Constructed to meet the maintenance capacity requirements of a long-term commercial airline, the new facility will support three heavy maintenance lines and is expected to induct its first aircraft this autumn. The expansion adds 100,000+ square feet to AAR’s Airframe MRO facility at Miami International Airport. The project was made possible through AAR’s collaboration with the airport, Ryan Companies, HPM, and federal, state, and local partners.

The additional work supported in the new facility creates 200 new full-time jobs with AAR and brings economic benefits to Miami-Dade County. AAR is actively staffing the new roles through its established workforce development pipeline and collaborative initiatives with local educational institutions, reinforcing the Company’s long-term commitment to talent development and community investment.

AAR is a leading global aerospace and defense aftermarket solutions company with operations in over 20 countries. Headquartered in the Chicago area, AAR supports commercial and government customers through three primary operating segments: Parts Supply; Repair, Engineering, and Software; and Government Solutions.

Concierge Powered by CLEAR offers travelers personalized airport assistance for both departures and arrivals, spanning from curb to gate, including baggage support and personal guidance through the terminal, helping travelers move confidently and comfortably through MIA during periods of record demand.

Available to all travelers at MIA, Concierge Powered by CLEAR is designed to support families, international visitors, business travelers, the elderly, and anyone looking for additional support on the day of travel. CLEAR Ambassadors help travelers navigate the airport journey with a welcoming, easy-to-identify presence and dedicated on-the-ground support, creating a calmer, more predictable airport journey.

The Concierge service builds on CLEAR’s January launch of biometric eGates at MIA, where CLEAR+ Members verify their identity in under five seconds and proceed directly to physical screening.

Concierge Powered by CLEAR is the fastest way to get through MIA. Pricing starts at $99 for departures and $199 for arrivals. Travelers do not need to be a CLEAR+ Member to take advantage of Concierge Powered by CLEAR at MIA. To learn more, including how to book, please see here.

This initiative reflects MDAD’s deliberate and proactive strategy to get ahead of the curve on air taxi infrastructure — not simply reacting to industry developments but shaping how South Florida receives them. As eVTOL technology rapidly advances from concept to commercial reality, MDAD is laying the foundation now so the region is ready when the skies open.

“SafeLand”: An Operational Testing Environment for Tomorrow’s Skies

At the heart of this partnership is “SafeLand,” a structured pilot program that will stand up the physical and digital infrastructure necessary to better support air taxi operations in an urban aviation environment. BDI will deploy ALTA, the Autonomous Landing & Take-Off Assistant, its proprietary air traffic management system across ramp facilities at TMB, establishing a live testing ground where AAM operational impact can be validated in real conditions.

And although SafeLand was structured before the Federal Aviation Administration’s (FAA) eVTOL Integrated Pilot Program (eIPP), SafeLand complements the FAA’s Air Taxi initiatives by addressing the National Air Strategy’s goals for increased safety metrics outlined by U.S. Department of Transportation Secretary Sean Duffy.

The program will launch with manned drone operations to stress-test MDAD’s capability with ALTA, reducing operational impact and increasing safety for air taxi operators and passengers alike. Before advancing to full-scale eVTOL aircraft, MDAD will coordinate directly with the (FAA), serving as the operational authority over all testing activity across all sites.

A Federally Recognized Infrastructure Leader — And Florida’s Own Partner

MDAD’s decision to partner with BDI is grounded in BDI’s exceptional track record at the local and national level. BDI has been a pioneer in securing several partnerships spanning across the United States with the sole intention of developing dedicated air taxi infrastructure to connect local air spaces. Additionally, MDAD has noted that BDI is one of only a handful of companies to have been federally selected as infrastructure partners across multiple sites in the federal eVTOL Integration Pilot Program (eIPP).

Equally significant is BDI’s established role as an infrastructure partner for Florida Department of Transportation (FDOT). BDI is actively engaged in supporting SunTrax, FDOT’s dedicated air taxi testing facility, which serves as the statewide proving ground for eVTOL technology. The BDI SafeLand program in Miami-Dade will serve as direct support for this statewide effort, bridging the gap between controlled facility testing at SunTrax and operational urban integration in South Florida’s busiest airspace. Together, these converging capabilities signal a major opportunity for the State of Florida and for AAM as a whole to embrace the future with local, state, and federal support.

