Features

Flying with the Times

tcha_heli_012Providenciales’ newest FBO ensures a smooth landing for private air travellers.

Story & Photos By Laura Brander

There are times in history that seem to go by ever so slowly, whilst others seem to fly by as if on fast forward. And that is very true of Providenciales. Only 50 years ago, this island was a sleepy little spot, a home to those who honoured the sea as it put food on their table; there was very little daily exposure to the outside world. But then the outside moved in — having discovered the peace and tranquility that everyone was looking for. And from that time onward, interest has grown exponentially in this newly discovered destination.

Air travel has been possible to Grand Turk, the nation’s capital, as well as to South Caicos for well over 50 years now, but the outer islands were truly only accessible by boat until much more recently. The first airstrip on Providenciales was cut into the landscape after an agreement between the government and a group very interested in development. Getting here often meant dealing with inconsistencies and hardship. There are those that can remember having to “sit on the runway in Grand Turk for up to 48 hours, waiting patiently with children in tow while anxiously anticipating a small plane to happen by en route to Provo with enough room for us. But the wait was well worth it.”

But finally, regular scheduled air travel was here to stay. More of an air terminal was erected, but it was far from what we find today. Only 10 years ago, arriving on Provo meant searching for your luggage in the middle of a pile that was barely under cover. Passengers would find themselves climbing on the stack digging for their personal bag. If it was raining, your luggage could end up wet and smeared in mud. But again, it was all well worth the visit and the popularity of the destination continued to grow.

Residents and return guests thought that the construction of the present day terminal would bring them abruptly into line with the rest of the world (often with sadness, if the truth be known.) But almost before it was complete, the new airport seemed overwhelmed with the task of keeping up.

How far we’ve come. How ironic it is that travel to Providenciales by air was once only possible by small aircraft, whether personally owned or by charter, and now it seems to have come full circle. It is now the mode of choice, one that dreams are made of. It is commonplace to look up and watch the numerous private planes in our airspace, from single engine craft that have followed the Bahamian chain down, to 737s chartered as a business incentive.

Harold Charles has played a key role in the history of aviation in the Turks & Caicos, believing in the future of these Islands for many years now. Among other things, he founded Professional Flight Services Ltd. in 1996, the country’s leading supplier of aircraft ground handling, servicing both commercial and private aircraft. Initially, these services were offered out of the main terminal. However, with increased air travel into Providenciales in general, the venue became too busy. Then, with the devastating effects of 9/11, the government decided to ensure that their primary focus was on catering to airlines, and so closed the international terminal to outside private business. A five year exclusive for delivering services to corporate aircraft was then granted to the only small private terminal on Provo to ensure that the business was not spread too thin; as an upper end destination, the government knew that the service had to survive one way or the other.

skybase-dscn1864Having lost that arm of his business overnight, Mr. Charles set a plan in motion to provide better service than ever before, to meet the international community with an FBO that the Turks & Caicos Islands could be proud of. The new clientele interested in the luxury resorts popping up along Grace Bay, along with Parrot Cay, would only come if their needs were met and this needed to be done as quickly as possible. In January 2007, SkyBase opened its doors.

Private aircraft can request direction to this FBO from Ground Control upon arrival after being cleared inbound. Advance notification will give staff the ability to facilitate a faster entry by completing customs paperwork ahead of arrival. (In fact, 90% of the clientele now take advantage of this service.) And, even though official hours are from 7 AM to 7 PM, 365 days of the year, SkyBase will accommodate with prior notification for night service.

As you step off your aircraft, you’re met by Executive Agents with the appropriate landing papers who are there to escort you and operate as your on-site personal concierge service. They will organise ground transportation from the air terminal whether that be through their on-site limousine service or by directing a personal vehicle right to the aircraft for off-loading convenience, as well as confirm your accommodations so that there will be no delays. Baggage handling is offered, including belt loaders for the larger aircraft, as well as the convenience of transportation to the terminal if one desires — or requires, as SkyBase has been designed as a disabled persons’ facility.

Indoors, SkyBase is a breath of fresh air, with tasteful décor of white on white to exemplify the cleanliness of the facility. Splashes of red spice up the space, while greenery adds a calming element. Every detail is carefully thought through. The first exposure is to that of the quiet customs and immigration hall, where entry into the country is completed in comfort and privacy. Air conditioning keeps the heat out, while viewing of aircraft handling is possible. There is even the possibility — with the discretion of the immigration officer on duty — for clients to have their entry expedited while remaining on the plane. (This is only in extreme cases where discretion is of utmost importance or health concerns deem it necessary.)

Pilots can request engineering services and aircraft cleaning as well as refueling — at extremely competitive prices — so that everything possible is looked after upon arrival and not to be worried about during the island stay or rushed at the time of departure. There’s not much that can’t be done.

Passengers may choose to wait in a private lounge equipped with washroom; literature on the Islands and a television make it easy to pass the time. A spa-like shower room with towel service and bathing products can help in cleaning up after a long journey. The general waiting area has seating for over a dozen clients. Whether it is upon entry or while waiting to depart, clients may enjoy the two flat screen plasma televisions, each with different programming to match a variety of interests. You will also find coffee service, a snack dispenser and microwave for convenience in the general lounge. From here, there is full view of the runway.

The crew lounge offers telephone, computer access and printer, while a centrally located fax machine is available to send and receive. There is comfortable seating with a television. The lounge is designed for flight planning access and business arrangements to be made without having to leave the airport in a space that is comfortable and quiet without outside distractions.

SkyBase offers wireless Internet access throughout their facility as well as complimentary local and long distance calls. Owners can feel comfortable knowing that there are 24-hour security cameras throughout, with overnight patrols on the grounds. With safety in mind, ground staff has also been trained in emergency fire response as well as the handling of dangerous goods.

SkyBase was initially designed to handle up to 30 smaller business jets on its 6.5 acres of ramp parking space. However, with demand ever changing, three helipads have recently been added to accommodate their special requirements, and with demand increasing rapidly, SkyBase is now ensuring that privately chartered 737s, Gulf Stream IVs and Global Express jets are accommodated.

skybase-dscn1866With the current trend following what the initial vision predicted, SkyBase will undergo dramatic change over the next few years. The facility we see today, even though quite impressive, is one that has always been meant to be Phase 1 of “a staged implementation of a multi-million dollar series of facilities.” The second phase, already on the drawing board, will include a hanger for aircraft parking, due to the locale’s elements being somewhat harsh on aircraft that remain on the ground for extended periods of time. There will be another hanger built solely for aircraft maintenance. Terminal facilities will enlarge, to include meeting rooms as well as a separate restaurant for the convenience of its clientele. Currently, SkyBase offers private gated parking with the option to accommodate vehicles while owners are off island. In the future, parking will triple in size.

To date, SkyBase has appeared to achieve their mission . . . “to be recognised as the first choice service provider for business and private aviation in the Turks & Caicos Islands, to provide a facility second to none surpassing expectations in quality, professionalism and security.” We can only expect the dedicated customer service and comprehensive ground services to continue, becoming better as the expansion is implemented. One would expect no less from a team of individuals with more than 30 years of aviation experience.

What lies ahead for aviation in the Turks & Caicos Islands? Early on, this country was host to a U.S. Air Force Base and welcomed John Glenn as he splashed down following his initial orbit of the Earth. Regular air service has been followed by the popularity of increased traffic of private jets — the bigger, the faster. Now what? Only time will tell.



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