Signature Aviation has celebrated the grand opening of its newly renovated facility at Ted Stevens Anchorage International airport. Signature is the only FBO with a dedicated facility specifically for international traffic in the state of Alaska.

The newly renovated terminal, built within the former Kulis Alaska Air National Guard facility, features a 13,900 sq ft passenger terminal and an accompanying 90,000 sq ft ramp. The development represents a major step towards the vision articulated by the Anchorage International airport and State of Alaska in redeveloping the former Air National Guard base, adding momentum to the airport's role as a driver of economic growth and jobs in the Anchorage region.

The upgraded facility includes several unique features desired by long distance operators, including a soon-to-open US Customs and Border Protection station directly within the FBO. This should allow US-inbound traffic to clear customs rapidly, before being able to continue onto any destination in the United States. Additional amenities include the large, private use aircraft ramp that is capable of supporting up to transport category aircraft, a complimentary snack bar and a large executive conference room.

“Signature's Kulis terminal for private aviation is helping restate the importance of Anchorage as a both a global crossroads and a destination for private aviation,” says senior vice president of global operations Geoff Heck. “There is simply no better, faster or more reliable tech stop option available to operators that frequently find themselves travelling between Asia and the US than that provided by Signature Anchorage.”

Signature's Anchorage location is perfectly positioned on great circle routes from Asia and Oceana to the US, as well as being advantageously located on many great circle routes for European traffic flying direct routes to the US west coast. Additionally, Anchorage International airport features 24/7 staffing and no curfew, suiting it to any operator's schedule, and offers one of the most impressive and efficient airport-administered snow removal programmes worldwide; the airport has never closed due to inclement weather. Anchorage's extensive airline connections to the lower-48 makes it the most well-connected airport in Alaska, in turn letting operators pre-position flight crews to allow crew rest rotations.

Signature Anchorage has the ability to perform technical stops as quickly as in 60 minutes, simultaneously allowing for aircraft to be refuelled and letting passengers and crew clear US Customs and Border Protection.

The grand opening celebration of the newly renovated facility on 9 May included tours of the facility, staff meet and greets, and a ribbon cutting ceremony with a blessing of the building and traditional native performances; Eskimo Yupik dancing has been a fixture in the culture and values of the community for thousands of years. Attendees included vendors, business partners, Alaska aviation executives, federal authorities and the mayor. Many have been instrumental in the development of the facility.