Shaun Germolus, Director of Aviation, Kissimmee Gateway Airport

April 2026 — Invest: spoke with Shaun Germolus, director of aviation at Kissimmee Gateway Airport, to learn about how the airport is strengthening its role as a general aviation reliever to Orlando International. From workforce pipelines to airfield upgrades and advanced air mobility, Kissimmee is positioning itself to support Central Florida’s long-term mobility and economic growth. “We’re here as the economic engine for our community, our region,” said Germolus.

Over the past year, what operational or financial shifts at Kissimmee Gateway Airport stand out?

We’re considered a general aviation reliever airport to Orlando International, which means we don’t have scheduled commercial passenger or cargo service and we don’t host routine military operations. Instead, we accommodate the traffic that would otherwise congest Orlando International’s mission — private aircraft, corporate jets, helicopter activity, and a substantial volume of flight training.

Kissimmee stands out through its workforce development ecosystem. We have multiple flight schools providing pilot training, Aviator College for aircraft mechanics and Avionica for avionics technician training, supporting everything from wiring systems to modern glass cockpit instrumentation. With industry-wide shortages of pilots, mechanics and even air traffic controllers, our goal is to expand these programs and deepen our role in developing aviation talent.

What constraints are you seeing on the workforce front, and how are you turning them into opportunities?

Central Florida is an easy place to recruit people to, especially for those coming from colder northern climates. That natural advantage helps us attract aviation professionals, students, and instructors.

To keep up with growing demand, we’re expanding strategically. Along the corridor between Dyer and Thacker Boulevard — our Dyer–Thacker Commerce Park — we’re exploring new facilities for additional flight training simulators, expanded maintenance, avionics programs and more classroom and laboratory space. These additions are essential to sustaining and scaling our workforce development initiatives.

In the past, you highlighted the Airport Master Plan as a roadmap for future growth. What progress have you made toward implementing its priority projects?

The master plan focused on optimizing our use of land within the air operations area, since we cannot expand runways due to surrounding roads, rail lines, and nearby businesses. We are strategically planning to redevelop more than 200 acres to primarily support aeronautical uses, create jobs and further enhance the economy.

This past year, we completed a major taxiway rehabilitation project. With roughly 70% of our pavement surfaces at least 20 years old, we also have a long-term plan for pavement replacement, lighting upgrades, and efficiency improvements.

One of the most significant steps forward was signing a memorandum of understanding with the Kissimmee Airport Development Company to study the redevelopment of our former 18-hole municipal golf course. Closed in 2018, that land is now being evaluated for aeronautical uses and job-generating development. The group is assessing surveys, environmental conditions, stormwater plans, grading and utilities to bring the property to a “site-ready” condition for construction. We expect a full report, including financial considerations, by March 2026, which will guide discussions for a master development agreement.

What successes over the past 12 months best demonstrate the airport’s contribution to regional economic development?

Between 2020 and 2024, we nearly doubled our fuel sales — a 90% increase — and saw a 24% rise in operations. Each operation represents a takeoff or landing, and we average approximately 400 operations per day each year. Our proximity to the theme parks and the Orange County Convention Center reinforces our value, but our training programs are equally important in supporting Central Florida’s aviation ecosystem.

We’re also in active conversations with companies to construct additional hangars for storage, maintenance, and flight support, including charter services. These projects would bring new direct and indirect jobs to the region.

A statewide economic impact study released in 2022, using 2021 data, found that Kissimmee Gateway contributed $946 million annually to the economy — now clearly above $1 billion. Many people don’t realize how much activity flows through this airport until they learn about our training centers, high volume of operations and ability to support 135,000 takeoffs and landings per year. We’re here as the economic engine for our community, our region.

What emerging trends in aviation are you watching most closely, and how is Kissimmee Gateway positioning itself around them?

Advanced air mobility, particularly electric vertical takeoff and landing aircraft, or eVTOLs, is one of the most interesting trends. We’re working closely with the Greater Orlando Aviation Authority and statewide partners to ensure we’re part of the emerging network as these aircraft move toward commercial viability.

As part of the redevelopment of the former golf course, we’re exploring the installation of a VertiPort. This would allow Kissimmee Gateway to host a regional air taxi system, potentially enabling trips across the region and even coast to coast within Florida. Our role would focus on training, maintenance, and operational support. It’s an exciting topic to watch over the next several years.

How is technology influencing operations at the airport today?

We haven’t deployed AI in a significant way yet, at least not as a formal initiative. Where technology is crucial right now is in tracking operations — accurately counting takeoffs and landings, understanding traffic patterns and using that data to inform planning and funding needs.

As AI-based tools become more practical for forecasting, maintenance, or customer service, we’ll explore where they can complement our operations.

With all these projects and the economic growth expected across the region, how are you shaping your strategy for 2026 and beyond?

Infrastructure is the foundation of our long-term strategy. Airfield rehabilitation and lighting upgrades are improving safety and efficiency for aircraft movements.

Another major milestone is our new air traffic control tower. The design is complete, and it’s now moving through the city’s review and permitting process. We expect to advertise for bids at the start of 2026 and then apply for construction funding. This modern tower will dramatically improve the efficiency of both ground and air operations.

We’re also supporting our fixed base operators who manage fueling, concierge services and ground transportation by aligning infrastructure investments with their needs and capacity.

As demand for private and business travel grows, how are you adapting the passenger experience and modernizing facilities?

Customer service is essential because travelers and pilots have options. We want every experience at Kissimmee Gateway to stand out. That begins with a welcoming interaction with our air traffic controllers, followed by excellent service on the ground.

One of our FBOs plans to expand into a new arrivals and departures terminal because the current facility has outgrown its space. The new terminal will provide improved amenities and create a more seamless and elevated experience. Our goal is to ensure visits to Kissimmee are efficient, welcoming and memorable — supporting tourism, business travel, and long-term economic growth.

Want more? Read the Invest: Greater Orlando report.