The Savannah Airport Commission on Monday instructed staff to begin looking into the possibility of building a U.S. Customs Federal Inspection Services — or FIS — site at the airport for international flights, cargo and agricultural products.
The move came after Canada’s Porter Airlines, which the Savannah airport had been courting for some time, announced late last year it would begin seasonal nonstop service from Toronto to Charleston, S.C., a route Savannah was hoping to snag.
“Porter made this decision very quickly, and I think the determining factor was that Charleston already has an FIS on site,” said Greg Kelly, airport executive director.
Savannah/Hilton Head International Airport had an FIS in the early 1990s, when Key Airlines used Savannah as a hub for flights to the Caribbean and Mexico as well as domestic destinations. But the FIS was located in the old terminal building and, when Key ceased operations in May of 1993, that space was turned into offices.
Today, with the airport looking to attract international flights and cargo, Kelly asked his board if building an FIS was something the staff should explore. Commissioners unanimously agreed.
“I definitely think we need to start moving down that road,” Commissioner Sheldon Tenenbaum said.
Commissioner Lois Wooten agreed, reminding the group of Georgia’s growing exports of blueberries and other agricultural commodities.
“The Alma and Baxley area is big in blueberry exports, she said.
“Having an inspection site here would be a very good thing.”
Value parking lot opens
Last week, the airport opened a new $5-per-day parking, offering travelers their lowest–cost option.
The SAV Value Lot, located behind the Economy Lot, adds another 250 parking spaces to the airport’s existing parking facilities.
“We are aware that there is a segment of travelers using our airport who are not currently parking here but would do so if a $5 daily option became available,” Kelly said. “With the addition of low-cost carrier JetBlue to the market, we want to ensure the more budget-oriented traveler has an economical parking option as well.”
The $5 rate is limited to the Value Lot spaces, which the airport will consider expanding next year if there is customer demand. Value lot rates are $5 daily and $35 weekly, compared to the Economy lot at $8 daily and $40 weekly and the Long Term/Hourly lot at $12 daily and $60 weekly.
For additional information about parking options at Savannah/Hilton Head International, go to www.flySAV.com.