“Welcome to Kissimmee International Airport,” a sign on Dyer Boulevard could soon read.
That may be in jest, but the city announced Tuesday that its Gateway Airport has secured preliminary approval from the U.S. Customs and Border Protection (CBP) Office of Field Operations for a User Fee Facility (UFF) designation, which would pave the way for international flight capabilities that would potentially bolster local economic development.
City and airport officials say it’s a significantly valuable milestone they’ve worked toward for years.
The designated CBP facility will be constructed and maintained in full compliance with CBP specifications, and the airport will work closely with local CBP personnel throughout the full design, planning, and construction process to ensure the facility meets current CBP airport technical standards.
Construction is anticipated to begin in 2027, the city says, and the facility is expected to be operational within approximately two years.
Kissimmee Director of Aviation Shaun Germolus acknowledged soaring economic opportunity the designation represents in a statement from the city.
“We know we have missed economic opportunities, and we understand what the impact of this designation can truly be. The growth in international tourism traffic from markets like Brazil and Argentina is real, and Kissimmee Gateway Airport is positioned to capture it,” the statement read.” With on-site CBP services, we will be able to attract businesses that rely on international travel, support our partners (at the Greater Orlando Aviation Authority) by accommodating overflow passengers, and serve as a catalyst for economic development and tourism growth across the region. We are eager to get to work.”
Reached Tuesday after the announcement, Germolus said having Customs infrastructure at Gateway airport will facilitate a Foreign Trade Zone subzone.
“Having that in Osceola County can benefit both the Airport and NeoCity, and potentially other businesses,” he said. “We are finalizing an agreement with Port Canaveral to come under their Foreign Trade Zone.”
Foreign Trade Zones allow duty-free treatment to items that are re-exported and duty payment is deferred on items sold in the U.S. market, thus offsetting customs advantages available to overseas producers who compete with producers located in the United States. Subzones can be approved for specific companies and uses, and come under the supervision of CBP. The designation was granted based on the current projected volume of foreign business Kissimmee Gateway Airport would bring to the CBP.
“By positioning Kissimmee Gateway Airport to better accommodate future growth, the designation is also expected to stimulate related private investment in and around the airport, creating jobs, increasing tourism, and broadening the community’s economic base for years to come,” the city’s release said. “With international passenger processing capabilities on-site, the airport is positioned to attract air service and private operators serving growing demand from Latin America, as Florida continues to solidify its standing as a global tourism and travel hub.”
The city says the preliminary UFF approval is contingent upon the completion of a CBP-compliant facility and the execution of a signed Memorandum of Understanding with CBP. Under the terms of the designation, Kissimmee Gateway Airport would secure the space, equipment, and furnishings required for CBP operations at no cost to the U.S. Government.
