Signed off by the Federal Aviation Administration and the US Army Corps of Engineers, the 1,600 feet extension will bring the length of the primary runway to 10,000 feet. Work on the runway extension is slated to start off immediately and is expected to be completed in time for a runway certification test flight by the FAA in mid-January 2010.
Joe Tannehill, chairman of airport authority, said that their goal was to build an airport to support economic development and growth throughout the region for years to come. He adds that the longer runway will enable them to compete with anyone in the country for better air service and aviation related industries.
Construction of the new Northwest Florida Beaches International is 80% complete and is slated to open on May 18, 2010.
