Fort Lauderdale Executive Airport is an Engine for Economic Growth
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Long known as a must-see vacation destination, today, Fort Lauderdale is also the heart of a diverse economic region home to a $13 billion marine and $8.5 billion tourism industries, the state’s largest technology hub, and a rapidly expanding film and television production sector. One of the key factors driving the city’s emergence as a major commercial center is an extensive transportation network, highlighted by Fort Lauderdale Executive Airport (FXE).
Owned and operated by the city, FXE is home to more than 700 aircraft including 115 corporate jets and 40 helicopters. The facility handles approximately 150,000 takeoffs and landings per year, ranking it as one of the ten busiest GA airports in the U.S.
The 1,200-acre property is home to six full-service FBOs: Aero Toy Store/Executive Jet Center, Banyan Air Service, Execuport International, Personal Jet, World Jet, and Sano Aviation. These companies provide fueling, maintenance, management and professional services to hundreds of Fortune 500 companies and small businesses.
FXE serves as a vital economic engine for the City of Fort Lauderdale and, according to a recent study by the Florida Department of Transportation’s Aviation Office. The airport is part of an industry that contributes $114 billion annually to Florida’s economy.
The statewide study revealed that FXE accounts for more than $360 million in direct economic impacts, $105 million in indirect impacts and $348 million in induced impacts. The airport’s economic activity supports more than 5,000 jobs with an annual payroll of $176 million. The most impressive finding was that FXE’s total contribution to the local economy surpasses $815 million, which ranks it as the number one GA airport in Florida in terms of total economic output.
“We offer the best of both worlds—outstanding aviation facilities along with a 200-acre industrial airpark that provides an ideal location where both large and small businesses can prosper,” according to FXE Airport Manager Clara Bennett.
Over the past 10 years, FXE has invested more than $35 million in capital improvements, infrastructure projects and initiatives to enhance safety and operations. Access and security upgrades have included new perimeter fencing, a computerized gate card access system and video surveillance. Both of the airport’s runways, 8/26 and 13/31, have also been completely renovated.
FXE has completed a $9 million taxiway relocation project and a $2.6 million taxiway rehabilitation to enhance operational safety and facilitate better ground movement of aircraft. The airport is home to a new state-of-the-art fire-rescue station that features 24-hour aircraft rescue and fire-fighting services and the city’s Emergency Operations Center. Airfield Operations Area signage has been updated and, most recently, FXE has installed new landside directional signs to assist visitors with locating businesses.
“To stay ahead in today’s competitive marketplace, it’s essential to provide our customers with the resources for success,” Bennett says. “We’ve accomplished this by continually striving to enhance our facilities and services to meet the evolving needs of our clientele.”
FXE completed a new Aviation Equipment and Service facility housing the airport’s maintenance operations, which includes office space, airfield equipment storage and a security office. The building is designed to achieve Leadership in Energy Environmental Design (LEED) Gold Certification and features drought-resistant landscaping, rainwater collection, recycling, energy efficiency lighting and use of sustainable building materials.
Plans for a new U.S. Customs and Border Protection facility are also underway. The new 7,200-square foot building will offer expanded operating space with a waiting area, bag inspection area, conference room, canine kennel, hold/search rooms and restrooms. The facility’s modern Florida deco architecture will also incorporate LEED design features to reduce operating costs, energy consumption and minimize the impact to the surrounding environment.
In recognition of its outstanding safety, aesthetics and management, the Florida Department of Transportation recently named FXE as 2010 Community Airport of the Year. The prestigious honor underscores the airport’s ongoing commitment to maintain a balance between the needs of the aviation, business and residential communities.
As FXE looks ahead, it will continue to reinvest in its facilities, enhance operations and provide service that is second to none. For South Florida’s premier GA airport, the sky truly is the limit.
For more information, call 954-828-4955or visit www.fortlauderdale.gov/FXE.