Ports, aviation firm team to offer aircraft & fuel services at Ceiba airport
By The Star Staff
Gov. Pedro Pierluisi Urrutia announced Tuesday that the Puerto Rico Ports Authority and Roosevelt Roads Aviation Services LLC will offer aircraft maintenance and repair services at José Aponte de la Torre Airport in Ceiba.
The two entities have signed a 10-year agreement that includes the provision of fixed base operation (FBO) services and the sale and dispatch of aircraft fuel.
“Part of my administration’s commitment is to maximize the use of regional airports, foster economic development, and solidify tourism,” the governor said. “Today, I am pleased to announce that this agreement that has just been signed will not only expand the specialized services that we offer for the airline industry, but will also promote the economy of the eastern region and contribute to the creation of jobs.”
Ports Authority Executive Director Joel Pizá Batiz said the new operations align with efforts to maximize the use of regional airports and assets. Roosevelt Roads Aviation Services LLC joins the other companies operating from the Ceiba airport: Arlet Aviation, Modern Aviation and LM Aviation Services.
“This shows the great interest in the industry and the potential of this airport for general aviation,” Pizá Batiz said.
Under the agreement, Roosevelt Roads Aviation Services will lease 107,497 square feet of land to establish its services and operations. Those include setting up a 52,400-square-foot hangar and 55,097-square-foot open area. From there, the firm will offer FBO and aircraft services, including the sale and dispatch of aviation fuel.
In addition, the company will make the necessary repairs to the infrastructure of Hangar No. 200, without any credit against the rent, estimated at more than $250,000. Similarly, the lessee will repair Walkway E at some $500,000.
In addition, Pizá Batiz noted that the Ceiba airport currently has three airlines -- Air Flamenco, Vieques Air Link and Air Taxi -- that operate flights to Culebra and Vieques, along with MN Aviation, which operates charter flights. According to statistics for fiscal year 2021-2022, Ceiba airport had traffic of about 76,820 passengers.
“The development of Roosevelt Roads is one of the priority projects of my administration,” Pierluisi said. “We have been working hard for the electrical, water and transportation infrastructure to ensure that we support housing, hotel, port and commercial projects in this area. The growth and development of Roosevelt Roads will be vital to boosting the economy of the east and southeast regions.”
Last year the airport’s taxiway was inaugurated as a result of a federal investment of $3.7 million. In addition, the governor announced that the access roads to the old naval base are being asphalted through an agreement with Ceiba Mayor Samuel Rivera Báez.
Pierluisi also announced that the central government will soon award the contract for the development and operation of the old marina in Ceiba.