Blue Skies Ahead

Springfield Airport had a banner year in 2023, which served nearly 1.3 million passengers for the first time. Last year’s traffic was 15.4% higher than the previous year and 8.84% higher than the previous record year in 2019. Growth is a natural result of robust local and national economies and pent-up demand for travel. While leisure travel is hitting new highs, the airlines report that business travel hasn’t rebounded in the same measure. There has been an increase in passengers combining business and leisure into a single trip, which the travel industry calls “bleisure.”

 Several initiatives were implemented last year in response to this robust growth.

• Separate from the main terminal, where private aircraft load and unload passengers, refuel and receive service, the general aviation terminal underwent expansion and remodeling in July. The project included updated restrooms, larger administration areas and pilot lounge facilities, with a larger public community space. Funding for this project came from airport reserve funds. It is slated for completion Fall 2024.
• Last October, Ozarks Technical Community College (OTC) broke ground on a $13.2 million Airframe and Powerplant (A&P) school to train aircraft mechanics. Estimates show that more than 650,000 new A&P mechanics will be needed by 2040, according to the Global Market Forecast published by Airbus. The U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics states the average annual salary of these positions is approximately $70,000. The airport is proud to partner with OTC to help make this job-training facility a reality.
• Also in October 2023, the airport became the proud owner of a state-of-the-art aircraft rescue firetruck. The six-wheel drive vehicle allows visibility through smoke, can push over trees and fences, climb 50-degree slopes, and carry 3,000 gallons of water while traveling up to 70 mph shooting water simultaneously. The $1.3 million firetruck was purchased with airport funds and allows firefighters to respond to aircraft emergencies with the latest technology.

Last year was a time of planning for short-term improvements and master planning that looks 20 years into the future. Some of the projects on the horizon include:

• The first electric vehicle chargers, serving rental car agencies, are expected this spring. Chargers in the passenger parking lots are on the horizon.
• Also on the horizon is an expansion of the apron at the passenger terminal. This is where planes park, load and unload passengers, and refuel. Expansion will decrease congestion and improve the travel experience. It is expected to start in two to three years.
• The airport terminal is continually recognized in passenger surveys for its appearance, cleanliness, and ease of navigation. Based on anticipated passenger growth, the airport will need to add four additional gates in the next five to seven years.
• There are plans for a parking garage within the next two to three years.

The master planning process was initiated Fall 2023. Looking at needs for up to two decades in the future, public input was taken during an October meeting. The Master Plan is comprehensive in its approach, providing the framework that guides future development in the most cost-effective ways. The FAA funds 90% of this process, with the city funding the remaining 10%.

 The city contracted with Crawford, Murphy & Tilly, an engineering firm specializing in public infrastructure and planning, to manage this process. The entire airport is put under the microscope, exploring rates of growth and the resultant needs for parking, airfield, airspace, terminal, ramps, taxiways and runways. A draft copy of the Master Plan is available at flyspringfield.com.

 The Springfield Airport is an ever-evolving ecosystem designed to meet the needs of passengers. The leadership team prides itself on being a strong community partner and one that is not only an indicator of economic growth but also a driving force.