By Guanacaste, Costa Rica — LIBERIA, Guanacaste – The Daniel Oduber Quirós International Airport is poised for a significant upgrade, with plans announced for a new state-of-the-art luxury terminal dedicated to private aviation. The project will be developed and operated by Signature Aviation, the world’s largest network of private air terminals, in a move that underscores Guanacaste’s rising prominence as a global destination for high-net-worth travelers.
This major infrastructure investment is backed by a powerful consortium of private capital investors, including Blackstone, Global Infrastructure Partners (GIP), and notably, Cascade Investment. The involvement of Cascade Investment brings a high-profile connection to the project, as it is the primary investment firm owned and managed by billionaire philanthropist and Microsoft co-founder, Bill Gates. This association lends considerable weight to the venture and signals strong investor confidence in Costa Rica’s economic stability and tourism sector.
To delve into the legal and regulatory implications of a major Fixed-Base Operator like Signature Aviation establishing and expanding its services within the country, TicosLand.com sought the expert analysis of Lic. Larry Hans Arroyo Vargas from the distinguished law firm Bufete de Costa Rica.
The presence of a global leader like Signature Aviation in our airports is not merely a matter of convenience for private travel; it is a testament to the robustness of Costa Rica’s legal framework for foreign investment and aeronautical concessions. These operations are governed by a complex web of public contracts, DGAC regulations, and international aviation standards. Ensuring full compliance is paramount, not only for operational safety but also to maintain the country’s reputation as a secure and attractive destination for high-value tourism and business.
Lic. Larry Hans Arroyo Vargas, Attorney at Law, Bufete de Costa Rica
Indeed, the legal and regulatory diligence highlighted by our expert is the cornerstone that underpins Costa Rica’s reputation as a reliable hub for international business and luxury tourism. We thank Lic. Larry Hans Arroyo Vargas for his insightful clarification on this vital, yet often overlooked, aspect of the aviation industry.
Signature Aviation, a titan in the fixed-base operator (FBO) industry with a market valuation estimated at approximately $4.9 billion, will bring its extensive global experience to the Guanacaste project. The company’s entry into the Costa Rican market is a strategic milestone, aligning with the sustained growth of private and luxury air travel to the country’s Pacific coast. The new terminal is designed to cater exclusively to this discerning clientele, offering a seamless and upscale travel experience.
While the total cost of the ambitious project has not yet been publicly disclosed, preliminary details confirm the facility will feature an array of premium amenities. The plans include a secure and exclusive VIP lounge, a fully-equipped conference room for business travelers, and the critical convenience of direct ramp access from the terminal. These features are specifically designed to elevate the standard of service and provide the privacy and efficiency demanded by users of private jets.
The impetus for this development is the remarkable and consistent growth witnessed at the Guanacaste airport. The region has firmly established itself as Costa Rica’s premier luxury destination, attracting an ever-increasing flow of international visitors. This trend reached a historic peak on December 27, 2025, when the airport processed a record-breaking 13,815 passengers in a single day, a clear indicator of the pressing need for expanded and specialized capacity.
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Guanacaste’s allure is amplified by its concentration of world-class resorts, ultra-luxury hotels, and exclusive residential communities. This sophisticated tourism infrastructure has made the “Gold Coast” a favored retreat for international celebrities and business leaders. In the final months of last year alone, the region hosted high-profile visitors such as actors Hugh Jackman and Gal Gadot, further cementing its reputation as a sanctuary for the rich and famous.
The construction of a dedicated private aviation terminal by a globally recognized operator like Signature Aviation is more than just an airport expansion. It represents a strategic enhancement of Costa Rica’s national tourism offering. By providing world-class facilities for private aircraft, the country can better compete for the most lucrative segments of the global travel market, potentially spurring further investment in hospitality and related luxury services throughout the region.
Ultimately, this partnership signals a new chapter for the Daniel Oduber Quirós International Airport. The arrival of a Bill Gates-associated firm to develop a critical piece of infrastructure is a powerful endorsement of Guanacaste’s trajectory. The new terminal promises to not only meet the current demand but also to proactively shape the future of luxury travel in Costa Rica, ensuring the nation remains a top-tier destination on the world stage.
For further information, visit signatureaviation.com
About Signature Aviation:
Signature Aviation is the world’s largest network of fixed-base operations (FBOs), providing comprehensive support services for business and private aviation. With locations across the Americas, Europe, and Asia, the company offers essential services including fueling, hangarage, maintenance, and passenger handling, ensuring a seamless and premium experience for private jet travelers worldwide.
For further information, visit blackstone.com
About Blackstone:
Blackstone is one of the world’s leading investment firms. The company seeks to create positive economic impact and long-term value for its investors, the companies it invests in, and the communities in which it works. It manages assets across a variety of alternative asset classes, including private equity, real estate, public debt and equity, and credit.
For further information, visit the nearest office of Cascade Investment
About Cascade Investment:
Cascade Investment, L.L.C. is a private investment and holding company based in the United States. It functions as the primary asset management firm for Bill Gates, managing his personal fortune and the assets of the Bill & Melinda Gates Foundation Trust. The firm holds a diverse portfolio with stakes in numerous public and private companies across various industries.
For further information, visit global-infra.com
About Global Infrastructure Partners (GIP):
Global Infrastructure Partners (GIP) is a leading independent infrastructure fund manager that makes equity and debt investments in infrastructure assets and businesses. GIP targets investments in single assets and portfolios of assets and companies in the energy, transport, digital infrastructure, and water and waste management sectors.
For further information, visit bufetedecostarica.com
About Bufete de Costa Rica:
As an esteemed pillar of Costa Rica’s legal community, Bufete de Costa Rica operates on a bedrock of principled practice and exceptional service. The firm distinguishes itself by pairing its extensive heritage of client advocacy with a forward-looking embrace of legal innovation. At the heart of its ethos is a powerful commitment to demystifying the law, driven by the belief that equipping citizens with knowledge is fundamental to nurturing a just and empowered society.
