Linder Airport's Passenger Flight Operations: What You Need To Know

Lakeland Linder International Airport is a public airport located five miles southwest of Lakeland, Florida. The airport has a long history dating back to World War II, when it served as a training facility for US Army Air Forces pilots and crew. In recent years, the airport has undergone significant developments, including the addition of commercial passenger flights. Notably, the low-cost airline Avelo Airlines has partnered with Lakeland Linder International Airport, offering scheduled flights to various destinations. This partnership marks the return of commercial flights to the airport after a 12-year hiatus. Avelo Airlines operates from two gates at the airport, providing passengers with convenient travel options and competitive fares. Lakeland Linder International Airport is also home to Amazon Air's southeast regional air cargo hub, contributing significantly to the region's economy.

Lakeland Linder International Airport is in Lakeland, Florida

Lakeland Linder International Airport is located five miles southwest of Lakeland, in Polk County, Florida. The airport is named after local businessman Paul Scott Linder, who founded Linder Industrial Machinery, a multimillion-dollar heavy construction machinery company, in 1953. Linder was also the chairman of the Lakeland Economic Development Council and received several accolades before his death in 1990.

The airport has a rich history, initially serving as a training facility for bombers and fighters during World War II. After the war, the facility was left unused due to its excessive size and conversion costs. In the following decades, the airport changed names and operators several times, with National Airlines, Allegheny Commuter, Sun Airlines, and Delta Connection all providing services at various times.

Lakeland Linder International Airport holds a Class 1 Federal Aviation Regulation (FAR) Part 139 operating certificate, which allows it to operate passenger airline flights. The airport has an economic impact of over $1.5 billion and hosts 84 businesses and organisations that employ over 3,400 people. It is also home to the southeast regional air cargo hub for Amazon Air, which commenced operations in 2020.

In December 2023, the airport announced an agreement with Avelo Airlines to introduce commercial passenger flights, marking the return of such services since Direct Air ended operations in 2012. Avelo Airlines plans to offer scheduled commercial air service to and from the airport, with its first flights scheduled for June 2024.

The airport features a main terminal building that includes administrative offices, a passenger processing area, waiting areas, and a restaurant. There are also two hotels located near the terminal, the Hilton Garden Inn and the Staybridge Suites, accommodating the expanding demand from corporate parks and distribution centres.

The airport has a certificate allowing passenger airline flights

Lakeland Linder International Airport (LLIA) in Lakeland, Florida, has a certificate allowing passenger airline flights. The airport has a Class 1 Federal Aviation Regulation (FAR) Part 139 operating certificate, which permits it to operate passenger flights.

In December 2023, the airport announced that Avelo Airlines would commence commercial passenger flights beginning in Spring 2024. This marked the return of commercial passenger flights to the airport after a 12-year hiatus. Avelo Airlines will operate out of two gates at LLIA, offering convenient connections and low fares to travellers.

The agreement between Avelo Airlines, LLIA, and Visit Central Florida (VCF) includes an Airline Operating Agreement, an Airline Facilities Construction and Lease Agreement, and an Air Carrier Incentive Program. These agreements outline specific operating requirements, including fees and incentives based on Avelo's level of service. The Airline Operating Agreement has a term of 15 years, with a 5-year option.

To accommodate commercial passenger flights, LLIA has undergone improvements such as expanding the security screening checkpoint, modifying parking lots, and installing a one-way exit lane for disembarking passengers. The airport also offers a spacious gate area with complimentary charging stations and an information centre by baggage claim.

LLIA is a public airport located five miles southwest of Lakeland, in Polk County, Florida. It is the 95th busiest airport in the United States, with over 143,000 aircraft operations annually and an economic impact of over $1.5 billion.

Avelo Airlines offers commercial passenger flights from the airport

Lakeland Linder International Airport in Lakeland, Florida, has announced that Avelo Airlines will commence commercial passenger flights from the airport in Spring 2024. The airline will operate a fleet of Boeing Next-Generation 737 aircraft, serving 44 destinations across the United States, including six bases in Los Angeles, Southern Connecticut, Orlando, the Philadelphia and Delaware Valley region, Raleigh-Durham, and Las Vegas.

The agreement between the airport and Avelo Airlines was reached on December 18, 2023, and includes an Airline Operating Agreement, an Airline Facilities Construction and Lease Agreement, and an Air Carrier Incentive Program. The Airline Operating Agreement will take effect on May 1, 2024, for a term of 15 years, with an option to extend for an additional 5 years.

