Spotlight On: Mark VanLoh, CEO, Jacksonville Aviation Authority

Key points:

• • Record growth is driving investments in terminals, parking, and airport infrastructure.
• • Cecil Airport and expanding cargo operations are strengthening Jacksonville’s aerospace economy.
• • Technology is improving the passenger experience as JAA pursues new international routes.

July 2026 — In an interview with Invest:, Jacksonville Aviation Authority CEO Mark VanLoh discussed record growth across Jacksonville’s airports, infrastructure investments, and evolving passenger demand as technology creates unique opportunities for the airport traveler experience. “Looking ahead, passengers may move through the airport without interacting with staff until they board the plane. Some travelers prefer that level of efficiency,” VanLoh said.

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How has Jacksonville Aviation Authority performed over the past year, and how does that reflect broader aviation trends across Florida?

It certainly helps to be based in Florida. A lot of people are moving here because we have a very advantageous tax structure and no state income tax. Jacksonville is growing phenomenally, with over 1 million residents, and that growth is driving strong air traffic.

We operate four airports, including passenger, cargo, and general aviation. All aspects of aviation are doing well. People are learning to fly more than ever, cargo is growing with Amazon, and passenger traffic continues to rise. We broke an all-time record in 2024  and continue to grow.

We are building a new concourse for American Airlines and a new parking garage. About 100 people a day move to this area, so demand continues to increase.

We have had some setbacks with global conflicts and tariffs, which reduced Canadian traffic. Many Canadians have property in Florida, and we hope they return soon.

What impact does the vision for Cecil Airport as an aerospace hub bring to regional development?

We have known for years that Cecil would become a major aerospace hub. Boeing established a large facility there to repair Navy aircraft, which helped build momentum.

Otto Aerospace is now developing a new corporate jet with a dramatically lower carbon footprint. It flies higher, uses less fuel, and is made of carbon materials. It has no windows; instead, cameras project the outside onto the cabin interior.

The aircraft will be built entirely at Cecil Airport. The project is expected to bring about 1,200 jobs, making it the largest announcement we have had.

JAA recently received a strong bond rating. How does that position the authority for future investments?

Rather than listen to me say we are doing well, I tell people to listen to Wall Street. We received an AA rating, which is the highest among medium hubs in the U.S.

This is the first time we have gone to market in over 20 years, and the rating reflects the work our staff has done. It functions like a personal credit rating, allowing us to borrow at better rates and save money on future projects.

As demand increases, what are passengers asking for most?

The first thing a passenger needs is a place to park. We are expanding parking, with a third car garage opening before the new concourse.

We also focus on efficiency. We have less than a five-minute wait at TSA, which is exceptional for an airport our size. Once inside, we want passengers to have a comfortable experience with shops and restaurants.

We also need to ensure surrounding roadways can handle growth, and there is significant infrastructure work underway to support that.

What trends are shaping aviation beyond passenger growth?

Cargo is a major driver. Amazon has expanded operations at our airports and will begin flights at our international airport. Faster delivery expectations are increasing demand for air cargo.

Maintenance is another key area. Airlines need facilities to repair and upgrade aircraft, and Jacksonville is well-positioned due to its workforce and cost advantages.

These activities also create high-paying jobs, which help attract and retain talent in the region.

How is technology changing the passenger experience?

We have introduced touchless TSA, where passengers can move through checkpoints using facial recognition without presenting ID.

Looking ahead, passengers may move through the airport without interacting with staff until they board the plane. Some travelers prefer that level of efficiency, especially business travelers, while others still value human interaction.

What challenges are airports facing today?

Airports must plan 20 years ahead under FAA requirements. That prevents short-term decisions that could interfere with long-term needs like terminals or parking.

For example, we were once advised to stop building parking garages because self-driving cars would eliminate the need. That has not happened, so continuing to build parking was the right decision.

Another emerging trend is advanced air mobility, such as electric vertical takeoff vehicles. While there is pressure to prepare for them, there are still uncertainties around infrastructure, electricity supply, and practical demand. We are cautious about dedicating space to something that may not materialize.

What are JAA’s top priorities for the next five years?

The first thing we need to do is listen to our passengers. Where do they want to fly? Then we go out and try to find the cities they want to fly to. We know where they are flying today, but there are a couple of cities we would like to see. We would love to see more international service here, especially to Europe. We continue to work on that, and as Jacksonville grows, that demand will only continue. We see nonstop service to London as one of our top priorities, as well as Frankfurt and Amsterdam. We have a lot of options.

Want more? Read the Invest: Jacksonville report.