The board of commissioners for Miami-Dade County in Florida has approved an operating budget of US$1bn for the Miami-Dade Aviation Department (MDAD), the operator of Miami International Airport, for the first time in the airport’s history.
Revenue for the 2015/16 fiscal year at Miami International was boosted by a 4% surge in passengers from hub carrier American Airlines, as well as the addition of eight new carriers: Austrian Airlines, Eurowings, Finnair, Scandinavian Airlines, Silver Airways, Surinam Airways, Turkish Airlines and VivaColombia. Miami International will begin fiscal year 2017 with 108 passenger and cargo carriers, the most of any US airport.
As a result of the airport’s growth and sound financial management, the operator is carrying over an US$80m surplus into fiscal year 2016/17 and lowering its airline landing fee from US$1.68 to US$1.63 per 1,000 lb of gross landed weight.
Carlos A Gimenez, Miami-Dade County Mayor, said, “Congratulations to the Aviation Department for achieving this significant economic milestone. Miami Airport continues to be the backbone of our community for business revenue, job creation, tourism and trade. Additionally, a lower landing fee will help retain existing carriers and attract new ones. In spite of struggling economies throughout Latin America, Miami Airport’s growth speaks volumes about its evolution into a truly global gateway.”
Emilio T González, director, MDAD, said, “Our first-ever billion-dollar budget is further testament to MIA’s significance within the local, state and national economy. With three more airlines launching services in the fourth quarter, others expected in 2017, and new business development initiatives, including cargo redevelopment, on the horizon, we look forward to expanding our economic impact even further.”
