Business View Magazine | Volume 8, Issue 8

179 BUSINESS VIEW MAGAZINE VOLUME 8, ISSUE 8 A I RGLADES INTERNAT IONAL A I RPORT be able to taxi up to our new perishable cargo complex and be able to offload the cargo, so there will be a timely response. We must make sure that the cool chain is not disrupted at all. These same cargo planes will then load up on dry goods such as automobile or computer parts which we will ship south.” Rentz points out that there are many people involved in a project this size and it would not be possible without them and the support of the County, the community and its business leaders. To-date, the airport is currently served by many local businesses that have a keen interest in being involved in the airport’s future project development. AvPorts has been selected as the airport operator to manage the Airport. According to Rentz, “They operate many airports in the US and are very familiar with what we have in mind and are a very eco-friendly company. They understand the local flavor and culture of agriculture in the area and will endeavour to make sure we are as green as possible. Then there is Worldwide Flight Services, a ground handler company that will be managing the perishable complex components. When I think of Airglades International, I see it more as a logistics hub with an airport attached to it. It is certainly a different focus for an airport.” COVID-19 has slowed the project to some degree and, because of the pandemic, they have had to apply to the FAA for an extension. It is, however, still well underway in terms of solidifying investment by the end of this year and beginning construction, which will entail a 24 to 30 month timeline. The hope is to be completely operational by the end of 2023. “When I first came on board and got a little more familiar with the project, the first thing I tried to do was to look for a fly in the ointment,” concludes Rentz, “and to be honest I still cannot find it. This project is a win-win for everyone involved. Not just for the users that are going to have those cost-saving benefits by coming to Airglades – they are looking at significantly cutting their costs versus their current operations in Miami – but we also have the county that really needs the employment. We will create 1400 full-time jobs once the airport is constructed, and this will continue to grow with far-reaching economic impacts. “If you also look at the local businesses in Hendry County, which is primarily known for agriculture, I can see many opportunities because different components of the project could complement not just those who are at the airport, but also off. This will help drive more traffic, more business, and great new jobs and industries to the county that were not here before. To describe this growth best, what Walt Disney World did to Orlando is what the Airglades project will do for Hendry County.” cmtengr.com learn more: Helping airports unlock their potential. CMT is proud to be a trusted partner in the Airglades Initiative to be a global cargo hub.