1930
January 1936
1936 – BOCA RATON’S FIRST AIRPORT TAKES FLIGHT
A grass strip airport is established in what is now the southeastern portion of Florida Atlantic University’s campus, linking the community to the nation via aviation.
1940
September 1900
none
September 1942
1942 – BECOMING PART OF U.S. HISTORY
As the United States enters World War II, the airport is transformed into the Boca Raton Army Airfield (BRAAF). It will go on to play a crucial role in the war effort, as the exclusive Army Air Corps training and installation ground for emerging radar technologies.
Present: During the Wings of Freedom Tour in 2018, WWII veteran Irwin Stovroff visited Boca Raton Airport to share his war experiences and a collection of mementos, adding a powerful historical connection to the Airport’s past.
1950
September 1900
none
September 1957
1957 – BOCA RATON IS APPROVED AS SITE FOR FLORIDA’S FIFTH PUBLIC UNIVERSITY
1,000 acres of airport land are released for educational use, laying the foundation for Florida Atlantic University.
Present: Florida Atlantic University opened on September 14, 1964. Today, it has grown to become a local beacon of educational excellence and research innovation, with a vibrant community of over 30,000 students.
1960
1970
1980
September 1982
1982 – NEW CONGRESSIONAL MANDATE GOES INTO EFFECT
Congress sets forth the Airport and Airway Improvement Act of 1982, mandating that airports aim to be as self-sustaining as possible. This Act led to the creation of the Airport Improvement Program (AIP) and the National Plan of Integrated Airport Systems (NPIAS).
Present: Today, the Boca Raton Airport is completely self-sustaining, receiving no local, county, or state property or sales taxes. As part of the NPIAS, it is one of 107 general aviation airports categorized as a National airport by the FAA, based on existing activity (the number and types of based aircraft and volume and types of flights), geographic factors, and public interest functions.
September 1983
1982 – THE BOCA RATON AIRPORT AUTHORITY IS ESTABLISHED
The Boca Raton Airport Authority (BRAA) Board was established by the state legislature to independently manage the Airport’s operations. The original BRAA Board was composed of five members, including WWII Bomber Pilot George Blank.
1990
September 1990
1990 – FIRST PART 150 NOISE STUDY IS CONDUCTED
The study paves the way for the Airport to make significant strides in reducing the effects of aircraft noise on the local community, through the implementation of various noise abatement procedures.
Present:A second Part 150 Noise Study conducted in 2001 resulted in additional noise-related improvements for the local community, including sound insulation of 44 residences. Today, the Airport leverages technology such as a state-of-the-art flight tracking and noise monitoring system in addition to a voluntary curfew and other noise mitigation efforts.
September 1994
1994 – BOOMERS OPENS FIRST LOCATION AT THE AIRPORT
The Airport becomes home to the first Boomers location, expanding its tenant base beyond the aviation industry. The advent of Boomers on BCT land spotlights the Airport’s commercial potential and captures public attention.
Present: Since then, other significant nonaeronautical tenants like Cinemark and City Furniture have joined Boomers on BCT property. Revenue generated through these leases helps the Airport preserve its economic growth and self-sustainability well into the future.
2000
September 1900
2000 – THE AIR TRAFFIC CONTROL TOWER OPENS
The Air Traffic Control Tower is constructed to enhance safety and improve noise abatement.
Present:Today, the tower has played a crucial role in handling over one million operations and significantly contributing to the Airport’s success as a premier general aviation facility.
September 2000
2000 – FAIRFIELD INN AND SUITES OPENS IN BOCA RATON
Marriott’s Fairfield Inn and Suites joins the Boca Raton Airport’s roster of nonaeronautical tenants. The hotel provides a convenient place to stay for passengers and flight crews utilizing the Boca Raton Airport, local tourists, and prospective students visiting Florida Atlantic University.
2010
October 2011
2011 – SIGNATURE FLIGHT SUPPORT ACQUIRES AVITAT AND ESTABLISHES A BASE AT BCT
Signature Flight Support, the world’s largest fixed base operator, joins the roster of Boca Raton Airport tenants upon its acquisition of Avitat Boca Raton, Inc. The acquisition includes a state-of-the-art FBO facility featuring a 17,000 sq. ft. terminal and 72,000 sq. ft. of hangar space, expanding Signature’s global network and underscoring BCT’s role as a premier location in the South Florida aviation landscape.
September 2014
2014 – LOOKING TO THE FUTURE
Clara Bennett joins the BRAA as Executive Director.
Present: Today, Clara continues to propel the Boca Raton Airport Authority to new heights of success and innovation, leading efforts such as the development of a $50 million Capital Improvement Plan to enhance facilities and services, the new U.S. Customs and Border Protection Facility, various safety and security enhancements, and numerous airfield and access improvements.
