Orlando Melbourne International airport (MLB) in Florida is seeking developers for a high-end hotel with airfield access. The plans for the fly-in hotel have been conceived in response to the airport's accelerated growth in air service and major corporate tenants, and corresponding demand for meeting space and accommodation.

MLB's request for proposals includes a minimum 20,000 sq ft of meeting and event space, approximately 200 guest rooms, a fine dining restaurant with rooftop bar, outdoor pool, sundeck, fitness amenities and a VIP/concierge floor. In addition, partnering with a FBO must be incorporated into a winning proposal.

MLB's monthly passenger figures increased by double digit percentages in Q4 2018, closing out the calendar year at 489,240: its highest figures in more than a decade. Airport operations alone increased by 26.5 per cent last year, with the trend expected to continue.

More than 1,000 high-wage aerospace job positions are currently open around the airfield from notable tenants including the North American headquarters of Embraer Executive Jets, the newly-merged L3 Harris world headquarters, Northrop Grumman's Manned Aircraft Design Center, Thales, Collins Aerospace and General Dynamics. According to DefenseNews.com, seven of the top 12 Department of Defense contractors surround MLB's runways.

“A unique clientele requires a unique airport and hotel,” explains airport executive director Greg Donovan. “It is mission critical that we keep pace with this growth and meet the increasing demand for upscale lodging and dining. Convenience for our corporate tenants is paramount.”

In addition to corporate growth, MLB is the closest airport to the world's second largest cruise port, Port Canaveral, NASA's Kennedy Space Center and is just a short drive to central Florida's many attractions.