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You are in: Transportation > A Tradition of Performance > KC International Airport

  King County International Airport
 


About the Airport

Celebrating more than 75 years of service, King County International Airport’s (KCIA) contribution to the region dates back to 1928, when it opened as the region’s principal municipal airport. KCIA is designated by the Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) as a Primary Commercial Service Non-Hub Reliever Airport

Photo:  King County International Airport

With two runways (3,710 feet and 10,001 feet in length) and four fixed-base operators, KCIA, also known as Boeing Field, supports more than 311,000 operations annually and provides all the facilities and services necessary to support jet and propeller-driven aircraft and helicopters 24 hours a day, 365 days a year – in all weather conditions. Scheduled passenger flights bound for regional destinations and air cargo carriers also operate out of KCIA. The airport has a rich history that has helped shape what it is today – one of the most significant economic engines in the region.

The airport provides quality facilities to its tenants and users, and continually strives to be a good neighbor by working with pilots and communities to minimize noise. In 2001, the National Air Transportation Association (NATA) selected KCIA as one of the “100 Most Needed Airports” in the United States.

Photo:  Airport trafficIn 2003, KCIA ranked 13th in the nation for the total number of general aviation operations. It is home for more than 500 aircraft and 150 businesses including commercial airlines, aircraft manufacturing, airfreight companies, aircraft service and repair, flight schools, charter operations and helicopter services. The airport is also home of the Boeing Company’s 757 and 737 aircraft flight-test program along with other operations. The Museum of Flight also calls the airport home, with a wide variety of aircraft and exhibits showcasing aviation history. KCIA is frequently host to celebrities and dignitaries – including the President of the United States – who prefer to use the airport due to its proximity to the downtown Seattle and commercial areas.

Safety and security go hand in hand at KCIA, and the airport makes it a top priority to protect property and provide high-quality services to ensure safe operations. The airport Air Rescue and Fire Fighting (ARFF) unit provides life-safety support through aircraft rescue, firefighting and security services. While under the direction of the airport director, these services are contracted from and coordinated with the King County Sheriff’s Department.

Unlike other divisions in the Department of Transportation, KCIA does not receive general tax dollars. It is completely supported by user fees such as rents. The airport contributed more than $1.6 billion to the Puget Sound economy in 2002. This figure represents an increase of some $170 million since 1998. In 2003, the operating budget was $10.2 million, and capital expenditures totaled slightly more than $5.8 million.

Recent Accomplishments

KCIA has successfully responded to a number of major challenges. When the Nisqually Earthquake shook the region in February 2001, KCIA suffered significant damage to runways and the air traffic control tower. Emergency repairs were made quickly to both the airport’s runways and taxiways. Despite estimates that the work would take as long as six weeks, KCIA staff and contractors had both runways repaired and operational in just 15 days, saving airport tenants thousands of dollars in operational costs.

In 2002, the airport rehabilitated its secondary runway, which involved resurfacing and installing additional aircraft guidance signs. Major improvements were also made to the Air Traffic Control Tower, which included seismic upgrades to the tower’s structure.

Photo:  General aviationTo provide additional general aviation access at KCIA, the airport added more hangar space to accommodate additional private aircraft. The Northeast T-Hangar area now features 22 new individual stalls, while a total of 28 private hangars and 18 tie-down stalls have been constructed in the Midfield Airpark area.

Placing emphasis on advanced technology at KCIA is an ongoing commitment that influences all programs and services at the airport. Technology improvements are evident in control tower and pilot-navigation aids, safety and security efforts, noise-monitoring systems, along with facility upgrades and new construction.

KCIA recently launched a “Fly Quiet” program for pilots operating out of the airport. That outreach effort includes mitigation and pilot education to reduce aviation noise in local communities. The program complements efforts already in place that encourage residents in nearby communities to help KCIA monitor and identify noise problems. The airport is also committed to identifying ways to mitigate impacts on affected residences and schools within high-noise areas.

Community outreach efforts have been blended with local interests through a variety of public events and education programs. For example, KCIA staff and tenants support educational institutions such as Aviation High School and Opportunity Skyway, which expose students to job, career and recreational opportunities in aviation.

2003 In Review

Significant accomplishments in 2003 included:

Graphic:  Bullet Economic Impact Study – Staff published a study to document the significant economic impacts of KCIA on the local economy. The study updated key economic data that was last tracked in 1998.

Graphic:  Bullet New Director – Robert I. Burke, AAE, took over the controls as the new KCIA director in March 2003. Burke brings with him an impressive background in military and private aviation operations.

Graphic:  Bullet Pilot Noise Education – Airport staff began an ongoing “Fly Quiet” program to educate pilots using Boeing Field on techniques to reduce noise on landings, takeoffs and approaches.

Graphic:  Bullet Security Upgrades – Staff implemented sweeping new security measures, including the formation of a new Operations and Compliance Unit to oversee the airport’s safety responsibilities.

Photo:  Renovated KCIA terminal buildingGraphic:  Bullet Terminal Renovation – KCIA completed a major renovation of its historic airport terminal building in 2003, which was originally constructed in 1930. The project was completed just in time for King County International Airport to hold a public celebration marking its 75th anniversary.

Looking Ahead

Safety, security and infrastructure improvements are the key elements of the airport’s focus for the coming years. The airport is also conducting a comprehensive review of airport operations and financial plans to better position it to meet the region’s future aviation needs. Despite the challenges to the aviation industry in the wake of 9/11, KCIA has seen an increased demand for airport facilities in recent years. The airport is now looking to the future to evaluate how it can best meet growing demand and guide airport development. KCIA’s goal is to provide the broadest mix of aviation uses, while allowing flexibility to respond to changing market needs and efficient use of scarce airport property.

KCIA anticipates it will begin implementing a noise insulation program made possible by a federal effort known as the Part 150 Noise Study in 2005. It is anticipated that the program will cost approximately $55 million – 90 percent of which will be funded by FAA – and take approximately 10 years to complete.

The airport’s capital improvement program for 2004 includes: conducting a feasibility study for a Ground Run-up Enclosure; construction of new tie-down spaces; more security improvements; an airport survey; a flight track monitoring system; and a runway area construction project that will provide added safety for larger aircraft.

2003 Division Summary
2003 Capital (CIP) total expended (includes debt service):  $5,811,678
2003 Operating total expended:  $10,264,626
Year-end Total Employees:  52.5
Division Director:  Robert I. Burke, AAE

How KCIA Is Funded
Land/Building Leases:  66.9%
Fuel/Landing Fees:  13.6%
County Rent, Utilities, Building Operating Reimbursements:  10.6%
Aircraft Tie Downs & Hanger Fees:  6.3%
Investment Interest:  2.1%
Miscellaneous:  0.5%

Where KCIA Money Goes
Capital Improvement Program:  38.5%
Business & Airfield Operations:  20.9%
Maintenance:  19.3%
ARFF (Aircraft Rescue & Fire Fighting):  14.1%
Engineering & Utility Costs:  6.7%
Community Relations & Education:  0.5%


 

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Updated:  September 30, 2004

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