Good News: Sonoma County Airport Is Growing and Planning for the Future:
Charles M. Schulz–Sonoma County Airport is experiencing record passenger growth and planning for the future, reports Jeff Quackenbush, North Bay Business Journal. Passenger traffic through July is up 10.4% over the same period last year, with July alone up 24.2%. Southwest’s arrival in April, along with additional routes and carriers, is helping make Sonoma County increasingly accessible to businesses, visitors and residents.
The airport is responding with investments in infrastructure, including construction that will expand aircraft parking positions from four to six, while planners look ahead to improvements to parking, roadways, rental-car facilities and eventually the terminal. Importantly, the airport is also pursuing new approaches to reduce aircraft noise and strengthen its relationship with neighboring communities.
Reliable, convenient regional air service is economic infrastructure. A stronger Sonoma County Airport makes it easier for employers to attract talent, for businesses to connect with customers and partners, and for visitors to reach the North Bay. It strengthens the North Bay's competitiveness and helps connect our region to markets throughout the West.
As we work to build a more resilient and competitive North Bay economy, investments that improve connectivity, infrastructure and quality of life are worth celebrating. The challenge and the opportunity is to make sure that growth continues in a way that benefits the broader region and remains a good neighbor to the communities around the airport.