October 2014
2014 – ATLANTIC AVIATION ACQUIRES BOCA AVIATION AND ESTABLISHES A BASE AT BCT
Atlantic Aviation marks its entry into the Florida aviation market with the acquisition of five Florida FBOs, including Boca Aviation at BCT. The acquisition both expands Atlantic Aviation’s U.S. footprint and further solidifies BCT’s status as a hub for major players in the general aviation industry.
September 2015
2015 – ADMINISTRATION BUILDING IS COMPLETED
Nearly 10,000 square feet, the Airport Authority Administration Building is constructed to meet LEED Silver Certification standards and marks an achievement in energy-efficiency and sustainable design.
September 2017
2017 – SUPPORTING STUDENT ACHIEVEMENT
The BRAA collaborates with the George Snow Scholarship Fund to develop the Boca Raton Airport Scholarship, supporting Palm Beach County students pursuing careers in aviation and aerospace.
Present: The George Snow Scholarship Fund honored the BRAA with the Corporate Community Service Award on February 11, 2023, acknowledging the Airport’s contributions to education over the past six years.
September 2018
2018 – Connecting Boca Raton to the World
The U.S. Customs Border and Protection facility opens, enabling international flights to land directly at Boca Raton Airport.
The 4,400-square-foot facility is designed to meet all federal security standards for international arrivals and was awarded a LEED certification for its environmentally responsible features.
September 2019
2019 – A PARTNER TO THE BOCA RATON COMMUNITY
In the wake of Hurricane Dorian, the Boca Raton Customs facility assisted in rendering aid for nearly 300 flights over the course of approximately two and a half months.
Present
Present
Present
September 2021
2021 – PIONEERING INNOVATION
Boca Raton Airport leads the way as the first U.S. airport to install the FAA-certified LED Rotating Beacon, enhancing safety and energy efficiency.
September 2022
PREPARING FOR THE FUTURE
The BRAA is actively crafting an exhaustive 20-year Master Plan Update to strategically guide future Airport development. The Master Plan aims to optimize cost-efficiency, anticipate the evolving needs of aviation, pinpoint facility requirements for a diverse user base, and conscientiously address both environmental and socioeconomic considerations.
October 2022
ENHANCING FACILITIES
The Airport Road Improvement Project begins, upgrading infrastructure, improving mobility for pedestrians and bicyclists, and enhancing landscape aesthetics.
May 2023
Boca Raton Airport’s Customs Facility Celebrates 5 Years
May 2023 – Boca Raton Airport’s Customs Facility Celebrates 5 Years
U.S. Customs and Border Protection (CBP) facility opened its doors five years ago on
Wednesday, May 31, 2018. In five years since opening, the CBP facility has cleared
approximately 7,832 international flights and welcomed visitors from nearly 70 countries to
Boca Raton.
October 2023
2023 – BRINGING THE COMMUNITY CLOSER
An Airport Observation Deck is set to open this year, it will provide the community with the opportunity to experience aircraft up-close and enjoy views of the Airport.
December 2023
December 2023 – BCT Celebrates 75th Anniversary
BCT celebrated 75 years of aviation excellence and service to the city of Boca Raton. Since the
airport’s official founding in 1948, it has been a catalyst for the economic growth of Boca Raton.
Given the significant role that the airport has played in the development of this thriving city, it’s
appropriate that this year-long celebration be just as impactful.
December 2024
BRINGING THE COMMUNITY CLOSER
An Airport Observation Deck is slated to open in the early part of 2024, offering both aviation enthusiasts and the local community an accessible and comfortable vantage point for observing Airport activities up close.
February 2025
Future
March 2026
Advanced Air Mobility (AAM)
The 2023 Master Plan Update for the Boca Raton Airport (BCT) identified four potential sites for future Advanced Air Mobility (AAM) operations and introduced preliminary concepts for the supporting facilities and airfield infrastructure. These concepts include critical elements such as touchdown and liftoff areas, final approach and takeoff paths, safety areas, approach and departure corridors, aircraft parking, and passenger processing areas. Building on this foundational work, the Vertiport Feasibility and Implementation Study at BCT will refine these concepts to reflect the latest developments in AAM aircraft performance and evolving vertiport design guidance. The Study will also evaluate a preliminary business case and implementation strategy, with a strong emphasis on stakeholder engagement and potential partnerships at the regional and state levels. The ultimate objective is to deliver a comprehensive framework of operational, infrastructure, and business parameters to support the phased implementation of a vertiport at BCT, aligning with emerging aviation technologies and long-term strategic goals.