Did you know that more than 55,000 passengers pass through Passport Control at Raleigh-Durham International Airport each year?  For many of those travelers entering the United States here, the U.S. Customs and Border Protection facility is familiar territory. 

The Research Triangle Region is well connected with business and industries in Europe, South America, Asia and the Middle East. Many passengers who travel our daily non-stop flight to London, for example, work for companies with a presence in the Research Triangle Region and corporate offices in Europe.

For that reason, they travel frequently between work sites on two continents, spending time away from their offices and homes.  So, while RDU’s international processing is relatively stress-free, these travelers would rather be in and out and on their way.

Until recently, waiting behind the yellow line for the next CBP officer was your only option. But, it’s not anymore. CBP’s Global Entry Program is now at RDU, allowing pre-registered, pre-approved travelers to enter the U.S. by stopping at a Global Entry kiosk rather than being cleared personally by a CPB officer.

Global Entry is an example of the type of program frequent business travelers are looking for. It’s also the type of amenity requested by business leaders and economic development throughout the Research Triangle Region.  The Regional Transportation Alliance, for example, is one such organization that seeks to improve the region’s economy with investments in transportation.

The RTA worked with RDU to persuade the U.S. Department of Homeland Security to bring Global Entry to RDU, following the program’s successful implementation at airports across the country. It not only improves the arrival experience for passengers, but it’s a small way to make RDU more attractive to international business travelers and for companies as they seek to relocate to the region.

When it comes to improving services for our travelers, we’re here to serve you, our passenger and also the needs of our community. After all, RDU is the place where visitors receive their first impression of our region and take home their last memory.