Right now, South Florida’s aviation news is focused on the bankruptcy of Spirit, a major carrier at Fort Lauderdale-Hollywood International Airport. But there’s another story — one that’s less visible but equally important to our region’s economy. It’s the story of 15 general aviation airports that many people don’t even know exist.
I’ve spent over two decades flying around and interacting with these airports. As president of the South Florida Business Aviation Association, I’ve watched how these airports function in our economy. I’ve seen firsthand what these airports do for our community and the economic powerhouse they have morphed into.
Florida’s general aviation system supports over 156,000 jobs statewide and contributes more than $27 billion to the state’s economy annually, according to the Florida Department of Transportation’s 2022 Statewide Economic Impact Study. The numbers in South Florida are compelling. Fort Lauderdale Executive Airport supports nearly 23,000 jobs and generates $3.9 billion in annual economic impact. Miami-Opa Locka Executive Airport is responsible for 5,288 jobs and has an $841 million economic impact. Pompano Beach Airpark adds another 2,597 jobs and $410 million. Together, these three regional airports generate over 30,000 jobs and $5.1 billion in annual economic impact for our region.
But what makes general aviation airports remarkable isn’t just the numbers. It’s what they do.
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Pompano Beach Airpark is home to five flight schools, training the next generation of pilots. It hosts Goodyear’s “Wingfoot Two” blimp and the North American headquarters of aircraft manufacturer Daher TBM.
North Perry Airport in Pembroke Pines hosts eight flight schools. It’s also home to the largest aerial media operation in the southeast. A major banner towing company operates from there, serving clients across 49 U.S. states, and local news channels depend on it for helicopter operations.
Miami-Opa Locka Executive has over 147,000 operations annually. It is home to the busiest U.S. Coast Guard Air/Sea Rescue Station in the country. Three fixed-base operators (FBOs) service corporate and general aviation aircraft, providing significant traffic relief from Miami International. It is the staging ground for cargo transportation to the Caribbean and hosts aircraft manufacturer Bombardier’s largest service center in North America.
Fort Lauderdale Executive is centered around business aviation. Four FBOs and numerous maintenance facilities support aircraft, their pilots and their passengers. The airport sits in a foreign-trade zone with U.S. Customs and Border Protection on-site, bringing high-wage jobs and economic development to Broward County. It is a staging ground for the Fort Lauderdale Air Show and hosts several career events promoting aviation to aspiring young professionals.
These regional airports are operational hubs supporting flight training, emergency response, business operations and community events. They’re where businesses base aircraft to operate efficiently. They’re where specialized operations — aerial media, emergency services, manufacturers — depend on reliable runway access.
However, this diversity is continuously under threat by policy shifts in Washington, D.C. There has been a lingering push by some to privatize air traffic control. Under privatization, a single provider would control the entire system and naturally focus on the largest metropolitan areas. Smaller airports, general aviation, and the specialized functions they support would become less of a priority. The investment and resources that keep diverse airports operational would inevitably shift toward operations at only the largest commercial hubs.
The good news is that our representatives have recently focused on modernizing and reforming air traffic control through direct investment and smart policy. These are approaches that strengthen our entire aviation system without abandoning the diversity that makes American aviation exceptional.
South Florida’s general aviation airports benefit our communities. They create jobs. They enhance businesses. They deserve our support and investment.
Our local, state and national leaders should include general aviation in their long-term economic development strategies. Support the infrastructure that makes these operations possible. These airports work. And South Florida thrives because they do.
Scott Ramsden is vice president and co-owner of Ramjet Aviation, Inc. and president of the South Florida Business Aviation Association.