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Naples Airport Focuses on Safety

so You Can Focus on Travel

Tom Herhan

by Chris Rozansky, Executive Director,
Naples Airport Authority
When passengers book air travel, their Runway safety: Last year, NAA completed several projects
top concerns are typically departure and intended to enhance runway safety, such as installation of
arrival times, ease of airport navigation, runway warning lights, perimeter service roads to remove
availability of rental cars and anticipation vehicles from having to cross active runways and relocating
of greeting friends and family shortly after a taxiway to reduce risk of a pilot inadvertently entering a
arrival. At the Naples Airport, safety is runway.
our top priority so you can enjoy all that Naples has Airfield lighting: Beginning in 2026, the NAA will replace the airfield
to offer. In fact, it is the foundation of all operational lighting as a result of damage sustained during Hurricane Ian. The new lighting
and budgetary decisions. In 2021, Naples Airport and equipment will be a water-resistant system raised further above ground level,
voluntarily implemented a Safety Management System ensuring it can stand up to future storm events due to the critical nature of the
(SMS). airport following a hurricane. The NAA worked closely with the FAA during
SMS is a formal, top-down, system-wide approach to managing safety design, which will result in a new national standard for coastal airports subject to
risk. Unlike many traditional safety programs that focus on meeting basic storm surge, helping airports across the US to become more resilient.
standards, SMS is proactive, process-driven and data-inspired. Two years later, Emergency response: The airport also is home to the Collier County
more than 200 U.S. airports were mandated by the FAA to implement SMS, Sheriff’s Office, Naples Fire-Rescue Department, U.S. Customs and Border
including Naples. Control, Collier County MedFlight and other organizations that provide public
In 2025, Naples Aviation, the sole provider of fuel operated by the services.
Naples Airport, achieved one of the highest safety milestones in the aviation To ensure we are prepared to respond to an incident, in October 2025
industry: International Standard for Business Aircraft Handling (IS-BAH) Naples Airport hosted Operation Final Approach, an FAA-required full-scale
Stage 2 certification from the International Business Aviation Council. emergency training exercise that allowed first responders, local agencies and
This certification affirms that Naples Airport Authority has a mature Safety airport personnel to prepare for a real-world emergency. Participating agencies
Management System, documented standard operating procedures, a robust included local fire departments, EMS, law enforcement, hospitals, emergency
training program, and top-notch facilities and equipment. management and transportation services.
The IS-BAH certification was just the latest undertaking aimed at keeping Safety isn’t just a priority at Naples Airport; it’s the foundation of everything
the traveling public and community safe. Below are additional examples we do. From advanced certifications and proactive programs to partnerships with
demonstrating Naples Airport’s commitment to safety: first responders and continuous infrastructure improvements, every decision
On-site fire station: NAA recently built a new on-airport fire station to is made with your well-being in mind. Rest assured: when you travel through
withstand hurricanes and flooding. It's equipped to respond to both on- and Naples, you can focus on your journey, knowing we’re focused on keeping you
off-airport emergencies. The NAA partners with the City of Naples Fire safe.
Department to staff the facility 24/7 at no expense to taxpayers. Want to learn more about the Naples Airport?
Wildlife management: Naples Airport received the Florida Airports Check out our FAQ’s at www.flynaples.com/faq
Council’s J. Bryan Cooper Environmental Award for its comprehensive For a tour of the airport, or to arrange for a speaker at your group’s next meeting,
wildlife management program, including a falconry service. Through a call (239) 643-0733
partnership with Predator Bird Services, falconers and biologists regularly visit For more information, visit the Naples Airport Authority’s website at www.flynaples.com
the airfield with trained hawks to scare birds off the airfield and out of the path Want to learn more about the NAA?
of arriving and departing aircraft. Visit the FAQ page of our website (flynaples.com/faq), or invite
a member of our team to speak with your group.
20 www.LifeInNaples.net