Construction of Costa Rica's first ever general aviation terminal, exclusively available to international private operations at Juan Santamaria International airport, is expected to be completed in time for the busy 2019 holiday season.

The new GAT, which will operate under the name GAT SJO General Aviation Terminal, is managed by GAT SJO, a consortium composed of Universal Aviation Costa Rica and local partners. The GAT will be part of the new domestic terminal at MROC, an infrastructure project which includes 15,260 sq ft of space. Some of the features and benefits of the GAT include exclusive VIP experience for private operators, onsite Customs, immigration and quarantine, reduced ground time from plane to car, no co-mingling with commercial passengers and roof-covered access both roadside and rampside

“Upon opening, GAT-SJO will provide a faster, better and more secure experience for business aircraft operators,” says Universal's senior VP for Latin America and Caribbean Adolfo Aragon. “The frustrating days of waiting in long lines mixed with commercial passengers, while being separated from your baggage are soon to be a thing of the past.”

Once GAT SJO General Aviation Terminal is officially open, arriving private passengers will be shuttled by their handling agents a short ride from the parking area to the GAT, which will have a dedicated area for CIQ. All private aviation ground handlers, as well as home-based operators (independent owners travelling international) at MROC, will be allowed to operate through GAT SJO General Aviation Terminal.