Lois Larson
The Ocala International Airport, located in Marion County, Florida, has been undergoing expansion and renovation since 2016. The airport, which opened in the early 1960s, has seen various upgrades over the years, including the addition of new runways, taxiways, and lighting systems. In 2016, the airport began its first phase of expansion, which included the construction of a new parking lot and the relocation of power lines. The second phase involved the construction of a new terminal, which was completed in early 2020. With a focus on accommodating larger aviation activities, the city of Ocala continues to promote the airport's development, encouraging private and public sector investment. While commercial airline service has not been available at the airport since 1972, the airport remains one of the busiest facilities in the state for private aircraft and charters, with over 58,000 aircraft operations in 2022.
| Characteristics | Values |
|---|---|
| Airport Name | Ocala International Airport |
| Airport Location | Ocala, Marion County, Florida, United States |
| Airport History | Operational since the early 1960s |
| Airport Expansion | Ongoing expansion and renovation project |
| New Terminal Building | Completed in 2020 |
| Terminal Cost | $7.3 million |
| Terminal Size | 17,500 square feet |
| Terminal Features | Office spaces, a restaurant, meeting rooms, outdoor eating area, playground |
| Parking Lot | Under construction, expected to have 200 spaces |
| Additional Land | Acquired 400 acres of additional land in 1994 for future aviation development |
| Future Plans | Potential for a dedicated airline terminal if demand arises |
Explore related products
What You'll Learn
Ocala International Airport is undergoing expansion and renovation
The most recent expansion and renovation project began in 2016, with the first phase including the construction of a new parking lot, the relocation of power lines to underground conduits, and related infrastructure improvements. The new parking lot is expected to provide approximately 120 parking spaces in the first phase and about 200 spaces in the second phase, a significant increase from the current 50 paved parking spaces.
The second phase of the project involves the construction of a new terminal building, estimated to cost around $4 million. The new terminal is expected to be approximately 20,000 square feet, a substantial upgrade from the current 4,000-square-foot general aviation terminal. The new terminal will include office space, meeting rooms, a restaurant, and additional amenities.
The expansion and renovation project at Ocala International Airport aims to enhance the airport's efficiency, visual appeal, and ability to accommodate larger aviation activities. The project is funded through a combination of federal, state, and private funds, demonstrating the cooperation between the public and private sectors in developing the airport.
Chicago O'Hare Airport: Free, Fast, and Reliable Wi-Fi
You may want to see also
Explore related products
A new terminal building was completed in 2020
Ocala International Airport in Marion County, Florida, has been upgraded over the years to accommodate larger aviation activities while maintaining high levels of service. In 2016, the airport embarked on an expansion and renovation project, including the construction of a new parking lot, the relocation of power lines, and the development of related infrastructure.
The second phase of this project involved the construction of a new terminal building, which was completed in early 2020. The $7.3 million project was funded through state money and private funds. The new terminal is a 17,500-square-foot structure that includes office space for the airport's fixed-base operator, Sheltair Aviation, airport administration, a restaurant, meeting space, and car rental companies. The terminal also features an airy lobby with a vintage 1947 North American Navion airplane hanging from the ceiling, adding a unique touch to the space.
The completion of the new terminal building marked a significant milestone in the airport's history, enhancing its efficiency, aesthetics, and ability to meet the needs of its users. The airport director, Matt Grow, expressed his excitement about the new building, stating that it would serve their needs for at least the next ten years.
The airport has a history dating back to the early 1960s, when it opened as Ocala Regional Airport, replacing the previous Taylor Field. Over the years, it has undergone various upgrades and expansions to accommodate the growing city of Ocala and the increasing demands of aviation. With the new terminal building, Ocala International Airport continues to evolve, providing improved services and facilities to its users.
Antarctica's Airports: Do They Exist?
You may want to see also
Explore related products
The airport has two runways
Ocala International Airport is located five miles west of Ocala, in Marion County, Florida, United States. The airport, which opened in the early 1960s, has two runways. The first runway, Runway 8/26, is 3,010 feet long and 50 feet wide. The second runway, Runway 18/36, is 7,467 feet long and 150 feet wide. Both runways are asphalt and are served by full-length parallel taxiways. Over the years, the airport has undergone several upgrades, including the installation of a localizer approach on Runway 36, precision approach path indicators (PAPIs) on Runway 18/36, new runway and taxiway lighting, and a parallel taxiway for Runway 8/26.
In recent years, the airport has also undergone expansion and renovation projects. The first phase of the project included the construction of a new parking lot, the relocation of overhead power lines to underground conduits, and the building of related infrastructure. The second phase involved the construction of a new terminal building, which was completed in the spring of 2020. The new terminal is a $7.3 million project, funded largely through state money and private funds. It covers 17,500 square feet and includes office space for the airport's fixed-base operator, airport administration, a restaurant, meeting space, and car rental companies.
