Flying high today in Brevard County, the Orlando-Melbourne International Airport opened its newly renovated 6,000 foot runway Friday.

  • Orlando-Melbourne Int'l Airport opens new runway
  • 6,000 ft runway will serve as primary runway for Embraer
  • Half of renovation paid for by FDOT

Officials and airport leaders dedicated the more than one mile stretch today, which will serve as the primary runway for Melbourne-based jet maker Embraer and runs parallel to the main runway.

Half of the $3.5 million renovation was paid for by the Florida Department of Transportation.

It had been a quarter of century since any improvements to the runway had been made.

“We've got so much growth, our corporations here see the unique aspects of operating out of MLB. And we want to make sure the infrastructure keeps pace with their demands,” said Greg Donovan, Orlando-Melbourne Int'l Airport executive director.

The runway's opening is just in time for next week's annual Air and Space Show.

The airport's new $7 million state-of-the-art air control tower is expected to be operational this summer.

It replaces the five-decade-old outdated tower.