Scottsdale Airport marks record international flights

Since 2012-13, airport sees significant increase

The Scottsdale Airport celebrated a new record for processing international aircraft last week with its 2,000th flight completed during this federal fiscal year, which ends on Sept. 20.

If this pace keeps up, especially as the airport enters its higher operational months, the city projects ending the year with about 2,090 aircrafts, according to a press release.

This is significantly ahead of the 490 aircraft processed in 2012-13. Scottsdale has offered U.S. Customs and Border Protection through a user fee service since 2000.

“Scottsdale Airport is a viable customs processing destination,” said Gary P. Mascaro, aviation director. “We strive to offer a great customer service experience, which is made possible thanks to our partnership with CBP.”

The bulk of users into Scottsdale originate from Canada and Mexico, but Scottsdale serves as a gateway to visitors from all over the world.

Through the years, new initiatives have been implemented: the customs service hours and days were expanded; the airport added an additional officer to meet the demand; and an online payment system was recently activated.

Since executing these initiatives, there has been a steady increase in CBP’s processing over the years, the press release stated.

“The historic number of international flights processed at Scottsdale Airport demonstrates the successful partnership between U.S. Customs and Border Protection and Scottsdale Airport,” said Port Director Chris Leon. “CBP looks forward to supporting the growth of international trade and travel, a great benefit to the U.S. economy.”