The airport is one of the busier facilities in Florida for private aircraft and charters, with more than 77,000 individual takeoffs and landings recorded. While commercial airline service is not currently available at the airport, there are over 400 acres of aviation property available for development. The airport director has expressed that they can accommodate commercial service if there is demand, and the city has plans to continue developing the airport to accommodate larger aviation activities.
The Ocala International Airport is committed to fiscal responsibility and responsiveness to the needs of its users and tenants. The city encourages private and public sector investment to promote the airport as a premier general aviation facility serving the commercial, industrial, and corporate needs of Ocala and Marion County. With its recent expansions and upgrades, the airport is well-equipped to handle a variety of aviation activities and continues to be a vital transportation hub for the region.
Exploring Izmir, Turkey: A City with Multiple Airports
You may want to see also
Explore related products
The airport is 5 miles west of Ocala, Florida
Ocala International Airport is 5 miles west of Ocala, Florida. The airport, which is also known as Ocala International Airport-Jim Taylor Field, opened in the early 1960s, replacing the previous Taylor Field just southwest of Ocala. The airport covers 1,532 acres at an elevation of 90 feet. It has two asphalt runways: runway 18/36 is 7,467 by 150 feet, and runway 8/26 is 3,009 by 50 feet.
Despite its name, commercial airlines do not fly to Ocala International Airport. The airport is about 31 miles south of Gainesville Regional Airport. When it first opened, its 5000-foot runway was served by Eastern Airlines, with one Convair 440 flight a day. Eastern later operated Lockheed L-188 Electra turboprop service, with the last Electra flight leaving Ocala in 1972. Later scheduled passenger airline services included Air Florida, with Boeing 737, Boeing 727, and Douglas DC-9 jet services to various destinations in Florida.
In May 2009, construction began on an air traffic control tower. The tower was certified and staffed as an FAA Level I contract control tower in the summer of 2010. A new terminal building was completed in the spring of 2020. The City of Ocala intends to promote the airport as a premier general aviation facility, serving commercial, industrial, and corporate needs. This involves expanding current infrastructures to accommodate larger aviation activities while maintaining high levels of service.
In February 2017, three workshops were held at the airport to gather information on the needs, concerns, and priorities regarding the design of a new airport terminal. Construction on the new 17,500 square foot General Aviation Terminal began in the fall of 2018 and was completed in early 2020.
Vancouver Airport: COVID Testing Availability and Accessibility
You may want to see also
Explore related products
The airport opened in the early 1960s
The Ocala International Airport, located in Marion County, Florida, United States, opened in the early 1960s. The airport replaced the previous Taylor Field, which was located just southwest of Ocala. At the time of its opening, the airport had a 5,000-foot runway, which was served by Eastern Airlines. The airline operated a single daily Convair 440 flight with a routing of Jacksonville (JAX) - Gainesville (GNV) - Ocala (OCF) - Vero Beach (VRB) - Miami (MIA) and return.
In its early years, the airport played a significant role in the region's aviation industry. Eastern Airlines continued to serve Ocala at this location until 1967. During this period, the airline also introduced the Lockheed L-188 Electra turboprop service, with the last Electra flight departing Ocala in 1972. Following this, other airlines, such as Air Florida, offered jet services to destinations like Miami, Tampa, Orlando, Jacksonville, and Gainesville.
The opening of the airport in the 1960s marked a crucial phase in the development of aviation infrastructure in the region. As the city of Ocala grew, the airport expanded to accommodate larger general aviation and commercial aircraft. The city recognised the need for airport expansion and issued bonds to finance the construction of essential facilities. This included the extension of the runway to 5,006 feet, the construction of a parallel taxiway, a terminal building, runway and taxiway lighting, and a weather reporting facility.
The early years of the airport's operation laid the foundation for its future growth and transformation. Over time, the airport has undergone upgrades and expansions to enhance its functionality and meet the evolving needs of aviation. Today, the airport covers 1,532 acres and continues to serve the commercial, industrial, and corporate aviation needs of Ocala and Marion County.
Apple Airport Setup: A Step-by-Step Guide to Getting Connected
You may want to see also
Frequently asked questions
Ocala is not building a new airport, but it is undergoing an expansion and renovation project. This includes the construction of a new parking lot, the moving of overhead power lines to underground conduits, and the building of a new terminal.
The first phase of the expansion, which included the construction of a new parking lot and related infrastructure, was completed in May 2016. The second phase, which included the construction of a new terminal, began in the fall of 2018 and was completed in early 2020. The new terminal was inaugurated in February 2020 and features a vintage 1947 North American Navion airplane hanging from the ceiling, meeting rooms, and a restaurant.
The new terminal building was a $7.3 million project, largely funded through state money and private funds. The first phase of the expansion, which included the construction of a new parking lot, was a $1.2 million project funded by the Federal Aviation Administration and the Florida Department of Transportation.
