OREANDA-NEWS. Opa-locka Executive Airport (OPF), one of four general aviation airports operated by the Miami-Dade Aviation Department (MDAD), has posted strong 2014 mid-year numbers, reflecting the facility's rise as a preferred choice for private jet travel in the South Florida region.

Through June, year-over-year aircraft operations at OPF grew by 21.2%, a sharp increase over the 3.8% growth rate for the same time period last year. The uptick in traffic is part of a larger growth trend at Opa-locka, where the number of private jets based at the airport has nearly tripled since 2004. Currently, OPF supports 5,460 jobs and generates more than USD 570 million in business revenue to Miami-Dade County.

Opa-locka Executive Airport's growth closely parallels the influx of tens of millions of private investment dollars at the airport. Through the first half of 2014, five private partners at OPF have invested a total of USD 133.9 million in new facilities, including high-end fixed-base operator (FBO) private jet terminals, aircraft hangars, upgraded ramp areas and a gasoline station.

These investments are part of a long-term program that calls for more than USD 475 million in private investment at OPF. At the same time, MDAD is investing USD 4 million in runway and taxiway improvements and an additional USD 4 million in various infrastructure upgrades at the airfield to keep up with the increasing demand. On July 16, MDAD Director Emilio T. Gonzalez and his senior management team held their weekly strategy meeting at OPF and toured the growing airport with Facility Supervisor Nelson Mejias.

"Great things are happening at Opa-locka Executive Airport and I intend to tap into the facility's full potential moving forward," said Gonzalez. "From a business and economic perspective, OPF is a good news story for our County. By partnering with motivated private investors, we are growing this community asset and the County's economic base."

Located in northern Miami-Dade County within easy reach of both Miami and Fort Lauderdale, OPF features three runways, including an 8,002-foot airstrip that ranks among the longest general aviation runways in the nation. Aside from being a major hub for private jet travel, the airport is home to America's busiest U.S. Coast Guard Air/Sea Rescue Station and serves as the base for the Miami-Dade Police Department and Miami-Dade Fire Rescue's helicopter operations.