According to a recent study by the Florida Department of Transportation, Orlando Melbourne International Airport (MLB) increased its economic impact on the local Space Coast economy by a whopping 74 percent in the past 5 years alone. The 2019 Florida Statewide Aviation Economic Study showed MLB’s annual economic impact at $2.77 billion, up from $1.6 billion in 2014. MLB outpaced most airports in the state, placing it just above Orlando Sanford International (SFB) and St. Pete-Clearwater (PIE) airports, both at approximately $2.6 billion in a statewide ranking.
Airport officials credit the increase to MLB’s ongoing commitment to attracting jobs, boosting tourism and reinvesting in capital assets. Recent projects providing the impressive ROI (return on investments) include rehabilitation of the airport’s three runways, a new air traffic control tower, upgraded taxiways and customs facility. A multi-phase terminal transformation is also underway, already replacing air conditioning chillers, restroom facilities, jet bridges and other critical passenger pleasers. New retail offerings and increased food and beverage operations are on the drawing board.
And airlines have taken notice.
American Airlines recently added nonstop service to Philadelphia (PHL) and Reagan National Airport (DCA) meeting a pent up local demand for more nonstop flights. Airport Executive Director Greg Donovan, A.A.E. reports a surge in serious airline inquiries to bring more air service to the region.
“We’re the closest airport to one of the top cruise ports in the world. NASA’s launch program, our proximity to Orlando and miles of sparkling beaches are just a few of the attributes that this region boasts. Add to that our higher than usual business travel component, and we are proving to be very attractive to the airlines.”
The airport’s population swells to 20,000 during the workweek, attributed to the aerospace tech giants that surround MLB’s airfield. Northrop Grumman, L3 Harris, Embraer Executive Jets, Collins Aerospace and other significant DOD contractors continue to grow airside at MLB.
“We have worked diligently and purposefully as an airport to provide the infrastructure necessary to foster business and enable growth,” said Donovan. “Tourism statewide is on the rise and our planned airside hotel will help bring even more visitors to Melbourne, Florida.”
