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PNS Opens First-in-Region Customs and Border Protection Facility for General Aviation

PNS Opens First-in-Region Customs and Border Protection Facility for General Aviation

Pensacola International Airport (PNS) recently celebrated the opening of a new Customs and Border Protection (CBP) facility to more efficiently screen international passengers arriving on private flights.

The facility, part of the airport’s general aviation service, will make it easier for general aviation passengers arriving from international locations to be screened and processed.

At the ribbon-cutting ceremony for the new facility, PNS director Matt Coughlin said the project is another sign of the airport’s continued growth and expansion.

“We already have about 60 flights per year that arrive here at general aviation from international locations, and most of those are traveling for business reasons,” said Coughlin. “With this new facility, we can more quickly and efficiently process those travelers while also supporting the Customs and Border Protection’s mission to keep us safe.”

In addition to airport staff, local Chamber of Commerce members, and contractors who helped build the facility, Pensacola Mayor Grover Robinson also attended the ribbon-cutting ceremony. Robinson highlighted the airport’s role as an economic driver for the region. He cited the record-breaking summer travel numbers as well as the continued growth of the ST Engineering presence in Pensacola.

“This is truly a great day in Pensacola and connecting Pensacola to the world,” said Robinson.

Vernon Foret, CBP Director of Field Operations for the Miami/Tampa Field offices, also attended the event and said the new processing center at PNS was the first of its kind in north Florida.