✈️ Let's Talk Aviation! News and Updates from Kissimmee Gateway Airport ✈️

🎉 Congratulations, Aviator College Graduates! 🎉

We're thrilled to celebrate the graduation of 20 outstanding students who completed Aviator College's rigorous 16-month Airframe & Powerplant Mechanic program, which ran from June 2023 to October 2024. Among these outstanding graduates, many were part of the JetBlue Gateway program, paving their path to continued training and careers with JetBlue Airlines. Others have been chosen by leading airlines like United, American, Avelo, and Breeze. Looking ahead, we are excited to join Aviator College in welcoming their largest graduating class yet in March 2025, with nearly 40 students at the Kissimmee location. We are proud of Aviator College's thriving training programs, currently supporting about 100 active students in Central Florida. Congratulations to these amazing graduates! Your hard work and dedication have paid off, and this is just the beginning. Remember, the sky is not the limit—it's just the start. Keep pushing your limits, stay determined, and continue to persevere. Kissimmee Gateway Airport is here to support you every step of the way.

Aerostar Hosts Aviation Career Night

Aerostar Training Services hosted it's first career night of the New Year on January 22. Representatives from Aerostar, Spectrum Aero, Aviator College, Av Doc 51, AeroMed, Everglades University, and Kissimmee Airport Administration spoke about different pilot careers, educational programs, and support services that are available at the Kissimmee Airport to assist with their aviation journey. The attendees got the opportunity to see different trainer aircraft on display and maneuver an Airbus A320 flight simulator to get the experience of sitting in the cockpit to learn how to fly in one of the commonly used passenger airliners. It was a great attendance by different aviation businesses and enthusiasts. To learn more about Aero Training Services and the programs they offer, click here.

Kissimmee Gateway Airport Hosts First

Quarterly Tenant Meeting of 2025

We kicked off our first Quarterly Tenant Meeting of 2025 on January 23. The gathering saw a dynamic mix of airport business owners and pilots eager for updates on future development, construction projects, airfield operations, safety, security, and air traffic control information. We were thrilled to have newly elected Mayor Jackie Espinosa join us and open the meeting. She shared her enthusiastic support for the Airport’s mission and vision. Following her inspiring words, each participant had the chance to share news about upcoming events, milestones, and business developments. This meeting was more than just an update—it was a powerful call to action. We're all about moving forward with passion and determination. We understand the challenges our community faces, and we’re here to support you every step of the way.

City of Kissimmee Welcomes

New Economic Development Director

The City of Kissimmee has selected David Rodriguez as its new Economic Development Director. With extensive experience in economic development, Rodriguez will lead efforts to attract and retain businesses, create more high-quality jobs, and drive long-term economic growth. He will also focus on key redevelopment areas in Downtown and along Vine Street, including strategic projects across the city, with an emphasis on fostering expansion and revitalization in both established and emerging districts.

"David's experience and expertise will be instrumental as we continue our commitment to building a stronger, diverse economy with quality job opportunities for our residents," said City Manager Mike Steigerwald. “We are focused on supporting businesses of all sizes and ensuring that our Downtown, along with other key areas, becomes a thriving, vibrant district that serves as a catalyst for broader economic growth.”

In his role, Rodriguez will oversee the city's Economic Development Department, which focuses on strategies to bring high-value businesses and promote a stable, diverse economy. He will also lead initiatives in the city's Community Redevelopment Agency (CRA) areas, including the Downtown Kissimmee CRA and the Vine Street CRA. These areas are designed to increase economic activity, support local businesses, and enhance the appeal of these key districts. Welcome, David!

TENANT UPDATES

Safety & Security Tip: Access Cards

It's crucial that every Access Control Card holder takes the vital step of ensuring the vehicle access gate is fully closed before moving forward. This simple yet powerful action not only protects our airport from unauthorized access but also prevents wildlife from entering areas where they could pose a danger to our runways, taxiways, and aprons. Let's stand together, driven by our shared commitment to safety and security. Remember, every time you wait for that gate to close, you are making a difference - championing the cause of safety and safeguarding the future of our airport community. Let's work together to maintain a secure environment for all!

Relocate Your Business and Fly Kissimmee!

With over 180 acres of land available for development, a new aerospace park and innovative incentive packages, Kissimmee Gateway Airport is the ideal location for your business. To learn more, 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.