Bell-Dancy Industries (BDI) is a Los Angeles-based developer of autonomous infrastructure for the next generation of aviation. Founded in 2018, BDI creates the critical safety systems and digital frameworks that make advanced air mobility operationally viable. Its flagship platform, ALTA (Autonomous Landing and Take-off Assistant), was developed in collaboration with NASA and UCLA and is designed to bring the highest standards of safety and accessibility to eVTOL and UAS operations. BDI has been federally selected as an infrastructure partner for multiple of the national eIPP selected sites and serves as an infrastructure partner for FDOT’s SunTrax Air Taxi testing facility.

Today, Miami-Dade County Mayor Daniella Levine Cava and Miami International Airport officials unveiled plans and renderings for MIA’s new state-of-the-art Airport Operations Center (AOC) and Digital Monitoring Hub - the first of its kind in the U.S.  

Scheduled for completion in 2027, the $33-million, 13,254-square-foot operations and emergency response facility will be equipped with AI-powered long-range pan-tilt-zoom cameras, real-time digital tower technology, and a massive HD-quality integrated panoramic video wall, providing 360° visibility of MIA’s airside, landside, and terminal areas for best-in-class security and safety awareness.  

Features such as hurricane-resistant towers, vibration-controlled platforms, cyber-secure architecture, and accommodations for co-locating representatives from 30 agencies will allow the AOC to seamlessly transition to an emergency operations center during crisis situations. 

The future AOC is one of more than 200 projects within the $14-billion Modernization in Action (M.I.A.) Plan - designed to completely transform every customer service touchpoint at the global gateway over the next five years. Other major projects include: the new Ibis Garage, which opened in December 2025; the modernization and preventive maintenance for more than 600 elevators, escalators, and moving walkways; renovation of 196 public access restrooms located on all three levels of MIA’s terminal and concourses; the new Concourse K expansion scheduled to open in 2029; and the Gate D60 expansion, scheduled for completion in 2030. 

Miami-Dade County Mayor Daniella Levine Cava kicked off the event by debuting Miami International Airport’s AI-powered hologram chatbots, now available at four key entry points across the airport.  The launch makes MIA the first airport in the world to deploy large-scale geo-aware, agentic AI across its digital infrastructure, delivering real-time, location-based assistance through natural conversation and enabling seamless interaction across web, mobile, kiosks, and on-site digital interfaces.

MIA’s hologram chatbots - developed in collaboration with Mappedin, Satisfi Labs, and Hypervsn - enhance the passenger journey by providing intuitive, personalized support from curb to gate, marking a major milestone in Miami-Dade County's use of artificial intelligence to improve the travel experience.

Complementing these efforts, PortMiami, the Cruise Capital of the World® and the Cargo Gateway of the Americas®, showcased innovative technologies aimed at strengthening operations and efficiency, including  WorkWise’s robotic cleaning systems that support maintenance teams and optimize terminal operations, along with GridMatrix’s AI-powered platforms that analyze traffic flow to improve the movement of cargo and passengers.

Together, these innovations reflect Miami-Dade County’s broader vision to be Future-Ready—leveraging artificial intelligence and emerging technologies to deliver real, everyday results for residents and visitors while strengthening the County’s position as a global hub for innovation.

Miami-Dade County Mayor Daniella Levine Cava, Miami-Dade County Commissioners, and American Airlines CEO Robert Isom, along with local, state, and federal officials, and community partners, today unveiled plans to expand Miami International Airport’s Concourse D. The new Gate D60 expansion will create 17 new aircraft gates and adjoining passenger boarding areas, additional dining and shopping options, and an enhanced baggage handling system by the year 2030.

Scheduled to break ground in 2027, the $1 billion, three-level extension will convert the existing gate D60 area - which currently has one common boarding space and 17 ground-level gates for smaller regional jets - into 17 traditional contact gates for larger regional and narrow-body aircraft, each with individual, spacious passenger hold rooms. All 17 gate areas will provide convenient third-level connections to Concourse D’s U.S. Customs and Border Protection facility for international arrivals.

The new Gate D60 extension also includes several sustainable building features designed to earn the facility LEED (Leadership in Energy and Environmental Design) Silver and Envision Verified certifications – the highest ratings for resilient structures by the U.S. Green Building Council and the Institute for Sustainable Infrastructure.

