Raleigh Executive Jetport signs agreements to accept inbound and outbound international flights

SANFORD, N.C. (WTVD) -- The Raleigh Executive Jetport in Sanford has signed agreements with U.S. Customs and Border Protection to provide customs services, allowing the airport to accept inbound and outbound international flights.

Airport officials said under the arrangement, part of the federal Reimbursable Services Program, flights originating outside the United States can fly directly to Raleigh Exec and be processed by federal customs officers working out of Raleigh-Durham International Airport.

"Right away, this will help expand local economic activity, travel, and trade. But we're also looking at other long-term options to help drive more regional economic growth," said Carter Keller, chairman of the Sanford-Lee County Airport Authority.

The airport said the Federal Aviation Administration has approved plans to construct an air traffic control tower that will allow air traffic to be managed by trained air traffic controllers based on the jetport grounds. The project is expected to be completed in three years.

Details about when customs services will start are still being finalized.