McClellan-Palomar Airport is the crown jewel of North County airports. It is one of eight airports and airparks owned and operated by the County of San Diego. We like being in the airport business and do an excellent job running them in a profitable way that benefits the community and the County.
The airport is home to nearly 400 aircraft, ranging from small fixed-wing, single-engine planes to sophisticated, state-of-the-art corporate jets. In 2006 there were more than 200,000 operations at Palomar.
Currently, the airport is in the middle of a $24 million improvement and modernization. Ten projects have been combined into one integrated project that includes a new terminal building, restaurant, federal inspection facility, terminal access roads, terminal apron, vehicle parking lots, automated parking lot control systems, passenger movement facilities, airport security system, taxiway, infield drainage and a blast fence. None of the projects will make the airport larger, just safer and more efficient. Once the improvement is in place approximately by the end of 2008, more than $1.25 million in potential new yearly revenue is expected.
Fifty years ago, the County of San Diego picked Carlsbad as the site to replace the Del Mar Airport. Del Mar may be where the “surf meets the turf,” but it was decided that airplanes needed to meet the runway somewhere else. A year later, construction began and the new airport opened in Carlsbad for daytime operations on March 20, 1959. The airport is named for aviator Gerald McClellan, a North County community leader and at one time, president of the Carlsbad Chamber of Commerce.
In 1960, Palomar Airport's terminal building was constructed, 1961 the airport runway was extended to 4,700 feet, and in 1962 the terminal was expanded.
An FAA control tower became operational in March 1973, followed in 1977 with an instrument landing system and installation of approach lights. A year later in 1978, the City of Carlsbad annexed the airport into its fold. In years to come, regularly-scheduled commercial jets would begin serving Palomar and several ambitious building programs enhanced the facilities, including the one that is currently in progress on the airport's 487 acres. The upgrades may help attract more airlines and possibly expand service to markets such as Dallas, Denver, Sacramento and Salt Lake City.
We continue to have excellent cooperation with the City of Carlsbad leaders. Mayor Bud Lewis, the city council and city staff recognize the benefits of Palomar Airport and work closely with our public works director, John Snyder, County Airport Director, Peter Drinkwater and Palomar Airport Manager Willie Vasquez and his assistant Olivier Brackett.
There is a huge economic “Cha-Ching” from Palomar Airport, bringing in more than $108 million to the local economy. However, it is more than dollars and cents. Palomar is a prestigious gateway to and from San Diego's North County. Its proximity to business and recreation has attracted major corporations to our region and with world-class resorts just minutes away, it brings thousands of tourists to North County. We put an even bigger smile on their faces when they find out there is currently no charge for parking.
Palomar Airport is also a key to the County's commitment to disaster preparedness, providing a central point for bringing in emergency supplies or evacuating people during a crisis.
For 50 years, Palomar Airport has been taking us to new heights.
The airport is home to nearly 400 aircraft, ranging from small fixed-wing, single-engine planes to sophisticated, state-of-the-art corporate jets. In 2006 there were more than 200,000 operations at Palomar.
Currently, the airport is in the middle of a $24 million improvement and modernization. Ten projects have been combined into one integrated project that includes a new terminal building, restaurant, federal inspection facility, terminal access roads, terminal apron, vehicle parking lots, automated parking lot control systems, passenger movement facilities, airport security system, taxiway, infield drainage and a blast fence. None of the projects will make the airport larger, just safer and more efficient. Once the improvement is in place approximately by the end of 2008, more than $1.25 million in potential new yearly revenue is expected.
Fifty years ago, the County of San Diego picked Carlsbad as the site to replace the Del Mar Airport. Del Mar may be where the “surf meets the turf,” but it was decided that airplanes needed to meet the runway somewhere else. A year later, construction began and the new airport opened in Carlsbad for daytime operations on March 20, 1959. The airport is named for aviator Gerald McClellan, a North County community leader and at one time, president of the Carlsbad Chamber of Commerce.
In 1960, Palomar Airport's terminal building was constructed, 1961 the airport runway was extended to 4,700 feet, and in 1962 the terminal was expanded.
An FAA control tower became operational in March 1973, followed in 1977 with an instrument landing system and installation of approach lights. A year later in 1978, the City of Carlsbad annexed the airport into its fold. In years to come, regularly-scheduled commercial jets would begin serving Palomar and several ambitious building programs enhanced the facilities, including the one that is currently in progress on the airport's 487 acres. The upgrades may help attract more airlines and possibly expand service to markets such as Dallas, Denver, Sacramento and Salt Lake City.
We continue to have excellent cooperation with the City of Carlsbad leaders. Mayor Bud Lewis, the city council and city staff recognize the benefits of Palomar Airport and work closely with our public works director, John Snyder, County Airport Director, Peter Drinkwater and Palomar Airport Manager Willie Vasquez and his assistant Olivier Brackett.
There is a huge economic “Cha-Ching” from Palomar Airport, bringing in more than $108 million to the local economy. However, it is more than dollars and cents. Palomar is a prestigious gateway to and from San Diego's North County. Its proximity to business and recreation has attracted major corporations to our region and with world-class resorts just minutes away, it brings thousands of tourists to North County. We put an even bigger smile on their faces when they find out there is currently no charge for parking.
Palomar Airport is also a key to the County's commitment to disaster preparedness, providing a central point for bringing in emergency supplies or evacuating people during a crisis.
For 50 years, Palomar Airport has been taking us to new heights.