The Gate D60 expansion is one of more than 200 projects within the $9 billion M.I.A. Plan. Other major projects include: the new Ibis Garage, which opened in December; modernization and preventive maintenance for more than 600 elevators, escalators, and moving walkways; renovation of 196 public access restrooms located on all three levels of MIA’s terminal and concourses; the new Concourse K expansion scheduled to open in 2029; and the $745-million Central Terminal redevelopment project, which will modernize MIA’s oldest terminal area by 2031.

TSA PreCheck Touchless ID uses advanced facial comparison technology to verify a traveler’s identity in seconds. Passengers simply look into a camera at a dedicated lane, where their live photo is securely matched against their stored passport. This touchless process enhances security while providing a more efficient and convenient screening experience for enrolled travelers.

The feature is available to current TSA PreCheck members flying with the following participating airlines at these MIA concourses:

• Concourse D (Checkpoint 1): American Airlines
• Concourse E (Checkpoint 5): American Airlines and Alaska Airlines
• Concourse H (Checkpoint 8): Delta Air Lines and United Airlines

To use TSA PreCheck Touchless ID, eligible passengers must opt in through their airline’s app or profile (where supported) and ensure their TSA PreCheck Known Traveler Number and valid passport information are on file. A TSA PreCheck Touchless ID indicator will appear on the mobile boarding pass for qualifying flights.

Travelers are reminded to carry a physical ID as a backup, as requested by TSA officers when necessary. Enrollment in TSA PreCheck is open to U.S. citizens, U.S. nationals, and lawful permanent residents via tsa.gov/precheck.

With eGates, CLEAR+ members can verify their identity in under five seconds, bypassing the TSA podium and proceeding directly to physical screening. This innovation represents a significant leap in modernizing security checkpoints with automation – especially critical during the holiday travel rush, as TSA recently recorded its busiest day ever, screening more than 3.1 million travelers. 

CLEAR’s goal with eGates is simple: help travelers win the day of travel. Beyond the holidays, CLEAR is looking ahead to major events like the 2026 FIFA World Cup and next year’s America 250 celebrations, which will bring millions of visitors to the U.S.

Automated eGates are designed to provide a scalable and secure solution that expedites the passenger screening experience and enhances security. The innovation builds on the Transportation Security Administration's (TSA) efforts to modernize and streamline U.S. airport security checkpoints, with a specific focus on enhancing security, hospitality, and the passenger experience.

This first-of-its-kind pilot represents an innovative public–private partnership that enables TSA to scale identity verification and streamline airport processing just in time for the World Cup. With more than 20 million international visitors expected to fly to the U.S. for the tournament and domestic travel surging through U.S. host cities, checkpoint infrastructure will face unprecedented pressure.

CLEAR’s eGates are designed to conduct real-time biometric verification, matching a traveler’s facial image with their identity document and boarding pass. TSA retains complete operational control: triggering gate access, conducting security vetting, and enforcing government security requirements. CLEAR transmits only limited data, such as a live photo, boarding pass, ID photo used for enrollment, and identity information. Once identity and clearance are confirmed, passengers proceed directly to physical screening, bypassing the TSA podium while still undergoing all security screening.

The Ibis Garage also features sustainable elements, including 50 spaces dedicated to electric vehicle charging, energy-efficient LED lighting fixtures, and a Parksmart Silver Certification design, the global standard for environmentally responsible and high-performing parking structures. Lemartec, a nationally recognized construction management firm, designed and completed the new parking facility ahead of schedule.

The Ibis Garage is one of more than 200 projects within the M.I.A. Plan. Other major projects include: modernization and preventive maintenance for more than 600 elevators, escalators, and moving walkways; renovation of 196 public access restrooms located on all three levels of MIA’s terminal and concourses; the new Concourse K expansion scheduled to open in 2029; and the $745-million Central Terminal redevelopment project, which will modernize MIA’s oldest terminal area by 2031.

At MIA, CBP’s EPP initiative leverages SITA’s Smart Path platform to capture and process biometric photos during inspection, verifying travelers by matching images against CBP’s records within three seconds[LP1] . This automation reduces wait times while upholding the highest security standards. At MIA, the process involves 12 biometric face pods across MIA’s three passport control facilities, located in concourses D, E, and J, making it CBP’s largest single EPP deployment to date. MIA’s broader digital transformation strategy may include future expansion.

