Extended US Preclearance at Shannon Airport benefits MENA business jet operators

Full US preclearance has been operating very successfully for commercial airlines since August 2009, when the airport became the first in Europe to offer this new and innovative facility.

In March 2010, Shannon Airport became the first airport in the world to introduce full US preclearance for private aircraft which allows direct access to over 220 US airports. The latest addition sees the programme being extended to include non-scheduled commercial operations (Part 135). This allows aircraft crew and passengers to fly directly to their final US destination after preclearing at Shannon.

This will of course provide a significant benefit to business jet operators in the Middle East and North Africa flying to destinations in the United States via Europe, particualrly as clients do not have to change terminals and baggage is checked to the final destination.

Following a recent review, the hours of operation have also been extended from 07.00 to 19.00 local except on Saturday which is from 07.00 to 15.00 local. A number of significant processing efficiencies have also been identified and introduced to improve aircraft turnaround times.

In making the announcement Martin Moroney, Director, Shannon Airport said: “The extension of the programme to include Part 135 Business Jet operations is a very significant development for our business and we look forward to working with CBP to ensure the service is fully utilised”.

“I believe that Shannon is ideally positioned to offer this enhanced service to our well-established private aircraft business. The reaction of international private jet operators has been extremely positive to this initiative and we are keen to develop this significant business prospect by working with the world’s major private jet operators in showcasing this unique facility”.

In conclusion Mr. Moroney thanked CBP and the Department of Homeland Security for their ongoing cooperation and support of the preclearance programme and said that Shannon looks forward to working with the aviation industry to bring about further innovations in the coming years.