Cárdenas-led effort results in international markets opening up to Van Nuys Airport
(San Fernando Valley, Calif.) –Thanks to the leadership of U.S. Rep. Tony Cárdenas (D-San Fernando Valley, Calif.), one of the busiest general aviation airports in the world will now welcome international passengers and goods to the Valley, creating more travel- and trade-related jobs.
Beginning as a city councilmember, Cárdenas helped lead Los Angeles World Airports (LAWA) to fight for the reopening of a customs post at Van Nuys Airport that had been shut down in 2006. Prior to coming to Washington, Cárdenas promised the Van Nuys Airport community that he would fight, in Congress, to reopen the customs station.
The new station opened for business May 21st. With the new station will come more direct flights landing at Van Nuys Airport, which in turn represents an economic benefit that will produce new Valley jobs.
“Los Angeles is an international city, and Van Nuys has more private jets flying in than any other airport in our city,” said Cárdenas. “There is no reason that someone flying their plane, from Canada, Mexico, South America or anywhere on the Pacific Rim, should have to fly into LAX before coming home to the Valley. Now that this oversight has been fixed, we will have even more commerce coming directly into Van Nuys, growing some great new Valley jobs. I’m proud to have met some of these men and women today, who will be the first faces that travelers from all over the world see when they arrive at our airport. Their hard work will help bring more jobs and business to our Valley.”
Recently, issues in opening the customs station had developed with the Department of Customs and Border Protection (CBP), slowing the opening of the new customs facility. However, following discussions with Cárdenas, the station opened and has begun processing incoming aircraft nearly a month ahead of schedule.
Cárdenas visited the new customs station Thursday afternoon and met many of the workers responsible for keeping our airport safe and representing the Valley at Van Nuys Airport.
“Collectively, the airport and these businesses are the largest employer in the San Fernando Valley,” said Curt Castagna, President and CEO of Aerolease Group. “The benefits from Customs services will only serve to enhance job growth in the region.”
CBP will process international traffic at the General Aviation Facility located in Signature Flight Support. The new facility will be paid for with fees generated by the airport, resulting in zero cost for taxpayers.
“One stop arrivals and clearances at home provide huge savings both in time and monetary means to aircraft operators,” said Eric Hill, Area Director for Signature Flight Group. “We are hopeful that the added efficiency and service at Van Nuys Airport will result in more efficient business and new jobs for the region.”
“VICA is pleased to see the result of such strong support and coordination between Rep. Cárdenas, CBP and LAWA and our aviation businesses,” said Stuart Waldman, President of the Valley Industry and Commerce Association (VICA). “With every new flight that touches down in the Valley, instead of another airport, will come economic growth, jobs and an even greater presence on the world stage for Van Nuys Airport. We look forward to taking the next step in ensuring our business partners in the Valley take advantage of this new facility, and encouraging new businesses, which rely on international trade and travel, to settle in the San Fernando Valley.”
Van Nuys Airport is one of the busiest civil aviation facilities in the world, with more than 260,000 takeoffs and landings in 2013. Before the new customs station, international traffic could not land at Van Nuys first. Aircraft had to instead land at LAX or another facility with customs inspection facilities, then proceed to Van Nuys.
After being informed that progress on the customs station was being delayed, Cárdenas sent a letter to CBP Commissioner Gil Kerlikowske, calling on CBP to get approval of the customs checkpoint back on track.
“Travelers on business trips would save significant time and money if they were able to go through customs at an airport that is less busy,” Cárdenas said in the letter. “LAX is incredibly busy, and tourists who are travelling to Van Nuys Airport or seeking to avoid the crowds at LAX should be spared the headache of an extra stop.”
Cárdenas staff was in constant contact with CBP throughout the process, as well as LAWA, Van Nuys Airport’s tenants and Governor Jerry Brown’s office.
“Time is of the essence in readying Van Nuys Airport for international passengers,” Cárdenas continued in the letter. “The airport and its businesses cannot wait any longer. They have invested significant amounts of time and funding, and it is time for the government to do its part in supporting economic growth.”
Commissioner Kerlikowske sent a reply to Cárdenas on April 3, confirming that CBP was working with Van Nuys Airport and LAWA officials to ensure that testing would be done as rapidly as possible. At the time, CBP anticipated opening the facility in June.
Instead, the first aircraft landed and was processed last Thursday.
“Having U.S. Customs and Border Protection services at Van Nuys Airport is a great example of how local support can produce improved services at airports across the country,” said Van Nuys Airport Manager Jess Romo. “Working with our partners, Signature Flight Support and other major airport tenants, Los Angeles’ business airport will now be even more appealing and convenient for international travelers.”
“This is a success story about how private industry and public agencies can work together to accomplish great things,” said Los Angeles City Councilmember Nury Martinez. “Van Nuys Airport is a major economic engine that benefits working families in our community.”
More information about the new customs facility at Van Nuys can be found by reading the CBP Public Bulletin, which informed the general aviation community last week.
