Private jet travelers visiting Florida are probably no stranger to the Boca Raton airport, but a new airport project could be opening the doors to thousands of international tourists.
A recent news report revealed that incoming flights from other countries will be routed directly to Boca Raton by the end of the year, provided the project stays on schedule.
The goal is to make the international customs process more streamlined for international travelers. The project includes the construction of a $4.5 million Customs and Border Protection facility so that flights bound for Boca will not have to stop for customs inspection elsewhere. It’s estimated that the construction on the new facility will be complete by the end of October, with an official grand opening sometime in November or December.
What the New Facility Means for Private Jet Travel to Boca Raton
Boca Raton Airport’s executive director Clara Bennett mentions that the move is a step in the right direction to improve the international travel experience. “There are a lot of international flights that leave Boca Raton and they cannot return directly,” she mentioned in a recent interview. “There are a lot of inefficiencies because we don’t have the service here.”
A consultant hired by the airport believes the new facility will inspect about 700 international flights each year. This means that 700 flights each year will no longer need to be redirected to nearby airports, such as the Fort Lauderdale Executive Airport, to gain clearance.
Currently, the planes that use Boca Raton Airport are typically corporate jets or private jet charters, including those offered by Access Jet Group. The airport does not permit commercial flights.
So far, the response from the Boca Raton community and the aviation industry alike has been positive. It’s opened up more options for private air travelers, especially since they can now return to the same airport they departed from when traveling abroad. And the increase in flights and air charter partners will also mean a boost for local tourism.
Boca Raton’s economic development manager Jessica Del Vecchio believes that the 4,700 square foot customs building will bring new business to the city, too. “If international travelers don’t have to make a detour before arriving in Boca, there’s a greater chance they’ll spend more time in the city,” she said.
Del Vecchio frequently works with corporate executives in the U.S. and notes that many use the airport for domestic and international business travel. She hopes the customs expansion will increase their exposure to the international market by eliminating the extra airport stop.
In addition, fewer planes in the sky could mean an increase in safety for Fort Lauderdale Executive Airport, too.
Check back on our blog for the latest in aviation news. And for help booking your next private charter flight to Boca Raton or other destinations, reach out to the Access Jet Group team.