Airport Purpose Evolves by Chris Rozansky, Executive Director, Naples Airport Authority

Purpose Evolves, but Survey Results Demonstrate Naples Airport Remains Vital to the Community

Chris Rozansky. Ex. Dir.
Naples Airport Authority

The Naples Airport began operating in 1943 as a military airfield, the training ground for many World War II aviators. A lot has changed since then. Today, the Naples Airport accommodates private aviation and flight training schools as well as the Collier County Sheriff’s Office, Collier Mosquito Control District, U.S. Customs & Border Protection, Collier County MedFlight, Angel Flight and other public services.

Because the community and its airport continue evolving, the Naples Airport Authority (NAA) recently captured public opinion – not just anecdotal feedback, but a professional, independent survey to measure attitudes, opinions and perceptions about the airport and its impact on the community. The NAA commissioned American Pulse Research & Polling, a company considered the “gold standard” within the industry for its accuracy and nationally recognized polling methodology. The company independently developed more than two dozen questions designed to capture the sentiment of local voters.

From March 19 – April 3, American Pulse surveyed 1,421 registered voters via live telephone interviews and text surveys. Results were reported separately for Naples and the rest of Collier County, as well as combined. Across all groups, feedback on the NAA was overwhelmingly positive.

According to residents surveyed, the Naples Airport:

• Is important to the community: 82.9%
• Is important to the region’s economy: 81.1%
• Is a positive influence on the area’s quality of life: 52.7%
• Has a good or excellent location: 63.9%
• Should stay in its current location: 63.1%

“The results reveal strong support for the airport, a clear preference to keep it in its current location, and opportunities to inform the public about the airport’s economic impact, community contributions and funding model which is not supported by local tax dollars,” said Dustin Olson, managing partner and lead researcher for American Pulse.

In addition to multiple choice answers, respondents could offer commentary. Those word-for-word responses were published in post-survey reports. Below are notable comments from residents:

“It’s excellent, a great little airport, and does more for the people than most realize.” – Male, ages 75-84.

“I love the airport. I was born and raised in Naples, and it has been there my whole life. It is a huge part of the community, and my boys and I love watching the planes fly over our house!” – Female, ages 35-44.

Some respondents offered constructive criticism, observations, complaints and suggestions.

“Find a solution to noise” – Female, ages 75-84.

“I think Naples needs an airport. It’s a good revenue source. I don’t like the noise, but that’s part of life.” – Female, ages 75-84.

“It’s a controversial situation and it is too noisy. If they relocated it out in Collier County, they would complain because of the distance.” – Male, ages 85+.

“Residents complain about plane noise on takeoff and landing – these complaints need to be addressed.” – Female, ages 55-64.

Although dozens of respondents expressed desires to see commercial flights return to the NAA, that’s not currently in the airport’s plans. Noise levels also were a frequent point of contention among respondents; the NAA has invested $10 million in noise abatement initiatives since 2000 and its Noise Compatibility Committee continues to review solutions to reduce
noise levels.

The NAA’s Board of Commissioners and leadership team are reviewing survey responses to help guide discussions as the airport explores additional avenues to meet the needs of the community.

The NAA receives no local tax dollars to fund operations. Is a positive influence on the area’s quality of life: 52.7% Has a good or excellent location: 63.9% Should stay in its current location: 63.1% “The results reveal strong support for the airport, a clear preference to keep it in its current location, and opportunities to inform the public about the airport’s economic impact, community contributions and funding model which is not supported by local tax dollars,” said Dustin Olson, managing partner and lead researcher for American Pulse. In addition to multiple choice answers, respondents could offer commentary. Those word-for-word responses were published in post-survey reports. Below are notable comments from residents:

“So convenient and close to town – only 10 to 15 minutes to get home.” – Male, ages 55-64.

“It’s a piece of history. It’s nice to know that the Naples Airport receives no local taxpayer dollars.” – Female, ages 65-74.

According to the Florida Department of Transportation, the airport has an annual economic impact of $781 million and supports 5,454 jobs within the community.

“The Naples Airport enjoys strong support that grows even stronger when residents find out about key aspects of what the airport is doing and facts about its situation,” Olson said.

Complete survey results and methodologies are available online at FlyNaples.com/news

Want to learn more about the Naples Airport?
Check out our FAQ’s at www.flynaples.com/faq For a tour of the airport, or to arrange for a speaker at your group’s next meeting, call (239) 643-0733 For more information, visit the Naples Airport Authority’s website at www.flynaples.com

Want to learn more about the NAA? Visit the FAQ page of our website (flynaples.com/faq), or invite a member of our team to speak with your group.