Shaun Germolus, director of aviation for Kissimmee Gateway Airport, spoke to Invest: about the airport’s contributions to workforce development in the region, its efforts to contribute to community engagement, and sustainable fuel trends.
What have been some key developments for the Kissimmee Gateway Airport over the last few years?
Over the last couple of years, the Kissimmee Gateway Airport has seen steady increases in traffic counts, which reflects most airports in our industry. Traffic is increasing, and our activity is rising. We are seen as a valuable economic engine for our community, creating many opportunities with jobs and capital investment. The Florida Department of Transportation recently conducted an economic impact study on aviation and found that the Kissimmee Gateway Airport alone contributes up to $946 million annually to the economy. As we continue our growth plans, we see an increase in land development, capital infrastructure, and job creation. We’re in an excellent area for tourism and business. Our workforce development is robust, and we attract individuals who want to come here from other regions of the country.
What is in the pipeline for the Kissimmee Gateway Airport in 2024?
We recently completed our Airport Master Plan update. The master plan analyzes the current conditions of the airport against future demand based on aircraft and operations. Various alternatives have been developed to accommodate those needs over the next 20 years. Our study focused on efficiently utilizing our current facilities and expanding onto about 200 acres of developable property at the airport. Now that we have a conceptual idea of which direction we want to go with the development of the airport, we’ll be working with various partners to bring in new jobs and new businesses to take full advantage of what the airport offers.
With population and business growth in the region affecting many sectors, how does Kissimmee Gateway Airport plan to accommodate the influx of that new demand?
One thing that we’re doing here is expanding capacity on the ground. We’re expanding taxiways and ramp systems to accommodate more. As we do so, we’re accommodating more businesses to locate them at the airport and increase activity. We recently received a $1 million grant from the FAA for a new air traffic control tower. It will replace the existing one and double its height. It also provides more capacity for modern equipment and its staffing needs. We’re also aggressively pursuing U.S. Customs and Border Protection services, which we currently do not have. We see growth in international flights, especially in Central Florida. We support and accommodate this growth as a designated reliever airport for Orlando International Airport.
Is the aviation sector feeling any lingering effects from the labor shortages?
We see shortages of pilots, aircraft mechanics, and air traffic controllers. One of our greatest assets at the Kissimmee Gateway Airport is our investment in workforce development. We have several flight schools, an airframe and powerplant mechanic college, and an avionics technician program. We recruit middle and junior high students, bringing them to the airport to convince them to pursue an aviation career. They can finish high school, enter the airport, develop their skill sets, and obtain high-paying jobs in our region. It’s a great asset for our local students, an excellent tool for us, and a way to attract additional businesses to our airport.
What are your thoughts on the growing development of sustainable fuel for aviation?
It is becoming another hot topic in our industry. Sustainable aviation fuel is primarily blended with the jet fuel utilized today. Unleaded aviation gas is also mandated by 2030. That’s being developed and implemented in a few airports nationwide. It has yet to be used here, but that’s something that our industry will be transitioning to. We hear about other kinds of fuels, especially electronic ones, similar to those for ground vehicles. There’s also talk of electric-powered aircraft, essentially EVs, being designed, tested, and certified for public use. As Orlando is very popular and growing, I envision a lot of promise for these innovative technologies. In an Uber-style format, these aircraft could shuttle people from downtown to the theme parks and convention centers in the suburbs. I see a different mode of transportation and alternative fuel use coming here in the next few years.
How does the airport engage with schools, colleges, and vocational training centers to promote aviation?
We’ve established close relationships with our local schools. We start in middle school and junior high to get the students interested in aviation and start thinking about those careers. As they enter high school, they already have a path chosen. I visit the schools frequently. I usually take a PowerPoint presentation to discuss the various jobs available to them. Most of the time, airport jobs are mainly associated with pilots or air traffic controllers. I challenge them to come up with any job they can think of, and we can usually find that job within an airport, from engineering and architecture to law and emergency response. We also invite them to the airport, typically in the fall and the spring. We’ll set up tours for some of our businesses so they can see the jobs first-hand and speak with the people working there.
What is your outlook for the airport for the next five years?
We have established an aggressive capital improvement project program. We’re focusing on extending additional taxiways into areas primed for business redevelopment. We are planning for a new air traffic control tower and, of course, the pursuit of the US Customs and Border Protection services. We anticipate significant growth here at our airport and within this region. Developing these additional facilities to support growth and create jobs will be our primary focus for the next five years. We have an excellent strategic plan in place to support our program. Our elected officials greatly support us, and our airfield partners are creating a positive atmosphere here. Between the location, the workforce development, and our economic development program, we have a bright future at Kissimmee.
