Puerto Rico Private Aviation Facilities:

An Infrastructure Investor Guide

Quick Answer:


Private aviation demand in Puerto Rico is steady and high value. The U.S. regulatory framework, Act 60 incentives, and an aerospace cluster support long‑term returns. Focus areas: premium hangars near San Juan, regional Fixed‑Base Operator (FBO) capacity, and Aguadilla Maintenance, Repair, and Overhaul (MRO) growth

Why Puerto Rico Attracts Private Aviation Capital


Private aviation in Puerto Rico sits at the intersection of compliance‑driven demand, U.S. standards, and investor‑friendly policy. 


Act 60 keeps high‑net‑worth residents flying year‑round. The Puerto Rico Ports Authority (PRPA) oversees a system with clear public‑private partnership paths.

Aviation Infrastructure: Puerto Rico Overview

Aviation infrastructure in Puerto Rico operates under Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) rules and financing tools, including the Airport Improvement Program (AIP) and the Airport Investment Partnership Program (APPP). 


The island supports basing, charter, MRO, and training within the U.S. regulatory framework.

Key Factors Affecting Private Aviation Facilities

Residency‑Linked Demand

Act 60 residency rules drive consistent private lift and basing. 

Documentation needs make private flight scheduling and on‑island basing more attractive than ad‑hoc commercial itineraries.


Airport System and Governance

The PRPA owns most airports. Luis Muñoz Marín International Airport was leased to a private operator under the APPP model. 



This split opens room for PRPA‑run general aviation upgrades and targeted public‑private deals at regional airports.


Sites and Capacity

Fernando Luis Ribas Dominicci Airport (SIG, Isla Grande) is the busiest general aviation field and space‑constrained. Hangar scarcity and ramp congestion support strong returns for large‑format hangars. 


Regional airports such as Rafael Hernández Airport (BQN, Aguadilla), Mercedita (PSE, Ponce), and Eugenio María de Hostos (MAZ, Mayagüez) offer greenfield potential with lower congestion.


Regulatory Pathway

Locally, the Puerto Rico Planning Board (PRPB) and the Oficina de Gerencia de Permisos (OGPe) govern land use and permits. 


Federally, U.S. Customs and Border Protection (CBP) and the FAA set operational, security, and airfield standards. Early code planning can de‑risk timelines.


Resilience and Energy

Hurricane risk is material. Resilient structures, storm‑rated structures and doors, microgrids, on‑site fuel security, and redundant communications protect uptime. 


Investors who harden power and structure gain pricing power after severe weather.


Workforce and Supply Chain

Aguadilla hosts an aerospace cluster with FAA and European Union Aviation Safety Agency (EASA) certified repair stations.


Technician supply is tight, so MRO growth pairs well with funded training partners.


Cost Structure and Returns

Fuel and handling set daily operating economics. The AIP strengthens airfield reliability. 


Act 60 can lower corporate tax to 4% for eligible air transport activities, which can lift net margins for well‑run facilities.

Local Relevance for Puerto Rico

Permitting flows through OGPe under PRPB’s Joint Permit Regulation. 


The International Building Code (IBC), International Fire Code (IFC), and National Fire Protection Association (NFPA) standards govern life safety and fire protection.


Plan these items early to protect time and capital:

  • Codes: IBC, IFC, NFPA foam systems, egress, and fire water supply.

  • Utilities: Dedicated feeders, backup generation, microgrid interconnects, and telecom redundancy.

  • Fuel logistics: Tank placement, containment, and flow controls aligned with fire code.

  • Federal clearances: CBP access control, secure circulation, and digital manifest workflows integrated into the site plan.

Comparisons and Alternatives

Site choice shapes cost, schedule, and service mix. Use the contrasts below to pick a path that fits your demand and lease profile.


San Juan Core vs. Regional Hubs


  • San Juan (SJU/SIG)

  • Pros: Dense demand, premium rates, established FBO network.


  • Cons: Land constraints, airspace congestion, higher ground‑lease costs.

  • Regional (BQN/PSE/MAZ)

  • Pros: Greenfield sites, lower congestion, flexible layouts.


  • Cons: Market making required, initial staffing ramp.


FBO/Hangar vs. MRO


  • FBO/Hangar

  • Pros: Basing revenue, fuel flowage, concierge services.

  • Cons: Apron access negotiations, specialty door and foam procurement.

  • MRO

  • Pros: Long contracts, exportable services, cluster benefits in Aguadilla.

  • Cons: Technician pipeline constraints; training budget needed.


Acquire Existing vs. Public‑Private Greenfield


  • Acquire

  • Pros: Faster cash flow, known demand.

  • Cons: Limited layout control, retrofit compromises.

  • Public‑Private Greenfield

  • Pros: Purpose‑built resilience and modern systems.

  • Cons: Higher pre‑development lift, more regulatory steps.

Actionable Tips

Group tasks to keep scope clear and timelines short.


Leasing & Entitlements

  • Lock a long‑term ground lease with expansion options.

  • Align PRPB zoning and OGPe workflows at concept.

Design & Code

  • Design for heavy jets first. Plan 15,000+ sq ft modules with clear spans.

  • Standardize NFPA foam, IBC/IFC egress, and fire water supply from day one.

Power, Fuel & CBP

  • Add diesel generation, storage, and microgrid interconnects.

  • Plan CBP circulation in the site plan to avoid rework.

Workforce & Finance

  • Fund technician training with local partners.

  • Model Act 60 eligibility and AIP implications early.

Review how our crews phase apron work without flight disruptions in recent projects.

Why Choose DEV Builders Group

DEV Builders Group provides a high‑end, premium, concierge, white glove service for complex aviation assets. 

Our in‑house crews and fleet keep schedules tight and communication clear. 


Build for Uptime and Returns


Select a site, fix the lease, and spec a resilient hangar for heavy jets on day one. 


Our team manages design coordination, permitting, utilities, life‑safety, and delivery under one accountable partner. 



Start the scoping conversation through our secure contact form. Review delivery methods on our construction services overview.

FAQs

  • What codes apply to new hangars in Puerto Rico?

    The IBC, IFC, and NFPA standards apply, enforced through OGPe and the PRPB.

  • How do Act 60 incentives impact an aviation project?

    Act 60 can reduce corporate income tax to 4% on eligible air transport activities and may provide property and municipal relief, which improves net operating income.


  • Where is the best place to base large jets?

    San Juan metro offers premium demand but limited space. Regional airports provide capacity for new buildouts. The right answer depends on hangar size, lease terms, and your client base.

  • What resilience features matter most?

    Storm‑rated structures and doors, distributed generation, on‑site storage, and post‑storm access planning reduce downtime.

  • How early should CBP coordination start?

    At concept. Customs layout, access control, and digital processes shape the site and cut redesign.

CONTACT US

Plan Your Hangar in Puerto Rico

Aviation in Puerto Rico is expanding, and resilient hangars will set the pace. If you want a facility that protects people, aircraft, and schedules, work with a builder that treats uptime as non-negotiable. Start a conversation with our team through the contact page.

Our Office

Calle Aldebaran | 00920 San Juan | Puerto Rico

Call Us