For many corporate aircraft heading west from Europe, their first glimpse of the U.S. isn’t the spires of New York City, but the shores of Maine. Bangor Aviation Services, the municipally-owned and operated FBO at Bangor International Airport, the closest U.S. airport to Europe, sees upwards of 400 private flights each month from business jets crossing the Atlantic. While Maine is lacking in neither scenic beauty nor New England charm, that isn’t what draws the flocks of private travelers. “We’re a tech stop,” said Kevin Kipler, the airport’s ramp service manager. “That’s what we’re known for in the business, and aircraft primarily come here to clear customs, to get their fuel, get serviced and get out of here.”
As part of its quick-turn fame, U.S. Customs and Immigration is available 24 hours a day at the airport’s customs office. While the passengers are being processed through customs, their aircraft is simultaneously being serviced outside. “If their final destination is maybe New York, they may have to wait two hours [there] before they see customs,” noted Kipler. “Here they are going to see it and be gone in 30 minutes.” Due to its customs service and 11,440-ft runway, the airport also receives between 100 and 200 transatlantic diversions a year, for a variety of reasons including medical emergencies, mechanical problems, low fuel, or security issues.
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