Brief History
It was in the year 1927 that the Pan American Airways’ executives made the decision of moving their company’s operations base to Miami from Key West. With the purpose of constructing an airport, they bought 116 acres of land, south of Miami Springs. The airport (now known as Miami International Airport) was built in 1928 as the first operational passenger facility in the United States of America. Similarly, Ft Lauderdale/Hollywood International Airport was opened in 1929. It was constructed over a deserted 9-hole golf course (Abravanel & Miller, 2012).
Miami International Airport (MIA)
Introduction
Miami International Airport (MIA) is located at a distance of fourteen kilometers from Miami city. It is the most important entryway for travelers taking a trip between the United States of America, the Caribbean and the Latin America. MIA is also one of the biggest centers in the United States of America due to its closeness to the tourist destinations of Florida. It is also highly regarded due to its location as the finest airport encouraging connections between North America and Latin America. There are three terminals in Miami International Airport i.e. North, South and Central. These terminals are further divided into 8 concourses. All buildings at MIA have a wide-ranging set of restaurants and shops for the travelers. Every terminal at the airport has a direct connection with a car park. This direct link has made Miami International Airport one of the most effortlessly reachable airports in the country. Walking between the terminals at MIA is also possible.
Airlines
There are sixty airlines that serve Miami International Airport. These comprise of both domestic and international airlines and fly to a number of worldwide destinations on a regular basis. Some of them are Qantas, American Airlines, American Eagle, AeroMéxico, Cayman Airways, Virgin Atlantic, British Airways, Sun Country Airlines, Iberia, Santa Barbara Airlines, Air France, Continental Connections, Caribbean Airlines, Lufthansa, US Airways, and Lynx Air International (“Miami International Airport Airline Information”).
Facilities
Miami International Airport offers a number of facilities for people including medical facilities, disabled facilities, airline lounges, and tourist information. The terminal pharmacy provides pharmaceuticals whereas restrooms that can be accessed by wheelchairs are also available. In addition, hearing impaired individuals can also contact their relatives and friends through special telephones. There are several lounges at the airport as well that include Armed Forces Service Center, British Airways' Terraces Lounge, Club America, American Airlines' Admirals Club, Delta Airlines' Crown Room Club, and United Airlines' Red Carpet Club. Moreover, people are offered tourist information on Concourse E. These facilities have the capability to support a wide range of commercial aircraft (“Miami International Airport Extra Traveler Facilities”).
Economic Impact
It is significant to mention that MIA is the busiest airport in the United States of America for international cargo. In recent years, the inclusion of large aircraft like Boeing B787 and Airbus A380 has increased both cargo and passenger activity at MIA. At the end of year 2013, MIA was successful in reaching the forty million passenger mark. It has reached this number for the first time since its inception. More or less twenty million commercial passengers use the airport every year to go around different global destinations. The spending of both visitors and travelers helps in contributing to the economic impact of MIA. The yearly “economic impact of Miami International Airport is associated with direct impacts derived from tenants/businesses located at the airport and construction projects that are undertaken by the airport or by on-site businesses” (“The Economic Impact of Miami International Airport”).
Largest Destination
Cuba is considered as the largest destination offered by MIA as it is the only airport that makes travelling to Cuban territory possible.
On-Flight Freight Statistics
The term freight statistics refers to the total freight (in pounds). It is the goods other than mail and passenger luggage that is transported from any airport by air. As far as Miami International Airport is concerned, it transported the highest freight in 2011 as compared to other Florida-based commercial service airports. From January-September 2011, MIA shipped approximately one hundred and twenty-nine million pounds of freight.
Fort Lauderdale Airport (FLL) Introduction
The Fort Lauderdale-Hollywood International Airport (FLL) serves as a dynamic airport in the United States of America. FLL is engaged in serving the needs of about twenty three million yearly passengers. Unlike MIA, it is ranked as the twenty-first best airport in the country as far as total passenger traffic is concerned. The Fort Lauderdale-Hollywood International Airport presently offers continuous service to over hundred cities within the country. It also offers international flight services to Europe, Latin America, Caribbean, Bahamas, Canada, and Mexico.
Airlines
The airlines serving at FLL include American Airlines, Southwest Airlines, Bahamasair, JetBlue, Spirit Airways, Air Canada, Sunwing Airlines, Frontier Airlines, Allegiant Air, AirTran Airways, Avianca, West Jet Airline, and several other domestic airlines.
Facilities
There are a number of facilities offered by FLL for the convenience of passengers. ATMs are available in every terminal at the airport. Moreover, Terminals 2 and 4 have offer services like bureaux de change and post office. Terminal 2 also offers Internet and fax kiosks. In addition, every terminal also allows to access free Wireless Internet services. As far as eating and drinking is concerned, FLL has a number of food and drink outlets. Similarly, every terminal also has giftshops and newsagents. Terminal 3 has a meditation room. These facilities possess the capability to support a complete range of general aviation and commercial aircraft.
Economic Impact
As far as commercial service is concerned, Fort Lauderdale Airport is among the fastest growing airports in the United States of America. Every year, more or less twelve million commercial passengers make use of the airport’s services to reach their desired destinations. The spending of visitors aids the economy. The twelve-monthly “economic impact of Fort Lauderdale/Hollywood International Airport is associated with direct impacts that come from tenants/businesses located at the airport and on-airport construction projects” (“The Economic Impact of Fort Lauderdale/Hollywood International Airport”). In the past decade, Fort Lauderdale/Hollywood International Airport has experienced a steady growth. The increased services due to the involvement of inexpensive carriers have benefitted the FLL tremendously. The location of the airport also provides it the opportunity of gaining benefit of an ample market. This is because it is in the largest metropolitan region of the country. In addition, the several local and international destination offerings will bring consistent growth in Ft. Lauderdale-Hollywood International Airport’s future.
On-flight Freight Statistics
References
Abravanel, L., & Miller, L. L. (2012).Frommer's Florida 2012. Hoboken, N.J.: John Wiley.
Miami International Airport Airline Information. (n.d.). World Airport Guides. Retrieved October 27, 2014, from http://www.miami-mia.com/airlines.php
Miami International Airport Extra Traveler Facilities. (n.d.). World Airport Guides. Retrieved October 27, 2014, from http://www.miami-mia.com/extrafacilities.php
The Economic Impact of Fort Lauderdale/Hollywood International Airport. (n.d.). Florida Aviation Database. Retrieved October 26, 2014, from http://www.florida-aviation-database.com/dotsite/economicimpact/FLL_Ft._Lauderdale_Hollywood.pdf
The Economic Impact of Miami International Airport. (n.d.). Florida Aviation Database. Retrieved October 25, 2014, from http://www.florida-aviation-database.com/dotsite/economicimpact/MIA_Miami_Intl.pdf
