Naples Municipal Airport customs office takes off in patron popularity

Pilot Matt Simpson loves the convenience of flying directly into Naples and clearing customs at Naples Municipal Airport.

The newly constructed U.S. Customs and Border Protection office at Naples Municipal Airport continues to succeed even through a typical sluggish summer, airport officials said. Customs cleared 253 aircraft through the new facility at Naples Municipal Airport during its first six months of operation.

Pilots no longer have to land in Fort Lauderdale, Miami or West Palm Beach to pay their duties and taxes on items purchased overseas before taking off from there for Naples. Today, pilots such as Simpson are saving time and fuel returning from trips. "The convenience is the biggest advantage," said Simpson, a chief pilot with Flight Management Services, a corporate flight operator. Moreover, Simpson said having a customs facility at the Naples airport also increases safety. "There is no need to integrate another takeoff and landing into airport traffic or to add to operations at other airports," he said. Ryan Frost, director of Naples airport operations, said the majority of flights are coming from Canada and the Caribbean. All but six of the flights were headed to Naples, Frost said. "Our usage is better than what we had anticipated for the summer," Frost said. "We are pleased with its activity." About 81 aircraft of the 253 currently are based in Naples. Simpson has used the airport since 1978, while the corporate flight operator service has been based in Naples for 20 years. Simpson has cleared customs more than 20 times at the Naples Municipal Airport. Flight Management Services aircraft regularly have three to four flights a month during season. In addition to the convenience and increased safety, Simpson, who has flown all over the world, cites the quality of the new, state-of-the-art facility. The customs facility opened December 2010. The facility is staffed from 10:30 a.m. to 7 p.m. seven days a week. Fees range from $50 to $400, based on the size of the aircraft, according to a prepared statement. The 4,142-square-foot customs office is located east of the control tower. Constructed to customs specifications, it includes a locker room, an interview room, office, passenger waiting area, search-hold area and landscaping. Connect with Tracy X. Miguel at www.naplesnews.com/staff/tracy_x_miguel/