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Signature Flight Support buys Tropical Aviation Corp.

Tropical Aviation's Isla Grande facilities have been sold to an Orlando-based company.

Orlando, Fla.-based Signature Flight Support announced Friday its acquisition of Tropical Aviation Corp. operating out of Isla Grande’s Fernando L. Rivas Dominicci Airport. The amount of the transaction was undisclosed.

Signature’s purchase includes Tropical Aviation’s new, state-of-the-art complex including 29,000 square feet of hangars and shade ports, a 6,900 square-foot executive terminal and offices all situated on 3.9 acres.

In its first foray in the Caribbean, Signature Puerto Rico will provide 24/7/365 service for general aviation and commercial into-plane fueling; parking; pilot lounge; pilot quiet/nap room with shower facilities; flight planning room; computerized weather systems; air-to-ground communications; crew transportation and accommodations arrangements; executive meeting room; its QuickTurn service; crew and rental cars; and custom catering.

“Signature Puerto Rico represents a significant step in our continuing effort to expand our global network and to provide world-class flight support services in as many locations as possible for our customers,” stated S. Michael Scheeringa, president, Signature Flight Support. “As an important gateway between Latin America and the U.S. mainland, Puerto Rico is perfectly positioned for technical stops and provides the opportunity to clear U.S. Customs and Border Protection before continuing on to any point in the continental United States.”

“Our experience during the transaction was excellent. The owners, Fidel Alonso Valls and Francisco Rivera, have developed an exceptional facility and we are grateful for their partnership throughout the acquisition process. The staff at the facility were gracious and accommodating and we welcome them to the Signature family,” said Scheeringa.

Meanwhile, Port Authority Executive Director Alberto Escudero said Signature Flight’s arrival into Isla Grande fits within the agency’s strategy to revitalize the facility.

“Our strategy to revitalize Isla Grande as the preferred business and general aviation airport in San Juan is further solidified with Signature’s presence,” he said. “In our continuing efforts to stabilize our economy through investments from the private sector, we are elated that this company has chosen Puerto Rico as a premier location for their growth strategy. We look forward to working with Signature Flight Support in the years to come.”

Signature will offer the complete suite of customer benefits in Puerto Rico including Signature Status®. With point to point access from Puerto Rico to Signature’s over 50 U.S. locations, customers will enjoy personalized service available only in the world’s largest FBO network. Signature’s wide range of custom fuel purchasing options will also be available to customers visiting Signature Puerto Rico.

Signature currently operates at more than 100 locations in the United States, Europe, South America, Africa and Asia.

Author Details
Author Details
Business reporter with 30 years of experience writing for weekly and daily newspapers, as well as trade publications in Puerto Rico. My list of former employers includes Caribbean Business, The San Juan Star, and the Puerto Rico Daily Sun, among others. My areas of expertise include telecommunications, technology, retail, agriculture, tourism, banking and most other segments of Puerto Rico’s economy.
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