Airglades International Airport (AIA) in Hendry County, Florida is moving ahead on its initiative to develop a state-of-the art airport and logistics facility that will handle perishable goods imported primarily from Latin America for distribution in the US.

Earlier this year, AIA hired Goldman Sachs to assist with the financing.

The project is “approaching the most important phase, with Goldman Sachs as financial advisor in the identification of potential developers,” Santiago Gómez de la Torre, AIA president, told Infralogic. London-based law firm Clyde & Co is acting as legal advisor for the project, he added.

“The development extends beyond traditional airport functions, evolving into a comprehensive logistics center, known as a ‘logistics city,’ with a focus on operational efficiency,” Gómez de la Torre said.

Airglades is collaborating with the several Florida ports to establish a “dry port concept, fostering greater logistics coordination within the region,” the executive said.

He credits “meticulous planning and ongoing collaboration” with the Federal Aviation Administration (FAA), as well as airlines, importers, freight forwarders, and cargo handlers that had worked hand-in- hand with the company to ensure compliance and alignment with customer requirements,” for advancing the project.

AIA designated Goldman Sachs-backed Avports as the airport operator in 2019.

In 2019, the FAA approved Hendry County Airglades Airport application to enter the national Airport Investment Partnership Program (AIPP).

Puerto Rico’s operational Luis Muñoz Marín Airport is the only other facility to be approved under the program.

Goldman Sachs declined to comment. Clyde & Co did not respond to requests for comment in time for publication.