The mobile wireless-enabled pods can be repositioned as passenger flow changes, helping CBP optimize staffing and throughput. Each unit is equipped with agent-facing screens for real-time monitoring, ensuring that the technology enhances both passenger experience and officer oversight.

According to SITA’s latest Air Transport IT Insights, 53% of North American airlines are already investing in biometric and digital identity management, outpacing the global average. Meanwhile, nearly 60% of airports have implemented touchless passenger flow technologies, indicating that the region is at the forefront of aviation’s digital transformation.

The introduction of EPP at MIA directly supports this trend, enabling more efficient processing without the need for new infrastructure, and demonstrating how biometrics and mobile connectivity can help alleviate congestion as passenger volumes increase.

In partnership with the Transportation Security Administration (TSA), MIA’s new TSA Checkpoint 2 at Concourse D features four Analogic eXpress passenger screening lanes, each equipped with state-of-the-art 3D computed tomography (CT) explosive detection scanners and fully automated bin return conveyance systems that can screen 500 bins per hour. MIA is one of the first U.S. airports with the new eXpress lanes.

The new checkpoint made its debut on November 1, following a temporary closure in August for the $5.3 million renovation. The project is part of MIA’s $9 billion Modernization in Action (M.I.A.) Plan to renovate the entire airport over the next 5 to 10 years. Concourse D is home to hub carrier American Airlines, which serves 31 million passengers annually at MIA. American recently announced plans to operate a record-breaking 430 peak daily departures from MIA this winter travel season.

Automated conveyor belts transport carry-on bags into the CT machines and then return the bins to the queue line after screening is completed. Bags with a potential threat can be directed to a separate area, allowing other bins behind them to continue through the system uninterrupted. Analogic eXpess lane property bins are also 25 percent larger than bins in regular screening lanes, which improves speed and efficiency. Unique Radio Frequency Identification (RFID) tags are attached to each bin to provide additional accountability for items as they travel through the system.

MIA’s new Checkpoint 2 is one of more than 200 projects within the M.I.A. Plan. Other major renovation and expansion projects include: modernization and preventive maintenance for more than 600 elevators, escalators, and moving walkways; the new 2,240-space Ibis garage opening this December; the new Concourse K expansion scheduled to open in 2029; and the $745-million Central Terminal redevelopment project, which will modernize MIA’s oldest terminal area by 2031.

On September 23, the FAA announced a $70 million Airport Improvement Program (AIP) grant for MIA, just one week after the airport received $24 million in Airport Infrastructure Grant (AIG) funding. These back-to-back investments will help fund key projects within MIA’s multi-year, multi-billion-dollar modernization program, which is designed to strengthen infrastructure, enhance passenger experience, and meet the demands of record-breaking travel growth.

The Future-Ready Modernization in Action program is a $9 billion capital improvement plan to transform nearly every corner of MIA over the next decade.

Major initiatives include:

• Airfield and roadway enhancements: Improving runways, taxiways, and road access to accommodate growing passenger and cargo operations.

• Terminal modernization and expansion: Upgrading concourses, gates, and passenger boarding bridges to improve efficiency and comfort.

• Sustainability and resiliency upgrades: Incorporating energy-efficient systems, storm-hardening measures, and renewable energy infrastructure.

• Parking and mobility improvements: Renovating parking garages and integrating new mobility solutions for seamless access.

Today, Miami International Airport reopened its newest pair of renovated moving walkways at the beginning of Concourse D, marking the 23^rd modernization of a moving walkway, elevator, or escalator at MIA so far this year, thanks to the airport’s $9 billion Modernization in Action (M.I.A.) Plan.

Fifteen more conveyance units are on schedule for completion by the end of 2025, putting the airport on track for 38 new and improved units this year to easily set a new annual record for the modernization program. MIA replaced and renovated 32 conveyance units in 2023 and 2024 combined, which means that it is on pace to more than double its completion rate this year.

In addition to replacing more than 200 escalators, elevators, and moving walkways, the M.I.A. Plan is transforming every touchpoint of the passenger journey over the next five years, including major projects like renovating nearly 200 public restrooms; upgrading 75% of the airport’s passenger boarding bridges; opening the new 2,240-space Ibis garage in December; and completing the new Concourse K in 2029.  

