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In June, BlueSky's Terry Spruce visited
Bangor International Airport in Maine and met with Airport Director Tony Caruso
and Assistant Airport Director, James Canders, to discuss business aviation at
the airport.
Whilst rarely a final stop, Bangor
International serves as a popular business aviation tech-stop for the refuel and
replenishment of trans Atlantic flights. The airport operates its own FBO and
fuel services with around 40% of its business coming from ground handling.
Fractional operator NetJets uses Bangor as its preferred US Port of Entry rather
than flying to New York or other East Coast locations.
“The airport is looking to upgrade its FBO
facility with a new passenger lounge and redesigning its crew rest area," said
James Canders. "The redesign would allow the lounge facility to flow better and
to give crews their own separate rest area. Currently, most of the business
aviation users stay with their aircraft whilst being refuelled or replenished on
the apron. The new facility will give them a choice to actually deplane from
their aircraft,” he adds.
Tony Caruso commented, “I love this business,
I particularly like the region. We pay our way. Our revenues cover our costs and
any profits stay with the airport. None of our profits go to the City.
“In the summer months, the airport is much
busier for business aviation. We will invest in the FBO and get plenty of
passengers and will make strategic investments with funds being invested
annually to improve the passenger experience. With the development of long-range
business aircraft, this opens up the Middle East market to the airport as a fuel
and go location.”
Last year Bangor International was granted a
license from the US Department of the Treasury to refuel Trans-Atlantic flights
to Cuba. Previously the airport could not compete for this business due to the
restrictions on trade with Cuba.
Tony Caruso said, “We are extremely pleased
that our licensing request to service trans-Atlantic flights to Cuba was
approved. It creates a level playing field to compete for this market segment
with the Canadian airports that have been able to provide the service since the
1960’s.”
The tech-stops by any aircraft at Bangor
International destined for Cuba will be allowed to refuel, de-ice, and receive
catering and other crew services, but will not be allowed to disembark or load
any passengers.
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