NEW U.S. CUSTOMS FACILITY AT VAN NUYS AIRPORT IS ON FAST TRACK TO OPERATIONAL SUCCESS
Media and VIP guests join government officials for a tour of the new CBP facility to commemorate return of international clearance services.
(Van Nuys, Calif. – Aug. 13, 2015) Van Nuys Airport (VNY) and Signature Flight Support hosted an open house to celebrate the grand opening of the new 1,528 square-foot U.S. Customs and Border Protection (CBP) facility. Since its opening on May 21, 2015, more than 75 international flights have been successfully cleared, providing direct benefits for business travelers, the local economy, and reducing airspace congestion in Southern California.
As one of the world’s busiest general aviation airports, VNY had been without CBP officers since 2006 when on-call customs clearance services were suspended at all airports within the Los Angeles basin except at Los Angeles International Airport. Over the past six years, VNY management has worked in close collaboration with airport tenants and key stakeholder groups to reestablish CBP services at the general aviation airfield.
The return of clearance services for arriving international flights comes at no cost to the federal government thanks to collaboration among aircraft operators, airport management and government officials.
“Van Nuys Airport is one of the most important civil aviation hubs in the country,” said U.S. Congressman Tony Cárdenas. “After years of advocating the return of Customs services, I am proud to say that it is now the only general aviation airport in Los Angeles with an on-site Customs and Border Protection facility. I am very pleased about the jobs that the new Customs station will create, both at Van Nuys Airport and for airport customers throughout the San Fernando Valley.”
The new CBP facility adds significant convenience for arriving international travelers, who can fly directly to VNY without first stopping at another airport to clear Customs. Besides saving private jet travelers time and money, the service benefits the environment by reducing emissions from repositioning flights and decreasing overall aircraft operations within Southern California’s congested airspace.
U.S. Congressman Brad Sherman said, “This significant regional enhancement represents a high level of collaboration and effort by numerous partners of CBP, including aircraft operators, airport management, and community leaders. Having worked to persuade CBP to return Customs services to Van Nuys Airport for several years, I am grateful to see this public-private partnership bringing valuable service, and environmental and economic benefits to the San Fernando Valley.”
"This new asset at Van Nuys Airport will allow the airport to provide more efficient aircraft
operations benefiting business, the environment and the public alike," said Los Angeles City
Councilwoman Nury Martinez. "Van Nuys Airport is a major economic engine that benefits
working families in our community."
The dedicated CBP facility features an interview room, inspection room, office space and a high
level of security, similar to that found at our nation’s large commercial airports. Facility user fees
charged to arriving aircraft have been modeled to fully offset facility improvement and operating
costs. Hours of operation are Thursday through Monday, 12 p.m. to 8 p.m. Requests for services
outside these normal operating hours are available but must be arranged with CBP.
As a designated User Fee Clearance facility, VNY is assigned a full-time Customs agent to
process arriving international aircraft, passengers and cargo. Signature Flight Support, which
advanced approximately $248,000 to construct a dedicated clearance facility, is responsible for
collecting user fees and making payments to LAWA that are then submitted to CBP for staffing
and operational costs.
“Signature is proud to host the new U.S. CBP office in Van Nuys Airport on our leasehold,” said
Maria Sastre, President and Chief Operating officer for Signature Flight Support. “We have
experienced more demand than we expected for this convenient and efficient program which
provides international arrivals a clearance process that clearly benefits the users of business
aviation here at Van Nuys Airport.”
VNY’s proximity to downtown Los Angeles, Hollywood and LAX, combined with the addition of
CBP services, makes it the ideal destination for business travelers. The airport’s three Fixed
Based Operators offer a full range of services and amenities including modern passenger
lounges, fueling services, maintenance support, and aircraft hangar and tie-down areas.
“As a world-class general aviation airport that continues to play a critical role in Southern
California air transportation, having U.S. Customs and Border Protection services available onsite
makes the airport much more convenient for international travelers,” said Deborah Ale Flint,
executive director for Los Angeles World Airports. “Working with our partners, Signature Flight
Support and other major airport tenants, Los Angeles’ business airport continues to make
enhancements to provide world-class facilities and service.”
Landing rights at VNY are available with advance reservation by emailing the CBP at
landingrights-lax@dhs.gov. Flights desiring to arrive outside of these hours must make
arrangements with CBP in advance. For requirements and more information, visit
cbp.gov/travel/pleasure-boats-private-flyers.
U.S. Customs and Border Protection:
CBP is committed to improving the traveler experience upon arrival into the United States – increasing tourism and fostering economic growth while ensuring the highest level of security.
Signature Flight Support:
Signature Flight Support, a BBA Aviation plc company, is the world’s largest Fixed-Base Operator (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 125 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
About Van Nuys Airport:
VNY is one of three airports owned and operated by Los Angeles World Airports (LAWA), a self-supporting branch of the City of Los Angeles, governed by a seven-member Board of Airport Commissioners who are appointed by the Mayor and approved by the Los Angeles City Council.
One of the world's busiest general aviation airports, VNY serves as a valued San Fernando Valley resource, providing ongoing leadership in general aviation, business and community service. Dedicated to noncommercial air travel, VNY had over 238,000 operations in 2014. More than 100 businesses are located on the 730-acre airport, including three major Fixed Base Operators and numerous aviation service companies.
Annually, the airport contributes approximately $1.3 billion to the Southern California economy and supports over 12,000 jobs. In addition, VNY provides programs to benefit local residents, along with educational initiatives and aviation-related career and training opportunities. For more information, visit lawa.org/vny, like us on Facebook at facebook.com/VNYOfficial, follow us on Twitter at twitter.com/VanNuysAirport and Instagram at instagram.com/vannuysairport.
As a covered entity under Title II of the Americans with Disabilities Act, the City of Los Angeles does not discriminate on the basis of disability and, upon request, will provide reasonable accommodation to ensure equal access to its programs, services, and activities. Alternative formats in large print, Braille, audio, and other forms (if possible) will be provided upon request.
