Next year, passengers should be able to board a commercial aircraft from Treasure Coast International Airport in Fort Pierce.

On Wednesday, St. Lucie County Commission Chair Cathy Townsend told WPTV that the county is just weeks away from receiving Part 139 certification from the Federal Aviation Administration.

This certificate is required as a prerequisite for passenger transport.

“At this point, we are open for business. Because if you have a 139 certification and an airline wants to get in, you can’t say no or you’ll lose the certification,” Townsend said.

Townsend said that while it could be several months before operations begin, there are currently active discussions with at least two airlines, at least one of which is a low-cost carrier. A pilot training facility is also being built on the site – Infinity Flight Group is opening the flight school on behalf of American Airlines.

The airport will soon undergo major work to expand the seating area for passengers and create space for baggage. There is already a Customs and Border Protection facility used by flights from countries such as the Bahamas.

Ryan Collins, manager of the Oceanfront Inn in Fort Pierce, says it would be a huge advantage to have passenger service closer to his property, since most of his guests arriving by plane land in either West Palm Beach or Orlando.

“It’s a one-and-a-half to two-hour drive, which makes it a little difficult. I’m convinced that a commercial service here would definitely bring more business,” Collins said.

If it goes ahead, Treasure Coast International Airport would be the second airport between Melbourne and West Palm Beach to offer passenger service. Vero Beach Regional Airport has had success with Breeze Airways, which began operations there in early 2023.

Scripps Content Only 2024