When it comes to exclusive sporting events, few weekends match the grandeur of May 3rd and 4th, 2025. On one hand, the iconic Kentucky Derby, synonymous with elegance, tradition, and horse racing prestige, gallops into its 151st year at Churchill Downs, Louisville. Meanwhile, the vibrant streets of Miami will resonate with the adrenaline-pumping roar of Formula 1 cars at the Miami Grand Prix, making it a weekend of unparalleled excitement and luxury.
Tradition Meets High-Speed Glamour
The Kentucky Derby, known as "The Most Exciting Two Minutes in Sports," first ran in 1875 and has grown into an international spectacle. Famous for its grand hats, mint juleps, and elite guest list, this legendary horse race remains a bucket-list item for affluent travelers and celebrities alike. Learn more about the Kentucky Derby.
Kentucky Derby Departure Map – Credit: FlightAware
Simultaneously, the Miami Grand Prix, only a recent addition to the Formula 1 calendar, has quickly become a magnet for global jet-setters and motorsport enthusiasts. With Miami’s vibrant nightlife and luxurious experiences complementing the race, it's no surprise this event draws high-profile attendees from around the world. Explore the Miami Grand Prix.
Formula 1 Miami Grand Prix Departure Map – Credit: FlightAware
The Aviation Impact: Private Jets Soaring
This extraordinary convergence of two premium events will trigger one of the busiest weekends in private aviation this year. Private airports near Louisville and Miami are bracing for record-breaking jet movements. In 2023, the Kentucky Derby weekend saw over 1,500 private jet operations at surrounding airports, according to Aviation International News. FlightAware data further showed a 13x increase in private jet activity at Louisville Muhammad Ali International Airport (KSDF) compared to the daily average, with over 900 private aircraft accounting for 8.5% of the region’s total annual bizjet traffic.
Meanwhile, the Miami Grand Prix recorded over 1,300 business aviation arrivals, as reported by Simple Flying. According to FlightAware, the highest peak in private jet arrivals occurred on race day itself—highlighting the event’s appeal for just-in-time luxury arrivals by celebrities, athletes, and executives, with many operators citing hangar space shortages and slot restrictions.
With both events now overlapping in 2025, FBOs are expecting even more congestion, requiring coordinated arrival/departure slots and enhanced ramp management. For private aviation, it's a demanding weekend, requiring precision planning, heightened safety measures, and superior client management.
APG: Your Partner in Safety, Efficiency, and Luxury
Aircraft Performance Group (APG) is uniquely positioned to support operators during this high-demand weekend. With a 25-year legacy in aviation safety and operational excellence, APG provides precise runway performance calculations and robust real-time data to ensure seamless operations—even during peak periods.
Our flagship service, Genesis PRO Performance, delivers performance calculations tailored specifically for complex operational environments. Pilots receive instant access to critical performance data, including weight-and-balance information, runway analysis, obstacle clearance, and optimized takeoff and landing calculations. These capabilities become even more essential during busy events, where slot coordination, rapid turnaround, and precise time management are crucial.
Additionally, APG’s dedicated 24/7 customer support team ensures that any unexpected operational needs are swiftly resolved. Operators gain the advantage of enhanced safety, minimized delays, and an elevated passenger experience, even amidst record-breaking traffic.
Ready for Takeoff
Whether you’re off to witness the elegance of Churchill Downs or hear the engines roar in Miami, APG is your trusted partner for a luxurious, safe, and unforgettable weekend.