Unparalleled Growth!
Lakeland Linder International Airport (LAL) is always on the move with an eye on enhancing and expanding our capabilities, capacity, and offerings to the aviation community. Over the past 10 years alone more than 200 million dollars have been invested into infrastructure at LAL including a new Air Traffic Control Tower, Aircraft Rescue and Firefighting (ARFF) Station, Taxiways, Ramps, Runway Rehabilitation, and a new Instrument Landing System (SA CAT II ILS). Check below for updates on current and planned projects at LAL.
Amazon Air Gateway (Intermodal Center)
Amazon Air is currently developing approximately 42 acres in the northwest sector of the airport for large air cargo aircraft operations and assoicated sorting and support faclities. Construction of the entrance taxiway and the assoicated aircraft parking apron to the new development was completed in April of 2018. Air Cargo Operations are scheduled to start in June of 2020.
SA CAT II and CAT III ILS (Instrument Landing System)
With the impending start of commercial air cargo operations in addition to supporting other tenant operational needs the airport has begun coordination with the FAA to upgrade our current CAT I ILS to a SA CAT II ILS and subsequently to a CAT III ILS lowing the required minimums and allowing aircraft to land at LAL in weather with lower visibility. This project will require the relocation of Taxiway P to accommodate proper positioning of the Glide Slope in addition to the installation of in-pavement lighting on Runway 9/27. Additional items will include a new approach lighting system (upgrading from a MALSR to an ALSF-2) and the development of a Surface Movement Guidance and Control System Plan (SMGCS) to provide for safe aircraft operations in near zero visibility. Construction of the SA CAT II ILS was completed in March of 2020 and the full CAT III ILS is scheudled for completion in October of 2021.
Airport Master Plan Update
The primary purpose of the Airport Master Plan is to provide guidance for the future development of the airport which will satisfy the aviation demand in a financially feasible and responsible manner, while addressing the aviation, environmental, and socioeconomic issues of the community. The airport is embarking on an updated master plan plotting the course of the airport for the next 10 - 20 years. For additional information please visit our Airport Master Plan Page here: https://www.flylakeland.com/airport-master-plan
Runway 9/27 Strengthening and Rehabilitation
With the increased number of heavy aircraft operations, due to the start of commercial air cargo operations, the airport will be required to strengthen and rehab the entire length of Runway 9/27. This will extend the useful life of the pavement while also reconstructing the connecting taxiways to aircraft Taxiway Design Group V (TDG 5) standards. With this project the airport will also renumber Runway 9/27 as Runway 10/28 due to magnetic variation changes. This project is scheudled for completion in Spring of 2020.