Kissimmee Gateway Airport Awarded Tourism Grant Funds from Experience Kissimmee

On April 27, Experience Kissimmee announced the highest ever collection of Tourist Development Tax (TDT) in Osceola County's history, amounting to $76,615,315, an increase of 25% since the pandemic hit (FY18-19). To commemorate the achievement, Experience Kissimmee has awarded a one-time contribution of $577,455 to the seven organizations under their contractual obligations, including Kissimmee Gateway Airport. Congratulations are also in order for Silver Spurs, Kissimmee Valley Livestock Show, Osceola Arts, Inc., Osceola County Historical Society, St. Cloud Area Chamber of Commerce, and The Osceola Chamber.

Kissimmee Gateway Airport Celebrates

"Tour-ISM" This Summer

Our ISM campaign is in full swing and this summer we're gearing up for some tour-ISM! Located just minutes from major attractions and theme parks, our airport offers quick, easy access to unique adventures for the entire family! The ISM campaign was designed to promote the airport and the City of Kissimmee as a top year-round travel and tourism destination and a great place to locate a business in Florida. The campaign incorporates the airport's International Air Transport Association (IATA) three-letter airport code “ISM” and highlights words that embody our values like “professional-ISM,” “adventur-ISM,” and many others. To learn more the amazing things you can do on your next vacation to Kissimmee, click here and visit our partners at Experience Kissimmee.

TENANT SPOTLIGHT

Van Anda Aviation

Kissimmee Gateway Airport is thrilled to welcome the newest member of our tenant family - Van Anda Aviation. Van Anda is an airplane rental company offering an impressive selection of aircraft including the renowned Cessna 172R, the Piper Cherokee, and a highly advanced Cessna 182S equipped with two Garmin GI275s and a Garmin GFC-500 autopilot. All of their aircraft are IFR-certified and feature ADS-B In and Out compatibility with ForeFlight.

Their aircraft can be found at a number of major and convenient airports across the Sunshine State including Orlando Executive and Kissimmee Gateway. In addition, their commitment to excellence has set them apart from our competitors. All maintenance including annual inspections, 100-hour inspections, and any repair needs are addressed thoroughly and efficiently. From a 1974 Piper Warrior, to a Technically Advanced Cessna 182S, their wide range of planes allows you to pick the aircraft most suited to your needs. To learn more about Van Anda Aviation, click here.

New Antennas Installed at

KISM Air Traffic Control Tower

In April, our air traffic control tower construction was bolstered by upgraded communication antennas and cabling. This modernization will bolster signal power, protectiveness, and the efficacy of the transmissions from controllers to pilots on the ground and in the sky.

Kissimmee Airport Master Plan Underway

The Kissimmee Gateway Airport is updating its current 2024 Airport Master Plan. The Master Plan is a focused evaluation of the current and future use of the airport facilities required by the Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) to receive federal funding.  The project is divided into four separate tasks. We have just completed Task 4, which included development of an updated Airport Layout Plan, and have submitted the plan to the FAA for review and approval. This process may take up to six months and then the project is complete. AVCON Inc., is overseeing the project. It is funded 100% by the FAA at $466,204 by the American Rescue Plan Act of 2021.

New Automated Weather Observation System Installation Underway at KISM

Our airport is introducing a new Automated Weather Observation System (AWOS) for the air traffic control tower, as mandated by the FAA. The approved installation location for the secondary system is near the approach end of Runway 6, with careful consideration of any potential land use for economic development. AVCON Inc. has designed the project, which is to be managed and implemented by Trinity Electrical Service, Inc. with a total cost of $375,000, financed largely by an 80% FDOT Grant of $300,000. The expected start date for the project is some time in June, with an estimated completion by the end of the summer.

Kissimmee Gateway Airport Participating in

Florida Airports Council Internship Program

ABOUT THE PROGRAM

The Florida Airports Council (FAC) awards Internship Grants to member airports to help provide work experience for students interested in pursuing careers in airport management and to provide a talented workforce for Florida's airports. Grants are awarded to airports that demonstrate a willingness and desire to employ and supervise an Intern. To date, the program has supported 45 airports with internships, awarding $496,335 to 137 students, and it has helped student chapters devoted to aviation training throughout the state.  

HOW TO APPLY

Submit a complete application by US Mail or electronic mail and attach a statement from the top executive at your organization or copy of board approval to accept grant funds, agree to execute the Internship Grant Agreement and agree to meet all the requirements under this program. Applications must be received in sufficient time to complete an internship and return closing documents to FAC by August 31, 2023. Applications will be accepted by mail or email. Click here for more information.

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



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