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, and Runway Rehabilitation. Check below for updates on current and planned projects at LAL.
MRO & Air Cargo Development
The I-4 corridor's growth as a major distribution center for companies such as Publix, Amazon, Saddlecreek, and Walmart placed new demand on LAL for MRO and Air Cargo facilities. To meet this demand the airport is developing approximately 42 acres in the northwest sector of the airport for large air cargo aircraft operations and maintenance hangars. Construction of the entrance taxiway to the new development was completed in April 2018. In addition to ramp areas and taxiways associated with the development. Hangar and air cargo processing sites will be cleared, graded, and have utility services added so they may be developed quickly for future tenants.
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.
Terminal Ramp Rehab
As the terminal ramp approaches a failing status the airport is replacing the ramp areas and lead-in taxi-lanes to accommodate future commercial aircraft. Portions of the ramp will be replaced with concrete to handle larger air carrier aircraft over a longer period of time reducing wear and tear and prolonging the life of the pavement during heavy commercial aircraft operations.
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.
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.