Jose J Cabrera, General Manager, Signature Flight Support Boca Raton Regional Airport

Q: TELL US ABOUT HOW YOUR TRAFFIC OVER THE PAST YEAR.

A: While COVID disrupted our market, the Signature network has started to see an increase in operations, Boca specifically has seen a strong recovery throughout. We are seeing a large influx of people who have never flown in a private plane who no longer want to travel with hundreds of people as well as people who are looking for the privacy and convenience that private aviation allows. Boca Raton’s airport is popular because it’s boutique feel and location, just 10 minutes from the beach.

Q: HOW HAS THE ADDITION OF CUSTOMS CHANGED THE BOCA REGIONAL AIRPORT?

A: We’ve noticed growth in the amount of young families that are using the airport for quick trips to the islands, South America and Europe. Many people are shifting their primary residence and businesses to Palm Beach County and keeping their planes here. CEO’s who live in Boca Raton are using our airport as their base of operations.

Q: HAVE YOU SEEN A SHIFT IN THE DEMAND FOR SERVICES?

A: There’s been an overall surge in business and leisure flights including newcomers to private aviation with lighter to medium jets and increased charter flights. 

Q: WHAT’S NEW WITH SIGNATURE FLIGHT SUPPORT?

A: We’ve introduced Signature Assure. Safety has always been a top pillar, but now we take it to another level, exceeding industry standards. We’ve made many changes to our operations, including the use of an electrostatic sprayer that kills germs on surfaces for up to 30 days that we use bi-weekly. We’ve also introduced Signature RENEW, our company-wide global sustainability initiative, invigorating the journey toward net-zero carbon emissions.

Q: WHAT IS THE FUTURE OF PRIVATE AVIATION?

A: I’m most excited about EVTOLs (Electric Vertical Take-off and Landing) aircraft. These drone-like vehicles will carry you anywhere. We’ve partnered with UBER to supply the infrastructure.