Nicole Martz, President & CEO, Orlando Sanford International Airport

April 2026 — With three hangar development projects underway and the access and capacity to meet Seminole County growing demand, Orlando Sanford International Airport is ensuring that development translates to a meaningful economic impact for the wider community. “This type of incremental market-driven development helps build a more robust aviation ecosystem that supports business growth, enhances connectivity, and contributes to the long-term economic health of Seminole County,” President & CEO Nicole Martz shared with Invest:.

As Greater Orlando continues to expand, what role does Orlando Sanford International Airport play in strengthening Seminole County’s competitive position within the region?

Orlando Sanford International Airport plays a central role in strengthening Seminole County’s competitive position by delivering something increasingly rare in high-growth regions: access and capacity.

As a multimodal transportation hub, we provide efficient, reliable connectivity that makes Seminole County more accessible to both domestic and international markets. That level of access is a key driver for business investment, workforce mobility, and tourism.

What further distinguishes us is our ability to grow with the region. While much of Central Florida’s infrastructure is operating near capacity, we have the available land and operational flexibility to accommodate new development. With significant greenfield property, we are well-positioned to support aviation, logistics, advanced manufacturing and commercial uses at scale.

This combination of connectivity, capacity, and room to grow allows us to complement the region’s broader aviation system while creating a distinct advantage for Seminole County as it competes for investment and long-term economic growth.

How significant is the new hangar development at the airport for Seminole County’s economy?

The Orlando Sanford International Airport has three hanger development projects underway, and we anticipate continued interest from private developers. This specialized infrastructure plays an important role in supporting business aviation and strengthening the Airport’s overall economic impact.

The projects currently underway include facilities designed to accommodate larger private and corporate aircraft, and expansion of our fixed-base-operator’s network, and a multi-tenant air park concept that will serve a range of users from individual aircraft owners to corporate headquarters. These investments are directly tied to business attraction as corporate aviation is often a key consideration for companies evaluating where to locate or expand, particularly those that rely on efficient executive travel and access to multiple markets.

From a workforce perspective, these projects support skilled jobs in aircraft maintenance, operations, avionics, and flight support services, while also creating opportunities for specialized aviation-related businesses.

Over time, this type of incremental market-driven development helps build a more robust aviation ecosystem that supports business growth, enhances connectivity, and contributes to the long-term economic health of Seminole County.

What trends are you seeing in regional air travel demand and how do those trends impact economic development in Seminole County?

We are seeing continued strength in air travel demand, with passenger volumes expected to reach record levels in 2026. In conjunction with that growth, we are also seeing an evolution in passenger expectations. Travelers are placing a premium on efficiency, reliability, and a seamless experience. Our focus is on delivering that through operational improvements and smarter use of data, ensuring that access to and through the Airport supports both residents and businesses.

From an economic development perspective, sustained demand and reliable service are critical. Air service is often a threshold factor for companies evaluating where to locate or expand, and strong connectivity supports tourism, workforce mobility, and business investment across Seminole County.

We are also closely monitoring the emergence of Advanced Air Mobility. Florida is positioning itself as a leader in this space, and we see a future where SFB serves as a node for regional, electric aviation. Advancements in this effort create opportunities not only for new mobility solutions, but also for innovation-driven industries, workforce development, and technology partnerships that can further diversify the local economy.

How important is aviation infrastructure in attracting businesses, advanced manufacturing, and logistics operations to Seminole County?

Aviation infrastructure is foundational to attracting and retaining businesses, particularly in advanced manufacturing and logistics, where speed, reliability and access to markets is critical.

At Orlando Sanford International Airport, our infrastructure support these industries in very practical ways. Our airfield is designed to accommodate a wide range of aircraft, from commercial passenger jets, to corporate aviation to cargo operations. We provide flexibility for companies with diverse operational needs. On the ground, we offer direct airfield access, available development sites, and the ability to design facilities that align with specific operational requirements, whether that is hangar space, logistics support, or specialized aviation services.

Equally important is the efficiency of the overall system. Ease of access, minimal congestion, and operational reliability allow businesses to move people and goods with greater predictability, which is a key consideration in site selection.

For advanced manufacturing, proximity to an airport with available capacity supports just-in-time operations, executive travel and supply chain connectivity. For logistics and distribution, it enhances speed to market and provides optionality in how goods are moved.

In short, our infrastructure is not just about capacity, it’s about enabling businesses to operate more efficiently, scale over time, and remain competitive in a global marketplace.

How is Orlando Sanford International Airport working to better utilize its land assets — and how does the airport ensure that development benefits the surrounding community?

We approach land utilization with a focus on long-term value, flexibility, and alignment with market demand.

With a significant amount of available property, we have the ability to be deliberate in how we position each site, whether for aviation, logistics, commercial, or industrial use. Our priority is to attract development that is both economically meaningful and operationally compatible with the Airport.

At the same time, we are disciplined in ensuring that each project contributes to the broader community. That includes supporting job creation and aligning with regional infrastructure and workforce priorities. We also work closely with local governments, educational institutions, and economic development partners to ensure that development at the Airport complements adjacent economic development efforts.

Ultimately, our goal is to leverage our land assets in a way that supports sustainable growth for both the Airport and Seminole County as a whole.

How is the airport coordinating with Seminole County to ensure infrastructure and workforce keep pace with growth?

Coordination and alignment are essential to facilitating growth effectively. We work closely with both Seminole County and the City of Sanford, as well as regional and state partners to ensure that land use and workforce initiatives evolve in step with Airport activity. Maintaining that alignment allows us to plan proactively and support sustainable growth across the region.

From a governance perspective, our Board structure helps ensure strong connectivity with local leadership, while day-to-day collaboration with County and City teams allows us to ensure consistency on infrastructure planning, development activity, and long-term priorities.

We are also engaged in forward-looking initiatives such as the Altamonte Global Innovation Lab (AGiL), where we interface with other local governments and the private sector to evaluate emerging technologies including autonomous transit and connected mobility solutions. These efforts position the region to adapt to future transportation trends while supporting workforce development and innovation.

By taking a coordinated, regional approach, we are able to ensure that growth at the airport translates into broader economic and community benefit.

Looking ahead, how do you see Orlando Sanford International Airport contributing to Seminole County’s economy over the next three to five years?

Over the next three to five years, Orlando Sanford International Airport will continue to be a key driver of economic growth for Seminole County, with a focus on disciplined expansion and targeted investment.

We are advancing initiatives that increase passenger activity, enhance connectivity, and improve access to the Airport, each of which directly supports tourism, business travel, and workforce mobility. At the same time, our available land positions us to attract new development, creating opportunities for aviation, logistics, and commercial investment that will generate jobs and expand the local economy.

Equally important is our ability to grow with the region. With available capacity and operational flexibility, we can accommodate new entrants and evolving business needs in a way that supports long-term sustainable growth.

Our role is to provide the infrastructure, access, and development platform that enables Seminole County to compete effectively, ensuring that growth at the Airport translates to meaningful economic impact for the community.