From Naval Air Station to Industrial Park: Cecil Airport and Jacksonville's Aviation Reuse Story

Cecil Airport occupies the former site of Naval Air Station Cecil Field, a major U.S. Navy tactical aviation installation that was decommissioned in 1999 following base realignment decisions. The conversion of the former NAS into a public-use general aviation and commercial cargo airport is one of Florida's most significant aviation reuse projects, transforming extensive military runway infrastructure, hangars, and support facilities into an economic development asset for western Jacksonville. The airport's long runways, originally built for carrier-capable naval aircraft, can now accommodate virtually any aircraft in civilian operation.

Cecil Airport's combination of long runways, large existing hangar infrastructure, and abundant developable land has attracted aviation maintenance, repair, and overhaul businesses, cargo operators, and logistics companies that need the kind of heavy-duty airport infrastructure that most GA airports cannot offer. The airport is a cornerstone of Jacksonville's broader economic development strategy for the western corridor.

Cecil Airport Contact Information

Address, Phone Number, and Hours for an Airports in Jacksonville, Florida.

Name Cecil Airport
Address 13365 Aerospace Way, Jacksonville FL 32221 Map
Phone (904) 573-1611
Website
Hours

Map of Cecil Airport


Frequently Asked Questions: Cecil Airport

What is the history of Cecil Airport?

Cecil Airport is built on the site of Naval Air Station Cecil Field, a U.S. Navy tactical aviation base active from 1941 through its 1999 decommissioning. Following base closure, Jacksonville converted the facility into a public-use airport with commercial, cargo, and aviation business development as its primary missions.

Can general aviation aircraft use Cecil Airport?

Cecil Airport is a public-use airport open to general aviation aircraft. Its long runways and extensive facilities make it particularly well-suited for larger business jets, cargo aircraft, and MRO operations. Light GA aircraft can also use the field, though the airport's character skews toward heavier commercial and business aviation use.

What businesses operate at Cecil Airport?

Cecil Airport has attracted aviation maintenance, repair, and overhaul (MRO) companies, cargo operators, and logistics businesses that leverage the airport's infrastructure and available land. The Jacksonville Aviation Authority actively recruits aviation-related businesses to the Cecil Airport Commerce Center.

How long are the runways at Cecil Airport?

Cecil Airport's runways were originally built to naval aviation standards and are significantly longer than typical general aviation fields, capable of accommodating large transport-category aircraft with full fuel and maximum gross weight. Current runway dimensions are listed in the Airport/Facility Directory and on the JAA's official website.

Is fuel available at Cecil Airport?

Fuel service at Cecil Airport, including Jet-A and potentially Avgas, is available through the FBO. Operators of large and heavy aircraft should confirm fuel availability, truck capacity, and current pricing in advance by contacting the Cecil Airport FBO.

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