U.S. Customs service for international travelers has returned to Van Nuys Airport after a nine-year absence. A 1,500-square-foot facility at fixed-based operator Signature Flight Support officially opened late last month. It features an interview room, inspection room, office space and a high level of security. Aircraft operators flying from international destinations will now no longer have to stop at Los Angeles International Airport or another port-of-entry to clear customs before continuing on to Van Nuys. The operators will pay a sliding user fee for the customs check. Van Nuys has been without customs agents since 2006, when they were pulled from there and Burbank Bob Hope Airport for re-assignment. The following year officials from the airport, its main tenant and Los Angeles World Airports began discussions with Customs and Border Protection to get them back. “Working with our partners, Signature Flight Support and other major airport tenants, Los Angeles’ business airport will now be even more appealing and convenient for international travelers,” said Van Nuys Airport Manager Jess Romo in a prepared statement. Shareholders at Signature Group Holdings Inc. approved the company’s name change to Real Industry Inc., which is scheduled to take effect on Wednesday. The Sherman Oaks investment company has said the name better reflects its strategy of growth through acquisitions in the transportation, food, water and energy sectors. Earlier this year, the company made its first major acquisition by purchasing an aluminum recycler for $525 million. The company’s stock already trades on the Nasdaq under the ticker RELY in keeping with its new name. Results of the shareholder vote were announced Monday. Shares closed Tuesday up 16 cents, or 1.5 percent, to $11.21.
