Aviation Assets
In a state long recognized as a leader in aviation and aerospace, a burgeoning aviation cluster is emerging in North Florida supported by regional and international airports as well as thriving local airports such as:
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Lake City Gateway Airport where HAECO’s MRO serves clients that include Airbus and Boeing.
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Keystone Heights Airport where MHD-ROCKLAND provides P-3 Flight Testing and P-3 Flight Training.
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Williston Airport and Industrial Park, home to Team Tango which specializes in the design and manufacture of kits for amateur construction of light aircraft.
Acreage ready to move
North Florida’s powerful portfolio of aviation assets includes several well-resourced industrial parks offering runway access as well as logistical and cost advantages:
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North Florida Mega Industrial Park (NFMIP), a 2,622-acre shovel-ready supersite adjacent to the Lake City Gateway Airport, recently upgraded with an extended taxiway, new tower and administration building as well as other facility improvements. Just 60 miles from the JAXPORT deep water port complex, NFMIP is also rail-served with a connection to Class I service.
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Williston Airport Industrial Park, a municipally run industrial park offering access to two runways—6,600+ feet in length and 4,700+ feet in length—along with 214+ buildable acres.
Supportive talent pipeline
North Florida’s talent pipeline includes high-caliber K-12 school systems, and programming at universities such as specialized aviation airframe certification at Florida State University at Jacksonville, and aerospace engineering and aerospace leadership at University of Florida. Flight schools include JAXAERO, located at the JAX Executive Airport.
Lifting the regional economy and elevating opportunity
North Florida’s extensive network of rural, regional and international airports provides critical connections while also lifting the regional economy. In addition to the economic impact of international and regional airports, North Florida’s rural municipal airports alone employ over 2,800, generating a payroll of over $34 million and a direct economic impact of over $213 million.
Municipal Airports
Clay/Bradford Counties
A general aviation airport proximate to major airports in Jacksonville and Gainesville, the Keystone Airpark is also uniquely convenient to the local communities in Clay and Bradford Counties as it sits on the line between them. With two runways, the longest at 5,044’, the Airpark can support most general aviation/business jet aircraft, and while tenants include a flight school and skydiving operation, the Airpark’s convenience and service have also made it a preferred connection choice for a variety of business and corporate needs.
Columbia County
Equipped with two runways, one 8,003’ x 150’ and the other 4,000’ x 150’, this city-owned public use airport can accommodate aircraft as large as the C130, KC10, and Boeing 747, 757, and 767. With full-service FBO services, the Airport supports a variety of activities including flight training, corporate operations, law enforcement and recreation. The U.S. Forestry Service operates the only fire support base in the Southeast at Lake City, with other key tenants including HAECO’s MRO, serving clients such as Airbus and Boeing. Thousands of shovel-ready acres available at the adjacent North Florida Mega Industrial Park provide another strategic business advantage.
Levy County
Located just two miles from Williston’s central business district, this city-owned public use airport is equipped with a 6,669’ runway and a 4,704’ runway to accommodate the needs of corporate as well as recreational users. The Airport offers large hangars and competitive fuel prices, is located inside the Williston Industrial Park, where non-aviation manufacturing tenants are thriving alongside MRO operations and aircraft manufacturers. Acreage, facilities and amenities such as an onsite restaurant make Williston Airport and Industrial Park an attractive choice for a range of business activities.
Putnam County
Located 50 miles east of Gainesville, Palatka-Kay is equipped with three intersecting runways, the longest of which is 6,003’, allowing it to accommodate mid-size general aviation and business jet aircraft. While tenants include two aircraft maintenance providers, a skydiving operator and a flight instruction business, the Airport also supports government agencies including local law enforcement and marine patrol as well as the Florida Forest Service and the Florida Fish and Wildlife Conservation Commission.
Taylor County
Perry-Foley is located 50 miles southeast of Tallahassee and three miles from the city of Perry. A public-use airport, it is equipped with three intersecting runways, the longest at 5,010’ to accommodate most general aviation aircraft. The Airport primarily supports corporate/business travel, with self-service refueling convenient for both local and transient users. Timber has a key sector in Taylor County, and the Airport has provided service and support for the aviation needs of timber companies.
Suwannee County
Located approximately 85 miles west of Jacksonville, Suwannee County Airport serves the community’s general aviation needs with FBO services and a single 4,000’ runway to accommodate mid-size general aviation aircraft. While it primarily serves recreational and general aviation needs, the Airport also supports the agricultural spraying required by local organic growers. Community engagement is critical to the Airport’s mission; as host to the annual Fly-In, the Airport provides flights for over 200 children, boosting engagement and interest in aviation.
Dixie County
A public-use airport located approximately 50 miles west of Gainesville, this county-owned general aviation facility primarily supports business and corporate travel, while it is also a site of flight training as well as law enforcement and search and rescue missions. CTY is equipped with two intersecting asphalt runways, with the longest runway of 5,000’, so that it accommodates a range of general aviation aircraft, with FBO service, fuel and a free courtesy care for users.
Levy County
Located on Cedar Key Island approximately 60 miles southwest of Gainesville, this county-owned public-use facility serves the community’s general aviation needs with a single 2,335’ runway, which easily accommodates single-engine general aviation aircraft. While CDK is a valued asset for recreational flyers and provides important support for the visitor economy during popular annual cultural events, the Airport is also a preferred connection for executive and corporate travel, and supports military training operations as well.
Nassau County
FHB is located on Amelia Island just three miles from the downtown historic district of Fernandina Beach, and less than two miles from beaches, hotels and resort amenities, making it a strategic asset for the region’s visitor economy as well as for local business operations. A designated reliever airport for Jacksonville International, the Airport is equipped with three runways, all over 5,000’, accommodating general aviation aircraft. Tenants include an FBO, a skydiving operation and an aircraft maintenance and avionics business. The Airport also supports military and search and rescue operations.
Regional Airports
Served by Delta and American Airlines, Gainesville Regional Airport offers limited cargo service as well as passenger service, including nonstop flights to select destinations.
With connecting flights to and from Atlanta Hartsfield-Jackson International Airport, the Valdosta Regional Airport makes it easier to reach destinations across the globe.
International Airports
Nearly six million passengers fly JAX annually, through nine different carriers with service that has earned it the #2 ranking in customer satisfaction for midsize airports nationwide.
Served by four major carriers, TLH offers direct flights to hub destinations across the country, with a new International Processing Facility to support import and export shipping.