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Public Divided Over Bunker Aviation Lease at Opa-locka Executive Airport

Public Divided Over Bunker Aviation Lease at Opa-locka Executive Airport
Contested Lease Proposal Sparks Debate
Public opinion remains sharply divided over a proposed lease supplement for Bunker Aviation Partners at Opa-locka Executive Airport, a matter that came under scrutiny during a recent Miami-Dade County Airport Committee meeting. The discussion focused on item 3A, which involves Bunker Aviation and its owner, Eric Greenwald, highlighting the broader implications of county lease decisions on airport development, local employment, and adherence to federal regulations.
Erin Hendricks, attorney for Bunker Aviation Partners, urged committee members to approve the lease, underscoring Greenwald’s longstanding involvement at Opa-locka Executive Airport. Hendricks emphasized the significant contributions made by Greenwald and his affiliated companies, including AA Acquisitions, noting that they have revitalized the airport. She stated that AA, along with its subtenants and assignees, has developed over 220 acres, invested more than $200 million, and created hundreds, if not thousands, of jobs within the local community. Hendricks described the transformation of the airport from a site plagued by derelict aircraft and failing infrastructure into a more robust aviation hub.
Opposition and Federal Compliance Concerns
Despite these assertions, opposition voices remain vocal. Carlos Gomez, a Miami Springs resident, expressed strong resistance to the proposal, accusing AA Acquisitions of engaging in “property flipping” by acquiring county leases and reselling them to other developers. Gomez also referenced ongoing federal complaints he has filed against the Miami-Dade Aviation Department and fixed-base operators, raising questions about whether Bunker Aviation and its partners are fully complying with mandatory federal “airport assurances” required under agreements between the county and the U.S. Department of Transportation.
The committee refrained from taking a formal vote on the lease supplement during the recorded portion of the meeting, and no resolution was reached regarding the conflicting factual claims presented by speakers. The discussion was confined to the public comment segment, leaving the future of the lease uncertain.
Broader Implications for Airport Development
The divided public response reflects wider challenges in securing community support for airport development projects. Local business aviation stakeholders are closely monitoring the outcome, as the lease could significantly influence market dynamics and operational practices at Opa-locka Executive Airport. While some investors may view the proposed agreement as a strategic opportunity to enhance airport infrastructure, others express concern about potential impacts on local operations and community relations.
Competitors and other industry participants are also expected to scrutinize the lease, potentially intensifying lobbying efforts aimed at shaping local regulations and policies. These local debates unfold amid ongoing industry-wide discussions about sustainability and technological innovation, underscored by forthcoming events such as NBAA-BACE 2025 and the World Aviation Festival 2025. Such trends may indirectly affect how airport developments are perceived and implemented at the community level.
As the committee considers its next steps, the outcome of the Bunker Aviation lease remains a focal point for both supporters and critics, carrying significant implications for the future direction of Opa-locka Executive Airport and the broader Miami-Dade aviation landscape.

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