San Antonio International Airport designated "first landing" airport
The new status will allow private aircraft coming into the United States from foreign countries to fly directly to the airport and clear customs; boon to local businesses
San Antonio International Airport soon will be designated as an “airport of first landing” for private aircraft. DHS and Customs and Border Protection (CBP) gave final approval for the designation on Tuesday. The effective date for the designation has yet to be determined, but is expected within the next thirty days. San Antonio Business Journal’s Tamarind Phinisee writes that this new status will allow private aircraft coming into the United States from foreign countries to fly directly to the airport and clear customs. Without this status, private aircraft would have to fly to another designated airport before arriving at the San Antonio airport — which costs additional money and time.
The airport made its request for permanent port of entry status in December 2006. This designation has been a top priority for the City of San Antonio and the local business community. Congressman Lamar Smith (R-San Antonio) made telephone calls and sent letters to DHS and CPB to urge them to rule favorably on the airport’s application. The airport is located in his district. Smith says the designation will help grow the city’s economy further. “Millions of tourists and business travelers visit San Antonio every year traveling through (San Antonio) in private aircraft. With this airport designation status, tourism and economic development will grow expediently,” Smith says. City Manager Cheryl Sculley also says that the status now positions San Antonio to welcome more global visitors. “The Port of Entry permanent designation will positively impact our local economy and we are grateful for the congressman’s dedication to making this great opportunity happen for our city,” Sculley says.