Just in time for Labor Day weekend, Miami International Airport (MIA) has fully reopened its Concourse D Skytrain system with the return of Station 1 on August 25. With all four stations now back in service, travelers can once again enjoy fast, seamless connections across MIA’s busiest concourse, home to 60 gates and millions of travelers each year. 

The reopening of Station 1 concludes a yearlong effort to reinforce and modernize the one-mile system after a 2023 inspection identified areas in need of strengthening. With Stations 2, 3, and 4 reopening earlier this year, the Skytrain is now operating at full capacity with enhanced safety, reliability, and efficiency — ensuring passengers can move comfortably between gates, shops, and services.

The Skytrain’s return is in addition to MIA’s ambitious Future-Ready Modernization in Action (M.I.A.) Plan, a $9 billion capital improvement program that is transforming every corner of the airport. From the new 2,240-space Ibis garage opening in December, to the groundbreaking of the new Concourse K, and the modernization of more than 200 escalators, elevators, and moving walkways over the next five years, the MIA of tomorrow is taking shape today — delivering a world-class passenger experience, empowering the airport workforce, and fueling economic growth across Miami-Dade County and Florida.

The facility is estimated to cost $141 million and open in 2027. Mandich Group will contribute $98.5 million and PortMiami will provide $9 million towards the project. Additionally, PortMiami received a $33.5 million U.S. Department of Transportation Maritime Administration Federal Port Infrastructure Development Program Grant for the project.

The new facility will provide advanced treatments and inspection capabilities for imported fruits, vegetables, flowers, and other plant-based and perishable items. Utilizing U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA) certified non-chemical treatments, the center is designed to expedite inspections while enhancing protection against invasive pests and diseases that threaten U.S. agriculture.

Facility Features and Benefits:

• Size and Capacity: The new facility will span over 340,000 square feet, with approximately 20% dedicated to advanced phytosanitary technology and the remaining 80% optimized for cold storage logistics, including state-of-the-art refrigerated warehousing, loading docks, and office space. The facility will be capable of treating over 20,000 TEUs per year and will accommodate more than 25,000 pallet positions for chilled and frozen storage, supporting high-throughput operations and efficient supply chain integration.
• Phytosanitary Technologies: The facility will feature advanced USDA-approved phytosanitary irradiation capabilities powered by Reveam’s proprietary Electronic Cold-Pasteurization^® (ECP^®) platform. Supported by USDA-certified inspection bays, this integrated system not only meets strict import/export requirements, but also delivers significant value-added benefits: extending shelf life, reducing spoilage organisms and foodborne pathogens, and enabling treatment in final packaging. This flexible, heat-free, and chemical-free process is ideal for a wide range of products, including fresh produce, proteins (such as poultry and seafood), pet foods, spices, fresh-cut and pre-packaged foods, and even medical devices and supplies.
• Cold Chain Processing Capabilities: The facility’s capabilities include 50-foot clear height for high-density racking, dedicated freezer and cooler storage, and a full suite of logistics services such as import/export handling, cross-docking, inventory management, case picking, wrapping, unitization, pallet building, up/down stacking, labeling, load consolidation, temperature reduction, floor loading and unloading, lumping, repalletization, and EDI integration—ensuring efficient, flexible, and scalable operations across the supply chain.
• Location advantage: Seamless integration between air cargo terminals and PortMiami through Florida’s refrigerated trucking corridors.
• Economic impact: expected to support over 200 jobs and reduce spoilage and inspection delays for over 1.5 million tons of agricultural cargo annually.
• Environmental stewardship: Supports early pest and disease detection while helping preserve native ecosystems and domestic crop viability. Use of an innovative technology that provides an alternative solution to chemical treatments.

About PortMiami

PortMiami is recognized as the Cruise Capital of the World and Global Gateway of the Americas. The port is among Miami-Dade County’s most important economic engines, contributing $61 billion annually to the local economy and supporting more than 340,000 jobs.  For more information, please visit www.portmiami.biz.

