Chennault Airport paves way for air cargo with foreign clearance capabilities

Chennault International Airport (CWF) in Louisiana is paving the way for air cargo after signing a memorandum of understanding with US Customs and Border Protection to enable regular clearance of select international aircraft.

Following the airport’s completion of a $4m air cargo facility in September, the agreement allows for the clearance into the US of foreign crews and air cargo utilising the existing CBP staff based in Lake Charles.

The agreement also allows foreign maintenance-bound aircraft and crews to enter at Chennault — a potential benefit to existing and prospective MRO activity on the field.

Chennault staff will interface with US customs on behalf of industry partners to secure international clearances at Chennault and front the corresponding costs for the service.

US Customs has agreed to respond accordingly to permit applicable international arrivals using its existing local resources.

“Formalising this relationship with US Customs ensures these foreign clearance capabilities,” said Chennault executive director Kevin Melton. “Our Gulf Coast location makes us an ideal airport for these foreign aircraft to enter the United States.”

Already established for its commercial and military MRO work, Chennault said establishing foreign clearance capabilities is among the steps it is taking to enable commercial flight activity. 

Melton said Chennault is committed to working closely with the industry to enable certification of its air cargo facility efficiently.

“We appreciate the responsiveness of U.S. Customs in facilitating these important components of our air cargo initiative,” he said.

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