PANAMA CITY, Fla. – The Panama City-Bay County International Airport and Industrial District today announced it has received all the necessary approvals and permits to move forward on the extension of the primary runway at the new Northwest Florida Beaches International Airport. The Federal Aviation Administration and the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers both signed off on the 1,600 foot extension, which will bring the length of the primary runway to 10,000 feet.

Work on the runway extension will begin immediately and will not impact the construction schedule, which is on time. The extension is expected to be completed in time for a runway certification test flight by the FAA in mid-January.

“Our goal has always been to build an airport to support economic development and growth throughout the region for years to come,” said Airport Authority Chairman Joe Tannehill. “The longer runway puts us in a position to compete with anyone in the country for better air service and aviation related industries.”

“This is truly a major milestone for the airport project,” said Airport Executive Director Randy Curtis. “With a 10,000 foot runway, we can handle almost any type of aircraft operations with no problem.”

Construction of the new Northwest Florida Beaches International is 80 percent complete and on track for an opening date of May 18, 2010.