Now Leasing

MRO Development Opportunity at Lakeland Linder International Airport

A build-to-suit MRO campus in the heart of Central Florida. 150,000+ SF of hangar space, world-class airfield infrastructure, and a deep aviation workforce — ready for your operation.

Scroll
The Opportunity

Lakeland Linder International Airport is the ideal location for any MRO Operator.

Arcade Aviation has secured a 40-year ground lease and is prepared to deliver a turn-key, build-to-suit MRO facility to a qualified operator — operational in 24 months.

✈

Airfield Infrastructure

8,499-foot runway, CAT III ILS, 24/7/365 air traffic control, ARFF, and full airport operations supporting ADG V aircraft.

⚑

Strategic Location

Positioned between Tampa (TPA) and Orlando (MCO) — ~35 miles east of Tampa, ~55 miles south of Orlando — in Florida's fastest-growing corridor.

⚒

Aviation Workforce

Lakeland is home to four aviation training institutions producing A&P certified mechanics, aviation managers, and commercial pilots.

🏠

Quality of Life

Lakeland offers an exceptional place to live, raise a family, and build a business — with a growing regional economy and affordable cost of living.

Lakeland Linder International Airport (LAL)

A World-Class Airport
Poised for Growth

An enterprise fund of the City of Lakeland, LAL is Florida's 3rd busiest cargo airport — consistently outperforming the FAA's Terminal Area Forecast with $1+ billion in planned infrastructure investments over the next decade.

150,000+ Annual aircraft operations
8,499 ft Primary runway
300+ Based aircraft
$1B+ Planned infrastructure investment
  • $14–$15 million annual revenue; self-sustaining enterprise fund
  • 30+ based turbojet aircraft
  • CAT III ILS approach with 24/7 ATC, ARFF, and full operations
  • Operations exceed FAA Terminal Area Forecast (TAF) projections
  • Home to Sun 'n Fun — the second-largest fly-in event in the U.S.

Central Florida Position

Tampa (TPA)~35 miles west
Orlando (MCO)~55 miles north
Disney / Theme Parks~50 miles NE
Florida's TurnpikeDirect access
I-4 Corridor15 minutes
Cargo Ranking in FL3rd busiest

Limited MRO growth potential at TPA and MCO creates a significant opportunity — airlines will seek timely and cost-efficient alternatives for regular maintenance at nearby airports with available capacity.

Visit FlyLakeland.com →
Strategic Advantage

Why LAL for MRO

LAL operates well below its Annual Service Volume (ASV), leaving significant room for growth — while constrained airports nearby cannot accommodate new MRO operations.

Unconstrained Capacity

Unlike TPA and MCO, LAL has ample runway and ramp capacity to support large-scale MRO operations without displacement of existing tenants.

Growing Demand

Florida faces surging demand for aircraft maintenance services driven by fleet growth, aging aircraft, and increasing flight hours across commercial and cargo operators.

Cost Advantage

Operating costs at LAL are significantly below those of the major hubs — including lower ground lease rates, labor costs, and no congestion-driven delays for aircraft movement.

Turn-Key Delivery

Arcade Aviation will deliver a fully operational, build-to-suit MRO facility as a sub-tenant under a long-term NNN lease — the operator brings their tools and workforce, we provide the building.

Aerial view of MRO development site at LAL
Proposed Development

MRO Campus Specifications

A purpose-built MRO campus on a 16.4-acre lot with direct airfield access, dual hangars, dedicated support space, and expansive apron areas.

Lot Size714,480 SF / 16.4 acres
Hangar Space150,000+ SF
Hangar ConfigurationTwo hangars — ~80,460 SF each
Support / Back Shop27,000+ SF
Parts Storage24,000+ SF
Office Space20,000+ SF
Largest Serviceable AircraftADG V
Airfield AccessDirect taxiway to runway
ApronDedicated aircraft apron areas
Ground Lease Term40 years + 10-year option

NEPA Environmental Review Complete. FAA Categorical Exclusion (CATEX) received. Conceptual plan and budget finalized. Design and site plan approval: 4–6 months. Construction: 18 months. Fully operational in 24 months.

Proposed MRO site plan at Lakeland Linder International Airport
Aviation Workforce Pipeline

Technical Training Programs
in Lakeland

Lakeland is home to a concentrated ecosystem of aviation training institutions — producing FAA-certified A&P mechanics, aviation managers, and commercial pilots at every degree level.

Traviss Technical College

A leading aviation training center offering FAA-approved programs in aircraft maintenance and related technical fields. Its proximity to LAL makes it a vital source of skilled talent for the region's MRO industries.

Central Florida Aerospace Academy (CFAA)

A unique career and technical STEM public high school developed for students with an interest in aviation, aerospace, and engineering — offering courses in aviation management and technical aircraft maintenance.

Polk State College

Located at LAL, Polk State's Aviation Maintenance program offers an AS degree in Aviation Maintenance Administration, building on FAA A&P certification with business and management coursework.

Southeastern University

Offers a BS in Aviation Management and an AS in Aviation, with graduates eligible for the FAA Commercial Pilot Certificate — providing the broader aviation management and operations talent pipeline.

Economic Development Partners

A Coordinated Network
Supporting Aviation Growth

Lakeland's MRO ecosystem is backed by local and state organizations that streamline project approvals, incentives, and workforce programs.

Lakeland Economic Development Council (LEDC)

Works directly with the City of Lakeland and LAL leadership to attract high-value aviation and aerospace tenants to the community.

Central Florida Development Council (CFDC)

Promotes Polk County as Florida's center for advanced manufacturing and aviation, offering site selection, workforce, and incentive support for expanding employers.

Florida Commerce

Florida's lead agency for economic growth — providing infrastructure and workforce grants, tax credits, and performance-based incentives to qualified aviation companies.

Get In Touch

Ready to Build Your MRO Operation in Lakeland?

Contact Arcade Aviation to discuss lease terms, facility specifications, and development timelines.

We typically respond within one business day.

ArcadeAviation.com