Orlando Melbourne Int’l (MLB) haalt grootste FAA-beurs uit eigen geschiedenis binnen
18.1 miljoen dollar naar vliegveld aan kust van Florida voor opknapbeurt landingsbaan
MELBOURNE, Fla.–(BUSINESS WIRE)– Toen de Air Force One in februari was geland op Orlando Melbourne International Airport (MLB), greep directeur Greg Donovan zijn kans en liet de president van de Verenigde Staten weten dat hij zojuist was geland op een commerciële landingsbaan die in officiële luchtvaarttermen als ‘slecht’ is beoordeeld. Daar komt nu verandering in, dankzij een FAA-beurs van 18.132.588 dollar die de minister van Transport Elaine Chao vandaag heeft aangekondigd.
“We vroegen, en kregen geweldige hulp van vertegenwoordigers van Florida in het Congres”, zei Jack L. Ryals, bestuursvoorzitter van de Melbourne Airport Authority. “We zijn congreslid Posey, senator Nelson en senator Rubio zeer dankbaar voor hun pleidooi voor deze belangrijke infrastructuur. Ze kregen het voor elkaar de hoogste, vrijelijk te besteden FAA-beurs uit de geschiedenis van MLB binnen te halen.”
Orlando Melbourne Int’l (MLB) Lands Largest FAA Grant in Its History
$18.1 million headed to coastal Florida airport for runway upgrades
MELBOURNE, Fla.–(BUSINESS WIRE)– When Air Force One landed at Orlando Melbourne International Airport (MLB) in February, Airport Executive Director Greg Donovan took advantage of the opportunity and advised the president of the United States that his 747-200 just landed on a commercial runway officially rated ‘poor’ in aviation terms. That’s going to change, thanks to an $18,132,588 FAA grant announced by U.S. Secretary of Transportation Elaine Chao today.
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Greg Donovan, A.A.E. (Photo: Business Wire)
“We asked for, and received, tremendous support from the Florida congressional delegation,” said Jack L. Ryals, chairman of the Melbourne Airport Authority. “We are deeply grateful to Congressman Posey, Senator Nelson and Senator Rubio for their advocacy on this critical infrastructure. They knocked it out of the park, landing MLB the largest FAA discretionary grant in the airport’s history.”
According to Ryals, the airport addressed the runway needs with U.S. Secretary Chao at an international aviation convention this summer. He explained that the FAA is providing 90% of the project’s funding. In addition, the Florida Department of Transportation is providing $959,666, and the airport is matching with $1,055,067. “The state of Florida came through once again for this important community asset,” he emphasized.
According to Greg Donovan, A.A.E., the total funding of $20,147,321 will provide for the design and construction of the mill and overlay of the airport’s primary runway 9R/27L and runway lights project for the airport which serves a significant number of tourists, aircraft assembly and DOD contractors. “It’s long overdue, but highly gratifying for Orlando Melbourne International Airport to receive this funding, and with it the recognition of our importance to serve the people, the tourists and the businesses of Central Florida.”
ABOUT ORLANDO MELBOURNE INTERNATIONAL AIRPORT (MLB)
Orlando Melbourne International Airport (MLB) serves the Central Florida coast with three runways, a 200,000 sq. ft. terminal and a 40,000 sq. ft. customs facility. It is served by Delta Air Lines, Elite Airways, Porter Airlines and American Airlines with nearly 500,000 passengers annually. Convenient to Orlando and Port Canaveral, the airport is also home to the world headquarters of Harris Corp., Northrop Grumman, Rockwell Collins, L3, General Dynamics, Thales and Embraer Executive Jets, among others. For more information, visit www.MLBair.com.
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