Business View Magazine | Volume 8, Issue 7

123 BUSINESS VIEW MAGAZINE VOLUME 8, ISSUE 7 return to those levels and even surpass them next year. MLB also hosts a general aviation contingent with several facilities on the field to take care of their needs. On site are three FBOs – Sheltair, Atlantic Jet Center, and FIT Aviation; three aircraft maintenance facilities – STS Mod Center, Heck Air, and Southeast Aerospace; and a very active local pilot group – the Melbourne Area Pilots Association. “The other big story here is that we are gearing up for a whole new venture with transatlantic service beginning in March of 2022,” says Donovan. “We have partnered with Europe’s largest tour operator, TUI (Touristik Union International), and it is focusing on package vacation deals for Europeans coming not only here but all over the world. So, it is going to start flying 787s in here and we will be the gateway for Central Florida, which is really, really nice. This is set to ramp up quickly; we’re going to be flying to and from nine different destinations in the UK. The first year alone we are expecting an additional 130,000 enplanements, so it’s going to be a real boon for us.” Giving his insights on the future of Melbourne Orlando International Airport, Donovan shares, “When you step back and think about it for a second, we are a relatively small place, but we focused on engineering. Perhaps that comes with the culture, as we have one of the highest concentrations of aerospace engineers and Electrical and Mechanical Engineers in the whole country. That is even generational, when you think about those who moved here to start the space program. And right here at our airport, people are designing one of the most advanced military aircraft in the world.” He adds, “Then we have the sales and production of the best-selling business jet in the world. It is a great resume. I think it makes a big difference to find your niche. This is all giving us a chance to show what is possible for a smaller airport because we have focused on what we are good at. Add to that, the fact that we do it in our Coastal Casual style, as Central Florida’s growing coastal gateway allows us to highlight all that the Space Coast has to offer.” Call for a Quote. We’re here for you 24/7. US 1.877.760.7760 | Int’l 505.242.7760 www.aircareone.com AirCARE1 is pleased to be a new partner with the MLB airport, providing Air Medical Transport Services to and from the East Coast. AirCARE1 offers long-range Air Ambulance transports for critically ill patients of all ages with a fleet of company owned Learjet aircraft to domestic and international locations. Medical Escort Services are available for patient repatriations worldwide. Making a Difference in our Patient’s Lives MELBOURNE ORLANDO INTERNAT IONAL A I RPORT