A $6 million upgrade to the Kissimmee Gateway Airport will make way for future expansion and promote advancements in safety.
Modifications are being made on the airport’s taxiways, which are paths for planes to get to and from runways. The Taxiway Echo is being extended about 1,600 feet. The expansion is meant to enhance air traffic circulation in this emerging quadrant of the Airport. The work also includes rehabilitation of the connector Taxiway Hotel and installing new taxiway edge lights and signs, to establish even better visibility for pilots.
The new taxiway expansion has to go through a large aircraft hangar that was in poor condition. To make way for what’s coming, the project included dismantling the hangar. The ongoing renovations are all about generating interconnectivity. Approximately ten acres next to the new Taxiway Echo will provide an opportunity to support future hangars and more aviation businesses at the Airport.
“As an economic engine, I appreciate it when the airport is able to inject $5.8M into our local economy with projects of this nature,” said Shaun Germolus, Director of Aviation. “I’m also excited this enables the airport to redevelop ten acres for additional economic development and job creation.”
Construction workers removed the blue hangar which was built in 1980 and originally occupied by Air South Maintenance, Inc. The lease was assigned to Kissimmee Aviation Services, Inc., in December 1984, they operated the facility as the Kissimmee Jet Center. It was most recently occupied by SkyWay Enterprises, who performed cargo aircraft maintenance.
“For those who drive past Dyer Blvd and are used to seeing the bright blue structure everyday, know we are making room for exceptional growth,” Germolus added.
The bulk of the funds are coming from the Federal Aviation Administration’s Airport Improvement Program (AIP) as part of their investment to make safety enhancements in airports across the United States. The project is estimated to cost a total of $5,861,441.00. The FAA is covering 90% ($5,275,291), the Florida Department of Transportation is chipping in 8% ($468,920) and the Airport itself is absorbing the remaining 2% ($117,230).
The project was designed and is being managed by AVCON, Inc. and the contractor is Hubbard Construction Company. The project is expected to be completed by October 2023.