About Reveam

Headquartered in Atlanta, Georgia, Reveam is revolutionizing food safety and supply chain integrity through its proprietary Electronic Cold-Pasteurization^® (ECP^®) platform. Its advanced electron beam technology eliminates pests, bacteria, and molds – enhancing safety, extending shelf life and unlocking new markets for fresh produce. Reveam partners with growers, distributors and regulators to ensure agricultural products meet international phytosanitary standards, enabling trade and enhancing food safety worldwide. For more information, visit www.reveam.com.

About Mandich Group

Founded in 2016 by the Mandich brothers, Mandich Group is a leading South Florida–based cold storage investment and development firm. Managing nine facilities totaling nearly 2.7 million square feet across six states, the company drives innovation in cold chain logistics. Its operating division, Cold-Link Logistics, delivers specialized temperature-controlled warehousing and supply chain solutions to over 280 food industry clients, supported by a 250+ team members.

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Miami-Dade County Mayor Daniella Levine Cava, in collaboration with the Board of County Commissioners and Miami International Airport Director and CEO Ralph Cutié, led a groundbreaking for the future Concourse K at MIA.

The new concourse will be a 300,000-square-foot expansion that will add six new passenger gates and boarding areas for domestic and international flights, post-security concessions offering more dining and shopping options for travelers, and a new passenger lounge. The future three-level concourse, MIA’s first terminal expansion since 2012, is slated for completion in 2029.

With a total investment of $600.6 million, the Concourse K expansion will also include a new two-level ground support equipment maintenance facility, an enhanced baggage handling system, and critical upgrades to airfield infrastructure — all designed to meet MIA’s growing travel demand. Concourse K’s design incorporates the highest levels of sustainable construction practices as well, earning LEED Silver certification and Envision verification.

The project has received $91.2 million in grants from the Federal Aviation Administration and $30.1 million in grants from the Florida Department of Transportation. The project’s remaining budget will be financed by MIA revenue bonds paid for by airline fees and non-aeronautical concession revenue, at no cost to local taxpayers.

Concourse K’s groundbreaking is the latest major milestone in MIA’s Future-Ready Modernization in Action (M.I.A.) Plan, which positions MIA to accommodate 77 million passengers and 5 million tons of cargo by 2040. Major renovation projects such as Concourse K, the new Ibis garage, the Central Terminal redevelopment, the Gate D60 extension, and the modernization of more than 200 escalators, elevators, and moving walkways are all scheduled for completion by 2031. 

With an investment of $600.6 million, this expansion will deliver six new gates, a ground support equipment maintenance facility, enhanced baggage handling systems, and critical upgrades to airfield infrastructure — all designed to meet the growing demand for passenger traffic. The Modernization in Action plan positions MIA to accommodate 77 million passengers and 5 million tons of cargo by 2040.

The project includes:

• Design and construction of six new contact gates
• Construction of an associated aircraft apron and jet fuel hydrant system
• A ground support equipment maintenance facility
• Installation of two new baggage make-up carousels
• Upgrades to the existing baggage handling system to connect the Central and South Terminals
• Envision LEED Silver certification for sustainable infrastructure

With nearly 56 million passengers and more than 3 million U.S. tons of freight recorded in 2024 alone, the demand for additional space and improved efficiency at MIA continues to grow. Concourse K is a key part of Miami-Dade County’s historic investments to modernize the airport’s facilities and meet record-breaking demand while improving service, safety, and operational flow. Construction of Concourse K is set to begin following a ceremonial groundbreaking this summer and is scheduled for completion by Spring 2029.

Lemartec-NV2A JV, LLC has been awarded the general contractor contract, with Perez & Perez Architects Planners, Inc. serving as the lead architect.

(MIAMI, February 24, 2025) – Today, Miami-Dade County Mayor Daniella Levine Cava, County officials, Miami International Airport Director and CEO Ralph Cutié, MIA partners, and its dedicated workforce came together to celebrate a landmark year for the airport. The event highlighted record-breaking passenger and cargo growth in 2024, significant progress in MIA’s $9 billion Future-Ready Modernization in Action Plan, and the continued success of the I AM MIA customer service program - underscoring a shared commitment to operational efficiency and elevating the customer experience.

