The Fort Lauderdale Executive Airport (FXE) has thrived from its humble beginnings as a Naval training facility for military pilots and today looks forward to the future as it begins preparations to mark another major milestone in celebrating the 75th Anniversary on March 11, 2022. In commemoration of this event, FXE is building a year-long calendar of events which will showcase its rich and vibrant history, with the intent to engage the community in its celebration. The month of November is regarded as National Aviation History Month, which is dedicated to exploring, recognizing, and celebrating America's great contributions and achievements in the development of aviation. Constructed in 1941 as an auxiliary landing field to train Naval Aviators during World War II, what we now know as FXE was originally named “West Prospect Field”. The Federal Government deeded the property to the City of Fort Lauderdale in 1947 to be used as a public airport and the airport was unofficially named “Fort Lauderdale Municipal Airport,” but pilots called it “Prospect Field.” In 1959, the City of Fort Lauderdale’s City Commission Resolution #7336 changed the airport’s name to “Fort Lauderdale Executive Airport.” In 1964, by City Resolution #9275, the City designated the airport property and its non-aeronautical property as the “Fort Lauderdale Executive Airport and Industrial Airpark”. The FAA declared the non-aeronautical property as “not needed for aeronautical purpose” and approved the land to be replatted, appraised, and zoned for light, clean industry.

To boost economic development into the area and create job opportunities, the City established the Airport Industrial Board and sold Airport land to various companies. Funds from these land sales were used for airfield improvements such as taxiway construction, lighting systems, and guidance signs. Other related businesses, such as charter companies, interior refurbishing companies, flight schools, and avionics shops, also successfully established themselves at FXE. Today, FXE contributes to the local economy 12,708 total employment, with a total economic impact of nearly $2.1 billion.

Currently, FXE anchors Fort Lauderdale’s Uptown Business District, with a 200-acre industrial airpark housing two million square feet of office and warehouse space and is home to Foreign Trade Zone No. 241, an economic zone providing businesses a competitive edge in the global marketplace. In addition to fostering economic growth, FXE also promotes the #1 general aviation U.S. Customs facility in the nation, 4-Fixed Based Operators, 24-Hour FAA Air Traffic Control Tower, a 24-Hour Air Rescue

Firefighting Facility, Broward Sheriff’s Office aviation unit and operates the John Fuhrer Downtown Helistop. Today, FXE is ranked among the top 5 busiest General Aviation Airports in the nation.