On July 14, the Florida Department of Transportation (FDOT) named Miami-Opa locka Executive Airport (OPF) the state of Florida’s General Aviation Airport of the Year, in recognition of the airport’s outstanding achievements in airport safety, aesthetics and overall management. The announcement was made at last week’s 2018 Continuing Florida Aviation Systems Planning Process (CFASPP) Conference in Tampa, hosted by the FDOT annually for general aviation airport (GA) operators from across the state.
“Congratulations to the dedicated Miami-Dade Aviation Department employees who keep Miami-Opa locka Executive on the leading edge of the general aviation industry, and for earning this impressive distinction from the state of Florida,” said Miami-Dade County Mayor Carlos A. Gimenez. “OPF is an invaluable asset to our local aviation system, as well as a growing economic engine for northern Miami-Dade County.”
OPF - the largest of Miami-Dade County’s four GA airports - saw annual flight operations grow 1.5 percent to 136,556 in 2017, for a daily average of 374. The airport offers three full-service fixed-base operator (FBO) facilities for private jet flights, a dedicated U.S. Customs and Border Protection clearance office, the busiest U.S. Coast Guard Air/Sea Rescue station in the country, and Miami-Dade Police and Fire Rescue Aviation units.“I applaud our employees at Miami-Opa locka Executive, for helping us earn this statewide recognition,” said Miami-Dade Aviation Director Lester Sola. “In addition to serving as a reliever airport for Miami International, OPF is generating significant private real estate investment and job creation within our community.”
Construction of the new $24-million Fountainebleau Aviation FBO facility at OPF was completed in 2017. Also last year, Foundry Commercial and Miami-based charitable organization The Carrie Meek Foundation, Inc. broke ground on the $150 million Carrie Meek International Business Park, which will be home to an Amazon warehouse and fulfillment center upon completion.
