Signature Flight Support, the world’s leading fixed base operations (FBO) network, announces today the purchase of all of the assets of Tropical Aviation Corporation of San Juan, Puerto Rico. The Tropical Aviation facility is located at Isla Grande – Fernando L. Rivas Dominicci Airport (TJIG) in downtown San Juan, Puerto Rico and expands Signature’s footprint into the Caribbean.
Isla Grande (TJIG) is the business and general aviation (BG&A) airport for San Juan and features a dedicated U.S. Customs and Border Protection facility for BG&A aircraft, drawing International flights from South America and the Caribbean en route to the United States. Luis Munoz Marin International Airport (TJSJ) airport, the main commercial airport has no dedicated general aviation facility, making TJIG convenient for the BG&A customer. TJIG is located within minutes of premier hotels, casinos, beaches, museums, fine arts theaters and historic Old San Juan. Major highways, the new Puerto Rico convention center and the cruise ship terminals are minutes away.
The new Signature Flight Support location is situated on the south side of TJIG. The fixed base operation is comprised of a new, state of the art complex including 29,000 sq. ft. of hangars and shade ports, a 6,900 sq. ft. executive terminal and offices all situated on 3.9 acres.
Signature Puerto Rico will provide 24/7/365 service for general aviation and commercial into-plane fueling; parking; pilot lounge; pilot quiet/nap room with shower facilities; flight planning room; computerized weather systems; air-to-ground communications; crew transportation and accommodations arrangements; executive meeting room; Signature QuickTurn® service; crew and rental cars; and custom catering.
“Signature Puerto Rico represents a significant step in our continuing effort to expand our global network and to provide world-class flight support services in as many locations as possible for our customers,” stated S. Michael Scheeringa, President, Signature Flight Support. “As an important gateway between Latin America and the U.S. mainland, Puerto Rico is perfectly positioned for technical stops and provides the opportunity to clear U.S. Customs and Border Protection before continuing on to any point in the continental United States.”
“Our experience during the transaction was excellent. The owners, Fidel Alonso Valls and Francisco Rivera, have developed an exceptional facility and we are grateful for their partnership throughout the acquisition process. The staff at the facility were gracious and accommodating and we welcome them to the Signature family,” stated Scheeringa.
Port Authority Director, Alberto R. Escuerdo-Morales stated: “We are pleased to see the arrival of Signature Flight Support at Isla Grande Airport in San Juan. Our strategy to revitalize Isla Grande as the preferred business and general aviation airport in San Juan is further solidified with Signature’s presence. In our continuing efforts to stabilize our economy through investments from the private sector, we are elated that this company has chosen Puerto Rico as a premier location for their growth strategy. We look forward to work with Signature Flight Support in the years to come.”
Signature will offer the complete suite of customer benefits in Puerto Rico including Signature Status®. With point to point access from Puerto Rico to Signature’s over 50 U.S. locations, customers will enjoy personalized service available only in the world’s largest FBO network. Signature’s wide range of custom fuel purchasing options will also be available to customers visiting Signature Puerto Rico.
BBA Aviation’s Aircraft Service International Inc. (ASII) provides cargo and mail handling services at Luis Munoz Marin International Airport (TJSJ).
Signature Flight Support Corporation, 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 100 locations in the United States, Europe, South America, Africa and Asia. For more information, please visit: www.signatureflight.com.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®, ASIG® and Signature TECHNICAir™) are focused on refueling, ground handling and/or maintenance of business and commercial aviation aircraft. Its Aftermarket Services and Systems businesses (Dallas Airmotive, Premier Turbines, H&S Aviation, International Turbine Service®, Barrett Turbine Engine Company, International Governor Services, Ontic®, and APPH®) are focused on the repair and overhaul of jet engines and the design, manufacture and services of aerospace sub-systems and components. For more information, please visit www.bbaaviation.com.
