Company to Add 250-300 Jobs at Lakeland Airport for Aircraft Maintenance

Lakeland Linder International Airport to Expand Aircraft Maintenance Operations

Lakeland Linder International Airport is set to become a prominent hub for skilled aviation employment with the planned creation of 250 to 300 new jobs by late next year. These positions will primarily include aircraft mechanics, technicians, and engineers, reflecting a significant investment in the region’s aerospace sector. This development follows a recent agreement between the city and Arcade Aviation LLC, which secured a 40-year lease for 16.4 acres at the airport’s northeast corner near Drane Field Road. The lease also includes a 10-year renewal option, underscoring a long-term commitment to the site’s growth and development.

Major Facility Expansion and Economic Investment

Arcade Aviation, a New York-based real estate developer specializing in aviation maintenance facilities, plans to invest nearly $100 million in constructing a state-of-the-art maintenance, repair, and overhaul (MRO) complex at Lakeland Linder. The project will feature three hangars totaling 137,000 square feet, designed to service large commercial aircraft such as Boeing B767s and Airbus A330s. In addition to the hangars, the facility will include 15,000 square feet of office space. According to Arcade’s CEO, Will Obeid, the complex is expected to be operational within 18 to 24 months.

Airport Director Kris Hallstrand emphasized that this development aligns closely with the airport’s strategic master plan completed in 2020, which prioritized expanding services and diversifying revenue streams. Hallstrand described the new MRO facility as a critical missing element in the airport’s growth trajectory, stating, “Of all the things that we do here at the airport, this was a missing piece that we needed to pursue.”

Addressing Industry Challenges and Building Local Talent

The expansion also aims to address a nationwide shortage of MRO facilities and skilled aviation technicians. Hallstrand highlighted Lakeland’s strong talent pipeline, noting that approximately 175 workforce-ready students graduate annually from local educational institutions equipped with the necessary licenses and skills to inspect, repair, and maintain aircraft.

Several regional schools contribute to this talent pool. The Central Florida Aerospace Academy prepares high school students for careers as pilots and mechanics, while Traviss Technical College offers FAA-approved programs in aviation airframe and powerplant mechanics. The International Aero Academy provides professional aviation maintenance training directly at the airport. Higher education institutions such as Florida Polytechnic University and Polk State College offer aerospace and aviation-related programs, including mechanical engineering with an aerospace concentration, airport administration, dispatching, and pilot training. Southeastern University further supports the sector with degree programs in aviation operations and management, collaborating with KingSky flight school based at the airport.

Local Economic and Community Impact

The availability of this skilled workforce was a decisive factor in Arcade Aviation’s selection of Lakeland for its new facility. Obeid noted that most local graduates currently commute outside the area for employment opportunities that offer average salaries between $80,000 and $85,000 annually. The new MRO operators will provide local career opportunities, reducing the need for long commutes and supporting the regional economy.

The city commissioners unanimously approved the lease agreement on May 19. Commissioner Sara Roberts McCarley expressed strong support for the project, highlighting its potential to ease traffic congestion on Interstate 4 and create valuable opportunities for both young residents and existing community members. She remarked, “It’s very exciting to get more people off I-4. Such a great opportunity for our young people, and for people who already [live here].”