Passenger and Cargo Growth:

MIA reached new annual records of nearly 56 million passengers and 3 million tons of cargo in 2024, giving the airport three consecutive record years in passenger traffic and five straight record years in cargo volume. Passenger traffic surged by 6.8% in 2024, with international travel climbing by 8.4% to 25.2 million passengers and domestic travel up 5.6% to 30.8 million passengers. Additionally, MIA continues to be the fastest-growing mega airport (33+ million passengers) in the U.S. since the pandemic, with its airline seat capacity up 24% last year compared to 2019, according to Airports Council International-North America.

Modernization in Action (M.I.A.) Plan:

To support its dynamic growth, MIA’s Future-Ready Modernization in Action Plan is investing $9 billion into major capital improvements and modernizing outdated infrastructure such as conveyance units (escalators, elevators, walkways), restrooms, and boarding bridges. Highlights to date include the renovation of 33 conveyance units, 48 restrooms, and 32 boarding bridges, two of which are energy-efficient glass bridges. Currently, 95% of MIA’s 616 conveyance units are operational compared to 85% at the same time last year. Thirty conveyance units are scheduled for modernization in 2025.

MIA’s $136-million, 2,240-space Flamingo Garage expansion, which broke ground in early 2024, is on schedule for completion by the end of 2025. The new $350-million, 546-room Westin MIA Hotel is also set to break ground this summer at the entrance to MIA and be completed in 2027. A contract recommendation for a new $750-million Concourse K, the airport’s first terminal expansion since 2012, is on track for review by the Miami-Dade Board of County Commissioners this year. If approved in 2025, the three-level expansion would add six new passenger gates to MIA’s South Terminal upon completion in 2029.

I AM MIA Customer Service Program:

Launched by Mayor Cava in early 2024 to complement MIA’s modernization efforts, the I AM MIA program has filled 90 of 135 newly created Lightning Crew positions tasked with addressing maintenance issues needing immediate attention. Lightning Crew teams are completing an average of 23 jobs daily. Over 1,300 airport employees have also received I AM MIA customer service training, created in partnership with the Greater Miami Convention and Visitors Bureau to equip MIA employees with the necessary skills and knowledge to make every customer interaction memorable and positive. The one-hour course is required for all newly hired employees to receive their airport IDs.

Today, Miami-Dade County Mayor Daniella Levine Cava joined Miami International Airport and Transportation Security Administration (TSA) officials for a live airfield demonstration of MIA’s new perimeter intrusion detection system (PIDS), a cutting-edge security technology that identifies and responds to potential airport perimeter breaches in real-time. MIA is the first test site chosen by the TSA for its $6 million Airport Security Test Bed program, which supports developing and implementing next-generation security solutions.

The PIDS utilizes advanced fiber-optic sensors, video surveillance and analytics, laser walls, and ground-based radar to monitor MIA’s perimeter, enabling quicker and more effective responses to security breaches. TSA could replicate the lessons gained from MIA’s test bed program at airports nationwide. The TSA initiative funded the system’s installation at 50% of MIA’s perimeter, and the Miami-Dade Aviation Department will fund implementation around the remainder of the airport’s fence line over the next two years.

The renovated lobby area, which serves travelers flying Air Europa, Spirit Airlines, and Viva Aerobus, also features upgraded terrazzo flooring, ceilings, and baggage conveyors. The project is partially funded by a $15 million Airport Infrastructure Grant from the Federal Aviation Administration awarded to MIA in February. Over the next 10 years, MIA is investing more than $9 billion in airport-wide modernizations and capital improvements.

Other projects included in the airport’s $9 billion Future-Ready Capital Improvement Program are renovations to its 206 restrooms, 126 passenger boarding bridges and 616 elevators, escalators, and moving walkways, a new 2,240-space parking garage and a four-star hotel, and expansions to its South, Central, and North terminal facilities.

On February 20, Miami-Dade County Mayor Daniella Levine Cava, Miami-Dade County commissioners, and leaders from MIA and Lemartec Corporation gathered at MIA to celebrate the groundbreaking for the new 2,240-space, seven-level parking garage extension. The $136-million facility, scheduled for completion in summer 2026, will be adjacent to MIA’s current Flamingo garage and substantially increase parking for passengers and employees.

The new garage will also include future-ready features such as 50 spaces for electric vehicle charging, energy-efficient LED lighting fixtures, and a Parksmart Silver Certification design. This global certification program defines, measures, and recognizes high-performing, sustainable garages.

