The Sarasota-Bradenton International Airport (SRQ) is experiencing a period of remarkable growth and expansion. Passenger numbers have gone through the roof, jumping from just over a million in 2017 to a whopping 4.3 million in 2023 – that’s nearly four times more people in just six years!
This surge in passenger numbers has necessitated significant development at the airport to accommodate the evolving needs of travelers and airlines.
With a multi-million dollar capital improvement plan underway and a vision for a future boasting 32 operational gates across three concourses, SRQ is poised to become a major transportation hub for Florida’s west coast.
Let’s dive into the details and see how SRQ is transforming to handle all these new visitors.
A $2.2 Million Flight Observation Deck Takes Flight at SRQ
The Sarasota Manatee Airport Authority and Manatee County are joining forces to build a brand new flight observation deck, a project valued at a cool $2.2 million.
Construction is set to begin in May and the completed deck (aptly named the SRQ Observation Deck) will be conveniently located near the intersection of 15th Street East and Lindberg Court. This prime location will offer clear views of planes taking off and landing, making it a perfect spot for plane watchers.
The deck will have 27 designated parking spaces. It will also feature a covered viewing area, providing shade and shelter from the elements, allowing you to enjoy the sights in any kind of weather. The playground area would serve as entertainment for your little ones while you focus on the majestic birds in the sky.
The observation deck will be equipped with an integrated speaker system, allowing you to listen in on live radio communications. The SRQ Observation Deck is expected to take approximately seven months to complete.
Sheltair Budgets $40 Million for Soaring Expansion at Sarasota Bradenton International Airport
Sheltair is constructing a massive private aviation complex at SRQ, slated for completion by the fourth quarter of 2025. This impressive development will boast a sprawling 10,705-square-foot terminal building situated on a generous 15 acres of apron space.
Inside the terminal, passengers and pilots will be greeted by a welcoming and inviting lobby, perfect for relaxing before or after a flight. For those seeking extra privacy, there will even be an exclusive lounge area.
Business travelers won’t be forgotten either, with dedicated waiting areas, crew rest facilities perfect for catching up on some sleep, and even conference rooms for on-the-go meetings to ensure productivity doesn’t take a vacation.
Sheltair is building not one, but two massive hangars to house all sorts of private jets, from small and sleek to roomy and luxurious.
Hangar A will boast a whopping 29,655 square feet of space, perfect for housing even the largest private jets. And for those who need dedicated office space alongside their aircraft, There would also be an additional 5,940 square feet for on-site operations.
Hangar B is no slouch either, clocking in at a sizeable 16,875 square feet for aircraft storage, with an additional 3,465 square feet dedicated to office space. These hangars cater to all needs, offering a comfortable and secure home for private jets of all sizes.
Sheltair’s arrival with a whopping $40 million budget signifies SRQ’s transformation into a major transportation hub. The complex will offer a prime location for local aeronautical businesses, with several large office options within the terminal building itself.
This increased traffic is expected to boost tourism, business travel, and create new jobs in the Sarasota-Bradenton area.
And Sheltair has hinted at even more to come, with plans for a future 60,000-square-foot aircraft maintenance facility and potentially even four additional hangars, each exceeding 20,000 square feet!
The future is bright for SRQ, and Sheltair’s arrival is sure to take private aviation to exciting new heights.
