Scottsdale Airport is an economic driver for both the city and the region, located in a thriving airpark, one of three growth areas designated within the city.
Aviation activity at the airport and the Scottsdale Airpark created $1 billion in economic benefits for the region in FY 2019 and supported nearly 6,000 jobs with incomes of $320 million. Visitors arriving at the airport spent $90 million in the region.
The airport’s operations initially decreased in March and April due to COVID-19, dropping 6% compared to 2019, according to flight data from the Federal Aviation Administration. But activity quickly recovered in the following months, and the airport recorded 195,852 takeoffs and landings in 2020, an increase of 10,000 over 2019.
Scottsdale Airport updated its Aviation Business Center, a $27-million redevelopment project. The 23,800-square-foot building opened in 2018 and replaced the airport’s outdated terminal built in 1968. The center brought new amenities for tenants and the public, new revenue from recently built hangars, reduced energy costs from high sustainability standards and more space for corporate aircraft.
The complex includes Volanti’s restaurant that also provides catering services for business flights; airport administrative, U.S. Customs and Border Protection and Civil Air Patrol offices; and a historic PT-17 Stearman aircraft as one of Thunderbird Field II Veterans Memorial Exhibits.
To accommodate continued projected growth, increase airport revenues, ensure provision of additional premier services and enhance its already competitive amenities, several initiatives are underway.
Included in that is the new runway, an $11-million project funded by the Federal Aviation Administration that was completed in August.
