NAA Helps Make Aviation Wishes Come True

We are proud to share the heartwarming story of Caleb Calderon, a 15-year-old with a passion for aviation, whose dream of becoming a pilot was brought to life through a special collaboration.

Caleb, who has been bravely battling leukemia, received an aviation-themed bedroom makeover thanks to the Make-A-Wish Foundation. While he isn’t medically cleared to fly yet, Caleb’s enthusiasm for aviation didn’t go unnoticed.

The Naples Airport Authority partnered with the Experimental Aircraft Association (EAA), Civil Air Patrol (CAP), Elite Jets, Aircraft Owners and Pilots Association (AOPA), and Make-A-Wish to give Caleb a memorable pilot experience. He had the unique opportunity to taxi around Naples Airport in an aircraft including a high-speed taxi down the runway, providing him with a taste of life in the cockpit.

This event underscores our commitment to supporting our community and fostering a love for aviation in the next generation. We’re honored to have played a part in making Caleb’s dream come true.

About Naples Airport

Naples Airport is ideally located within minutes of downtown Naples, the Gulf of Mexico and I-75, connecting people to the Paradise Coast through an exceptional airport experience. The airport serviced 119,075 annual operations and more than 200,000 passengers last year, while being an engaged, responsive partner to the community. Home to corporate aviation, air charter, car rental, flight schools and critical public services such as fire/rescue, air ambulance services, mosquito control and the Collier County Sheriff’s Aviation Unit. The airport also prides itself on being the hub of emergency staging during natural disasters, like hurricanes.

All funds used for the airport’s operation, maintenance and improvements are generated from activities at the airport or federal and state grants from aviation-related user fees. The airport receives no local tax dollars. The Florida Department of Transportation values the airport’s annual economic impact on the community at more than $781 million.

For more information or to subscribe to email updates from the airport, visit www.FlyNaples.com.