Business aviation flights to US can now clear via Shannon

Universal Aviation in Shannon has already provided ground support for the first two private flights to pre-clear all Customs and Immigration at the new facility.
“It is a great thrill to see our clients begin to take advantage of pre-clearance at Shannon,” said Derek Collins, Operations Manager, Universal Aviationsm in Shannon. “We handled the first two aircraft to pre-clear and both crews were very impressed with the facility.”
Shannon Airport officially became the first airport in the world, outside of the Americas, to allow Part 91 operators to pre-clear all U.S. Customs and immigration at a ceremony March 1.
“The official launch is a culmination of an ongoing process, as we have been in close communications with the airport authority as well as Customs and Border Protection to make pre-clearance as efficient as possible for our clients,” said Collins. “Moving forward, Universal will continue to engage closely with all the authorities on our clients’ behalf to ensure that pre-clearance maximizes the potential time and savings advantages.”
Collins said the process time for pre-clearance will take about an hour to 90 minutes. “Shannon is already a cost-efficient location for business aviation because there is no VAT tax, the zero duty zone, and Shannon’s strategic location as a tech stop,” said Collins. “Preclearing in Shannon is very practical, especially now that you can proceed directly to your destination within the U.S.,” said Collins. “So far, the input from our clients who travel to the U.S. from Europe and the Middle East indicates that many will be taking advantage of preclearance, leading to an increase of traffic at Shannon.”
Director of Shannon Airport Martin Moroney said, “We are very pleased that this unique facility is now open for business. The response of international private jet operators has been extremely positive to this initiative and we are keen to develop this significant business prospect by allowing the world’s major private jet operators the opportunity to experience the benefits of the service firsthand.”
Universal Aviation in Shannon is the only ground services provider at Shannon Airport that has been certified by the National Air Transportation Association's Safety 1st Professional Line Service Training (Safety 1st PLST).
“Our Safety 1st PLST certification demonstrates Universal Aviation’s commitment to professionalism and safety,” said Jonathan Howells, Regional Director, Europe, the Middle East and Africa, Universal Aviation. “We are very excited for our clients regarding the new pre-clearance services available to them through Shannon. Universal Aviation continues to work with the CBP and U.S. Embassy in Dublin, Ireland to develop this gateway to the U.S.A for our business aviation clients in Europe and the Middle East.”