Business aircraft heading for the Chilean capital of Santiago will have a new FBO from September with the opening of GDS Aviación at the city’s Arturo Merino Benitez International Airport. According to company president Gerardo Diaz Sará, the new operation is effectively the airport’s first purpose-built, full-service FBO, although there are already two other handling providers on-site.

When GDS opens next month, the facility will have a small ramp with enough space to park a Gulfstream G550 and a couple of light jets. A second phase of development, beginning in January, will add enough ramp space for another large-cabin aircraft. Aircraft can also be parked on the airport’s main general aviation ramp about 100 yards from the FBO, which will also have its own hangar with space for another large business jet and a pair of smaller aircraft. Beyond the lobby on the first floor of the building will be a large lounge area for passengers, with a panoramic view of the Andes Mountains. This lobby will be equipped with television and wireless Internet connections, and drinks and light refreshments will be available. On the second floor, there will be management offices and a crew lounge as well as four workstations for flight planning and weather information. This floor will also offer a full bathroom with shower.

According to Sará, the Chilean economy has remained stable during the international financial crisis, so the country’s relatively small business aviation sector has continued to grow. If GDS achieves its goal of attracting 80 percent of traffic in Santiago, it will be handling around 36 aircraft each month. The new FBO will also handle GDS’s own fleet, which consists of a new Hawker 400XP and a King Air B200.
The Arturo Merino Benitez Airport is open 24/7 and is not subject to slot restrictions. According to Sará, the main obstacle to business aviation in the country is an uncooperative attitude among customs, immigration and agriculture officials, which can result in delays in processing flights.