This weekend marks a major mile stone – the 85th Anniversary of Orlando’s first airfield. On October 4, 1928, Orlando Municipal Airport, later renamed Orlando Executive Airport (ORL), was officially dedicated.
The airport’s history began in 1926 when the City of Orlando purchased 160 acres of grove land on the eastern outskirts of the city along the north shore of Lake Underhill. Two years later, the 65-acre airport began service with its pair of 2,600 foot grass landing strips.
Highlights of ORL’s 85-year history include:
- New passenger terminal
- Renamed Herndon Airport
- Devoted exclusively to General Aviation Renamed Orlando Executive Airport
- New air traffic control tower built
- U.S. Customs and Border Patrol facility opens
Today, Orlando Executive Airport is among the country’s busiest General Aviation airports with a total annual economic impact of $245.5 million.
The airport features two paved runways of 6,004 & 4,625 feet and is serviced by two Fixed Base Operators, Showalter Aviation and Sheltair. ORL is capable of handling a variety of aircraft from single engine planes to the largest corporate jets.
