Tenant Spotlight: Jessica Barhouma,

General Manager at SunState Aviation

This month, our tenant spotlight is on SunState Aviation's General Manager, Jessica Barhouma! In this role, Jessica is responsible for supporting student success and overseeing Student Support Staff, Facility Operations, and serving as a liaison with Admissions, Finance and Maintenance. With the support of her team, SunState Aviation strives to create a welcoming atmosphere that fosters learning and helps future pilots establish a strong educational foundation, and develop relationships and connections within the aviation community. Recalling some of her most memorable accomplishments, she excitedly remembers her own flight training. "My solo flight and PPL rating were a big accomplishment, then moving through my ratings to CFI!" In her spare time, Jessica enjoys spending time outdoors and with her family, watching movies, and following Formula 1 racing. Fun fact: She once handled a Tarantula, a Fox Snake, and a Ball Python at a nature center where she interned, solidifying her as an experienced adventurer and well-rounded, fearless leader.

Kissimmee Gateway Airport Secures Funding for Rehabilitation of Taxiway Alpha

The Kissimmee Gateway Airport has received federal and state funding to design the rehabilitation of Taxiway Alpha (TW A). The design is scheduled to commence this year, and additional funds will be requested for construction in the federal fiscal year 2027.

The Kissimmee Gateway Airport’s Capital Improvement Plan has identified the need to rehabilitate pavement and replace associated lighting for TW A. The Pavement Condition Index (PCI) rating evaluates pavement conditions by assigning a scale, with 0 indicating a failed condition and 100 indicating a perfect condition. A PCI rating of 41-55 means “poor condition,” and the current numbers assigned to TW A range between 40 and 54. The project will improve lighting with new LED edge lights and directional signs. In addition, the project will shift the pavement 50’ east to meet FAA standards due to the larger aircraft utilizing the Airport.



The design project cost is $1,200,000 and will be performed by AVCON, Inc. The FAA will participate at 95% ($1,140,000); the Florida Department of Transportation (FDOT) will participate 8% ($48,000) and require a local match (Airport) of 2% ($12,000). The estimated construction cost is $ 12.4 million.

Taxiway D Transformation:

Key Improvements & Safety Measures in Motion

The project is now in its 154th day of construction, and currently in the paving curing period, which requires 30 days before permanent markings with reflective beads can be applied. In the meantime, the subcontractor is continuing to install new wiring in conduit to connect all the lights and signs. The main contractor is working on-site to clean up in preparation for the runway swap scheduled for September 22. At that time, Runway 15/33 will close for two weeks, and Runway 06/24 will be opened. Sodding and painting are scheduled for the last week of September, with site cleanup ongoing. Please consult your resources for FAA NOTAMs to stay informed about current and future hazards or restrictions.

New Downtown Convention Center and Hotel Approved by Kissimmee City Commission

The Kissimmee City Commission has unanimously approved a Master Development Agreement with Azure Hotel International, Inc., marking a transformative milestone for Downtown Kissimmee’s future. The project will replace the existing Civic Center with a 10-story, 300-room luxury hotel, part of the Preferred Hotels & Resorts portfolio. It will feature restaurants, a rooftop pool and bar, spa facilities, retail space, and a direct shuttle service to Kissimmee Gateway and Orlando International airports. The development is projected to generate $5–6.5 million annually in property taxes, create 400 construction jobs, and provide between 150 and 250 permanent hospitality jobs for residents.

Relocate Your Business to Kissimmee Gateway

Central Florida's Airport of Choice

With over 180 acres of land available for development, a new aerospace park and innovative incentive packages, Kissimmee Gateway Airport is Central Florida's airport of choice and the ideal location for your business. For more information, contact the City of Kissimmee Economic Development Office at (407) 518-2307.

This newsletter is a publication of Kissimmee Gateway Airport. For more information about this publication, please contact us at newsletter@flykissimmee.com or call (407) 847-4600.



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