The unveiling of the glass bridge at gate H17 follows the successful introduction of a similar structure at gate D14 in winter 2022. With plans to introduce a 62 bridges in the first phase by 2028, Miami International Airport is poised to become the leading adopter of these energy-efficient innovations among U.S. airports.

Glass bridges not only offer a sleek and modern aesthetic but also provide enhanced comfort for passengers, reducing feelings of claustrophobia commonly associated with traditional steel bridges. Moreover, their streamlined surface and superior insulation make them more energy-efficient, contributing to significant cost savings in cleaning and temperature control.

The airport’s Modernization in Action (M.I.A.) Plan has modernized 30 other gates since 2019 with state-of-the-art steel bridges, but the rest of MIA’s 126 bridges moving forward will be replaced with glass.

The M.I.A. Plan is implementing $1.7 billion in maintenance upgrades, including replacing or renovating all 616 elevators, escalators, and moving walkways at MIA in need of an upgrade. Under the Plan, at least 30 conveyance units are scheduled to be upgraded or replaced annually over the next five to seven years. MIA’s 207 public restrooms are being renovated as well. A total of 33 bathrooms have already been modernized in concourses D, H, and J, and 32 more in MIA’s other concourses are on schedule for renovation in 2024. MIA is also making an unprecedented investment of more than $7 billion in its Future-Ready Capital Improvement Program.

Built 25 years ago, the Skytrain was temporarily decommissioned on September 15, 2023, following regulatory inspections that revealed structural concerns near station 1, necessitating comprehensive evaluations for public safety. The diligent repair efforts have now paved the way for the safe resumption of Skytrain service between stations 2, 3, and 4 (gates D20 to D60), with station 1 (near gate D16) slated to rejoin operations in summer 2025. The total cost of repairs stands at $4.2 million.

During the interim period until full Skytrain service is restored, MIA will continue to provide a courtesy trolley service for passengers between stations 1 and 2. Additionally, individuals requiring wheelchair assistance are advised to coordinate with American Airlines ahead of their flight.

Miami-Dade County is also making record investments in modernizing MIA – with an unprecedented investment of $7 billion in capital improvements and $1.7 billion in maintenance upgrades under its Modernization in Action (M.I.A.) Plan.

The M.I.A. Plan is replacing or renovating all 616 elevators, escalators, and walkways at MIA that are in need of an upgrade. Of all 616 units, only 9% are currently out of service for repair or modernization. Under the Plan, at least 30 conveyance units are scheduled to be upgraded or replaced annually over the next five to seven years. The M.I.A. Plan is also replacing or refurbishing all of MIA’s 126 passenger boarding bridges, with the first 32 already completed and 10 bridges scheduled for completion every year through 2028. MIA’s 207 public restrooms are being renovated as well. A total of 33 bathrooms have already been modernized in concourses D, H, and J, and 32 more in MIA’s other concourses are on schedule for renovation in 2024. 

MIA is not only revitalizing infrastructure but is also reaffirming its commitment to delivering a world-class travel experience for passengers. Last month, MIA launched the “I AM MIA” campaign, a pivotal initiative designed to transform the customer experience. The campaign has deployed dedicated Lightning Crew teams of highly trained employees to strategically patrol the terminal for maintenance issues in need of immediate attention. Other Lightning Crew members will proactively address passenger inquiries and concerns, to significantly enhance the overall customer experience at the airport.

More than 100 attendees gathered to celebrate the occasion, where Mayor Levine Cava, MIA Director and CEO Ralph Cutié, and AAR’s Chairman, President, and CEO John M. Holmes expressed appreciation for the collaborative efforts that are making the expansion possible. 

AAR’s new 114,000-square-foot facility is being constructed adjacent to the company’s existing hangar at MIA and will increase maintenance capacity at AAR’s Miami facility by 33%. The new three-bay facility will support narrow body maintenance and create more than 200 jobs in Miami. Miami-Dade County has committed to reimbursing the cost of constructing the facility, which is expected to be operational in October 2025.

AAR is a global aerospace and defense aftermarket solutions company with operations in over 20 countries. Headquartered in the Chicago area, AAR supports commercial and government customers through four operating segments: Parts Supply, Repair & Engineering, Integrated Solutions, and Expeditionary Services.