Business Aviation
Signature Aviation Expands to Costa Rica with New Guanacaste Terminal
Signature Aviation enters Costa Rica market with a new private terminal at Guanacaste Airport and operations at three major airports through Aerologística.
This article is based on an official press release from Signature Aviation.
Signature Aviation, the world’s largest network of private jets terminals, has officially announced its entry into the Costa Rican market. According to a company press release issued on January 8, 2026, the expansion centers on the construction of a new General & Business Aviation Terminal (G&BAT) at Guanacaste Airport (LIR) in Liberia. Additionally, the company has immediately commenced operations at three key Costa Rican airports through a strategic partnership with local aviation services leader Aerologística.
This development marks Signature’s first direct foothold in Costa Rica, a region that has seen surging demand for luxury tourism and private travel. While the dedicated terminal at Guanacaste is scheduled to open in 2026, the company confirmed that it is already servicing flights at LIR, Juan Santamaría International Airport (SJO), and Tobías Bolaños International Airport (SYQ) to meet current market needs.
The centerpiece of this expansion is the planned construction of a dedicated private aviation terminal at Guanacaste Airport. Located in the province known as Costa Rica’s “Gold Coast,” the airport serves as the primary gateway for high-end tourism in the region.
According to the announcement, construction on the new facility is set to begin shortly, with a targeted opening date in 2026. The terminal is designed to offer a suite of premium amenities, including:
Signature Aviation has selected Bambu Construction, a local Costa Rican firm, to build the facility. The design will incorporate sustainable elements and local materials, aligning with the country’s strong environmental focus.
The project is being executed in collaboration with Coriport, the concessionaire and operator of Guanacaste Airport. This partnership aims to modernize the airport’s infrastructure to handle the increasing volume of private jets.
“Signature and Coriport’s collaboration at Guanacaste Airport is a paradigm shift in how VIP travelers experience Costa Rica… Time and time again, Signature has successfully exported its superior operating model for private aviation hospitality.”
, Tony Lefebvre, CEO of Signature Aviation
While the physical terminal at LIR is under development, Signature Aviation has moved to establish an immediate operational presence across the country. By partnering with Aerologística, a Costa Rican aviation services company with over two decades of experience, Signature is now providing ground handling and concierge services at three locations. The press release details that services are now active at:
Aerologística is noted for its “zero-damage safety record” and expertise in regional logistics, which Signature states will ensure high service standards immediately.
The decision to include Tobías Bolaños International Airport (SYQ) alongside the major international gateways highlights a strategic approach to capturing the full spectrum of business aviation. While SJO handles the bulk of commercial traffic, SYQ is often preferred by corporate travelers and domestic charters due to its proximity to the capital’s business districts. By securing a presence at all three nodes, Signature effectively covers the leisure, commercial, and corporate sectors of the Costa Rican market simultaneously.
The expansion comes at a time of significant growth for Costa Rican aviation. Guanacaste, in particular, has become a magnet for luxury developments, including high-end resorts like the Four Seasons and upcoming projects from Ritz-Carlton and Waldorf Astoria.
According to data cited in reports surrounding the announcement, Guanacaste Airport set a passenger record in 2024 with 1.91 million travelers, a 16% increase over the previous year. However, infrastructure for private aviation has historically lagged behind this demand. Previous data indicated the airport handled approximately 100 private flights per month, a figure airport management has described as a fraction of the potential volume due to infrastructure bottlenecks.
“This project marks a milestone in the modernization of Guanacaste Airport… It reflects VINCI Airports’ commitment to developing and connecting territories while fostering long-term value creation.”
, César Jaramillo, General Manager of Guanacaste Airport (Coriport)
William Rodríguez López, Costa Rica’s Minister of Tourism, also welcomed the investment, noting that it supports the arrival of visitors who come to enjoy the biodiversity and beaches of the Guanacaste province.
The new General & Business Aviation Terminal (G&BAT) at LIR is scheduled to open in 2026.
Yes. Signature has commenced immediate operations at LIR, SJO, and SYQ airports through a partnership with Aerologística. Once completed, the terminal will feature VIP lounges, private customs and immigration processing, executive conference rooms, and EV charging stations.
Signature Aviation Launches Costa Rica Expansion with New Terminal and Nationwide Operations
New Infrastructure at Guanacaste Airport (LIR)
Facility Details and Timeline
Strategic Partnership with Coriport
Nationwide Service Rollout
Operational Locations
AirPro News Analysis
Market Context and Economic Impact
Frequently Asked Questions
When will the new terminal at Guanacaste Airport open?
Is Signature Aviation operating in Costa Rica right now?
What services are available at the new terminal?
Sources
Photo Credit: Signature Aviation