At the other end of the spectrum, a Florida airport is seemingly gearing up to accept larger and noisier jets. According to published reports, the Kissimmee (Fla.) Gateway Airport (ISM) could soon be accommodating aircraft as large as the Boeing 737, all of which comes about as airport officials announced that engineers had discovered the runway pavement is thicker than previously thought. The thicker pavement allows heavier aircraft, like the 737 and/or its Boeing Business Jet cousin, to safely operate from the facility. The discovery came as the airport planned to rework its pavement, anyway. The airport has asked the FAA to review the findings and formally approve the heavier aircraft. It’s not at all clear whether ISM would seek to divert the Mickey Mouse scheduled traffic from nearby Orlando International (MCO) or whether it is simply building on its existing designation as a reliever to attract larger and heavier bizjet traffic. Of course, before any scheduled traffic could use ISM, a terminal would need to be built, including facilities to screen passengers, as well as an approved fire station.
Jets vs. Airports II
Key Takeaways:
- Kissimmee Gateway Airport (ISM) discovered its runway pavement is thicker than previously thought, enabling it to potentially accommodate heavier aircraft like the Boeing 737.
- The airport is seeking FAA review and formal approval for the operation of these larger aircraft.
- The motivation for this upgrade is unclear, ranging from attracting larger business jet traffic to potentially diverting scheduled commercial flights, which would require significant infrastructure development like a new terminal and passenger screening facilities.
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