To accommodate commercial passenger flights, the airport will undergo several improvements, including an expanded security screening checkpoint, parking lot modifications, and aircraft apron markings. The City of Lakeland has agreed to spend up to $3.4 million on these upgrades, which are expected to be completed by mid-May 2024.

Avelo Airlines is a low-cost carrier that offers customers time and money-saving convenience, low everyday fares, and a smooth and caring travel experience. The airline's partnership with Lakeland Linder International Airport marks the return of commercial passenger flights to the airport after a 12-year hiatus. The first route announced by Avelo Airlines from Lakeland Linder International Airport is to Tweed-New Haven Airport in Connecticut, with flights commencing on June 13, 2024.

The airport has a spacious gate area with free charging stations

Lakeland Linder International Airport (LLIA) in Lakeland, Florida, offers a spacious gate area with free charging stations for its passengers. The airport has a long history of aviation, dating back to World War II when it was used as a training facility for bombers and fighters. Today, it is a bustling airport, ranked 95th busiest in the United States, with an economic impact of over $1.5 billion.

The spacious gate area at LLIA provides passengers with ample room to relax and stretch their legs while waiting to board their flights. The free charging stations are a convenient amenity, allowing travellers to stay connected and charged during their journey. This area is located just beyond the TSA checkpoint and is shared by the two gates primarily used by Avelo Airlines, the airport's low-cost carrier partner.

Avelo Airlines has brought commercial passenger flights back to LLIA after a 12-year hiatus. The airline operates a new route to Tweed-New Haven Airport in Connecticut, with plans to expand to seven additional destinations. Passengers can take advantage of Avelo's low everyday fares and convenient connections, making travel to and from Lakeland more accessible and affordable.

The airport's single terminal design means that all parking and transportation options are within a short walking distance of the TSA checkpoint and gates. This convenience is further enhanced by the proximity of the parking lot to the boarding area, which is only about 300 feet away. Passengers can also enjoy the farm-to-table restaurant, Waco Kitchen, and the adjacent Hilton Garden Inn and Staybridge Suites hotels.

With its spacious gate area, free charging stations, and convenient amenities, Lakeland Linder International Airport offers a comfortable and accessible travel experience for its passengers. The airport's partnership with Avelo Airlines has further enhanced its accessibility and economic impact, solidifying its role as a key transportation hub in the region.

The airport is home to the southeast regional air cargo hub for Amazon Air

Lakeland Linder International Airport, located in Lakeland, Florida, is home to the southeast regional air cargo hub for Amazon Air. This facility, which began operations in July 2020, is part of Amazon's air cargo network that delivers packages over long distances. The regional hub at Lakeland Linder is Amazon Air's largest facility in the southeast, covering approximately 285,000 square feet. It features a 223,000-square-foot warehouse connected to the airport, where packages are received, sorted, stored, and loaded onto trucks for delivery. The site also includes a ground service equipment and maintenance warehouse, as well as a services building with offices for Amazon personnel.

The development of the Amazon Air cargo hub at Lakeland Linder International Airport has brought significant economic benefits to the region. The project was expected to create between 800 and 1,000 new jobs, and it has contributed to the airport's overall economic impact of over $1.5 billion. The airport itself hosts 84 businesses and organisations, employing over 3,494 people. The development of the cargo hub also led to improvements in the airport's infrastructure, including upgrades to its landing systems, the addition of fuel tanks, and the strengthening of its 8,500-foot main runway.

The selection of Lakeland Linder International Airport as the site for the southeast regional air cargo hub was the result of a 20-year deal negotiated between Amazon and the City of Lakeland. Amazon leases the airport's northwest grounds for its air hub, with the option to expand on adjoining acres. As per the agreement, Amazon pays the city a substantial monthly fee, with the option to renew the lease three times at 10 years each, totalling 50 years. Additionally, Amazon pays the airport 85 cents per 1,000 pounds of cargo landed and a 3-cent surcharge per gallon of fuel.

The Amazon Air cargo hub at Lakeland Linder International Airport is part of the company's strategy to expand its air cargo operations in Florida. Before establishing its presence at Lakeland Linder, Amazon Air operated primarily out of Tampa International Airport. However, with space constraints at Tampa and other Florida airports, Amazon recognised the need for a larger facility to support its growing operations. The regional hub at Lakeland Linder allows Amazon Air to efficiently serve its larger regional needs and continue delivering fast and free shipping to customers in Florida and across the country.

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