The Miami-Dade Board of County Commissioners has approved a minimum investment of $400 million to construct a four-storey cargo facility at Miami International Airport.
The Vertical Integrated Cargo Community (VICC) will be the first of its kind in the Western Hemisphere and increase cargo capacity by 50% or two million tons.
It is scheduled for completion in 2029 and will bring Miami airport’s total capacity to a minimum of 4.5 million tons until 2041.
Daniella Levine Cava, Miami-Dade County Mayor, says, “MIA continues to increase its ranks among US airports and worldwide regarding cargo volume. With the construction of this unprecedented, state-of-the-art air cargo facility now on track, the sky is the limit for where MIA can lead the air cargo industry globally after consecutive record-breaking years in cargo growth since 2020.”
The VICC will cover nearly 800,000 square feet on 11 acres of airport land.
The airport is expected to handle 2.9 million tons of cargo in 2024, close to its annual capacity of three million tons.
During the construction phase, it will provide 8,500 temporary jobs earning $500 million in wages during the five years of design and construction, 2,500 permanent jobs earning $100 million post-construction and a minimum of $512 million in rent and business revenue to Miami-Dade County’s Aviation Department over the 40 years of the agreement.
Raquel Regalado, Miami-Dade County Commissioner for District 7, says, “The VICC will significantly enhance our airport’s cargo capabilities and establish a new sustainable, resilient infrastructure benchmark. I am proud to support this visionary project, which will drive economic growth and solidify Miami-Dade’s position as a global hub for commerce.”
The Board of County Commissioners approved the lease agreement with a private developer that requires at least 60% of the design and construction firms to be headquartered in Miami-Dade County and the firms hire registered small businesses during the project phases.
Ralph Cutié, Director and CEO of Miami International Airport says the VICC is one of many airport upgrades, which include renovating the terminal, constructing a new car park, a four-star hotel and expanded concourses.
He says, “In total, nearly $9 billion in capital improvements and upgrades are scheduled for completion over the next ten years, to elevate MIA’s position among the premier airports in the world.”v
