The Florida Department of Transportation (FDOT) has named Miami-Opa Locka Executive Airport (OPF) the state of Florida’s general aviation airport of the year. The award recognizes an airport’s achievements in airport safety, aesthetics and overall management.
OPF – the largest of Miami-Dade County’s four GA airports – saw annual flight operations grow 1.5% to 136,556 in 2017, representing a daily average of 374.
The airport offers three full-service FBO facilities for private jet flights, a US Customs and Border Protection clearance office, the busiest US Coast Guard Air/Sea Rescue station in the country, and Miami-Dade Police and Fire Rescue Aviation units. Construction of the new US$24m Fountainebleau Aviation FBO facility at OPF was also completed in 2017.
Lester Sola, director at Miami-Dade Aviation, said, “I applaud our employees at Miami-Opa Locka Executive for helping us earn this state-wide recognition. In addition to serving as a reliever airport for Miami International, OPF is generating significant private real estate investment and job creation within our community.”
Miami-Dade County Mayor Carlos A Gimenez added, “Congratulations to the dedicated Miami-Dade Aviation Department employees who keep Miami-Opa Locka Executive on the leading edge of the general aviation industry, and for earning this impressive distinction from the state of Florida.
“OPF is an invaluable asset to our local aviation system, as well as a growing economic engine for northern Miami-Dade County.”