports while also providing added convenience to Fort Lauderdale Executive Airport’s based aircraft operators and transient users.”
Previously, FXE’s CBP facility closed at 9 p.m., requiring aircraft bound from international locations to FXE after that time to clear customs at another airport, often Fort Lauderdale-Hollywood International Airport (FLL). This late-night extra stop at FLL meant another cycle on the aircraft, increased congestion at FLL and the added risk of flying another leg, often after long duty days on international legs.
“NBAA is committed to working with CBP to make more processing facilities and expanded hours available around the country,” said Sarah Wolf, NBAA’s senior manager of security and facilitation.
“A new facility with longer processing hours creates a positive first impression for international business visitors and can lead to new business opportunities for the city of Fort Lauderdale and the region,” she added. “We commend the city of Fort Lauderdale, local CBP officials and business aircraft operators in the region for their efforts in building the new facility.”
The facility is accessible by air off Taxiway G7 at the east end of Taxiway G.
International Business Aviation Council Ltd.