The Stallion 51 Flight Operations is where the City of Kissimmee School of Government Class took place last night, April 18, 2019. The City of Kissimmee School of Government Class helps students develop an understanding of how the city operates from all different aspects. This week’s class focused on the Kissimmee Gateway Airport and the Economic Development of Kissimmee.

The Kissimmee Gateway Airport is the closest General Aviation Airport to the Orange County and has three (3) full serve Fixed Base Operations (FBOs) that are on-site, Quantum, Signature, and Kissimmee Aviation. The airfield infrastructure has a 6,000 foot runway, which can accommodate Boeing 737 as well as the Airbus A320 aircrafts. The Kissimmee Gateway Airport’s mission is to provide safe and efficient airport facilities for the economic benefit of our community. There are two flights schools on property, Pan Am and Sunstate and two vintage Aircraft Operations, Stallion 51 and Warbird Adventures.The Kissimmee Airport has approximately $950,000 annual revenue from ground leases and fuel flowage, and act rentals with a $100 million direct economic impact with 260 + aviation jobs.

Here’s a little fun history, in 1911 the “first” aviation law to be passed by any city, county, or country was in Kissimmee because an airplane hit a cow.

Did you know that Kissimmee was the training spot for WW II Army Airfield, training crews for b-26 Bombers and P-61 “Black Widow” night fighters?

“A mile of highway will take you just one mile…but a mile of runway will take you anywhere!” Terry Lloyd, Kissimmee Gateway Airport Manager says that is an ongoing motto around the airport.

In the economic portion of the presentation Belinda Ortiz Kirkegard, Economic Development Director for the City of Kissimmee explained to the class the components of the Development Program within in the city. There are 3 steps, to promote the city, give incentives, and provide business assistance. Kissimmee is growing at a fast pace and with that comes more businesses and opportunity. The City of Kissimmee is taking steps to insure the best development solutions for the community. With the addition of the Sunrail, NeoCity, Downtown Kissimmee Community Redevelopment Area, and the Medical Arts District, the City of Kissimmee is evolving and creating areas where residents can work and play.

City of Kissimmee School of Government focuses on educating citizens on the day to day operations of the city while giving them a behind the scenes experience. For more information on the Kissimmee Gateway Airport or the City of Kissimmee Economic Development please visit, kissimmee.org. 

Until next week, have a positively wonderful weekend!