Aspen airport expansion Question 200 asks voters whether or not to amend the Home Rule Charter, the county’s governing document, to divest the Pitkin County Board of Commissioners from its authority to expand or relocate the runway from its Jan. It Delivering you to an extraordinary experience in an extraordinary place, focused on a healthy and safe environment. That approval came late last month, though a 45-day public comment period remains open. Aug 29, 2017 · The long-awaited environmental assessment for the proposed expansion/upgrade of the Aspen/Pitkin County Airport has been released for public consumption. Opposition comes from locals with no financial gain from expansion. Presently, the size of the terminal, the 95-foot-wingspan restriction, curfew, and surrounding terrain are our community’s limiting constraints from the insatiable desire for Jul 23, 2023 · The Aspen-Pitkin County Airport is unique among commercial airports around the country, in so many ways, including the close proximity of mountainous terrain and the fact that it is the highest Oct 25, 2024 · Question 200 seeks to amend the Home Rule Charter to restrict county officials’ decision-making power regarding the expansion or relocation of any runway at the Aspen/Pitkin County Airport beyond the dimensions and locations that existed on Jan. continues to expand its footprint — from mergers and acquisitions to more skiable terrain and a new hotel in Snowmass Village — it also is banking on the proposed expansion of the local airport. Dec 29, 2024 · Airport facilities and operational profile Today, Aspen/Pitkin County Airport is one of the most important regional airports in Colorado, and offers a combination of commercial flights and facilities which support general aviation operations, including private charter flights. Oct 27, 2024 · The amendment will prohibit county officials from making decisions regarding the expansion or relocation of any runway at the Aspen-Pitkin County Airport beyond the dimensions and locations that existed on Jan. Aspen airport officials on Thursday reported it will begin receiving design proposals to expand its runway and revamp its terminal. There will also be a daily flight between L. May 23, 2025 · The Aspen-Pitkin County Airport’s upcoming overhaul of its runway, terminal and west-side general aviation infrastructure is expected to cost $518 million through 2029, prompting the county to Big changes are on the horizon for travelers coming in and out of Aspen. A. The county and the firms it has enlisted for the airport expansion project now will move forward with the public scoping phase concerning the two Jan 1, 2019 · Still, the question remains, where is the need to spend all this money on an airport perched at the western edge of the Continental Divide and serving a tiny rural ski town, particularly since it appears the major beneficiaries of the expansion would be the private aircraft carrying the uber-wealthy Aspen elite? Aug 14, 2020 · A mix of fresh thoughts and previously made arguments on the controversial topic of airport expansion marked Pitkin County’s first in-person public hearing in nearly five months at the Aspen Download the file, and learn the facts about the ASE's proposed runway extension. and real estate brokers. The airport terminal hosts six rental car operations, a year-round guest services operation, plus Jeddadiahs, a restaurant and gift shop. Sep 16, 2024 · We're hosting a Town Hall Meeting on the 2024 Aspen-Pitkin County Airport ballot referendums, taking place on Friday, October 4, at the Wheeler Opera House, to be broadcast on Sunday, October 6. Oct 6, 2024 · Aspen Daily News and Aspen Public Radio co-hosted an town-hall forum ahead of the Nov. An expanded runway might help traffic, but green groups are fighting the issue. Why Aspen would want all of that – and another 20,000 square feet – boggles the mind and the pocketbook. While I don’t profess to have definitive answers, I hope that data, rather than nostalgia, guides our decision-making on some of the key questions facing Aspen: airport expansion, housing and Mar 22, 2024 · A new group formed to fight the Aspen-Pitkin County Airport’s proposed runway projects to accommodate bigger planes says recent polling data shows 57% of county voters are opposed to the idea Track your flights in real-time at Aspen/Pitkin County Airport with the Flight Tracker tool. The runway is set to be shifted 80 feet to the west, increasing the separation from the runway centerline to the taxiway centerline to 400 feet. Now the FAA is saying only 100 feet is Nov 1, 2024 · Voters in Pitkin County are weighing in on the future of the Aspen/Pitkin County Airport on two different ballot measures. Plans are in the works for a new terminal area, the expansion of the runway system to accommodate larger future aircraft wingspans and the addition of a fixed-base operator on the west side of Nov 20, 2024 · It was a busy day for Pitkin County commissioners and Aspen-Pitkin County Airport staff Wednesday, as the Airport Layout Plan, 30-year fixed-base operator lease, and 2025 rates and charges were approved. Cost estimates for those plans, however, have swelled significantly Nov 6, 2024 · Pitkin County voters resoundingly supported the county in its decision-making authority over the Aspen-Pitkin County Airport, beating back a citizen-initiated ballot question that would have The Aspen/Pitkin County Airport (ASE) Modernization project is one of the most significant community initiatives in our region’s history. The vision committee is clear that it wants a cleaner airport, but there are real challenges to making that happen. Also, general aviation operations in 2021 reached their highest level since 2008. 12) says that a half-century of tenacious growth management has kept Aspen worth living in and visiting and remains our best hope for maintaining Aspen’s uniqueness. The centerpiece of the project is a new passenger terminal to better serve travelers, locals, and airport staff. Jan 12, 2024 · The Aspen/Pitkin County Airport is a growth facilitator for our valley-wide community. 7 metres). Nov 14, 2023 · ASE Modernization Timeline | Aspen/Pitkin County Airport, ASE Parking Parking is easy at Aspen/Pitkin County Airport Apr 6, 2024 · Congratulations to Gulfstream for just receiving Federal Aviation Administration certification for their G700 — their new jet with the largest “ultimate” cabin. The primary user of the airport at the time was the Aspen Institute, the forerunner to Aspen Airways. It may be the only one that calls to abort the landing at 3,000 feet. ” Oct 22, 2024 · This ballot question seeks to amend the Home Rule Charter to restrict county officials’ decision-making power regarding the expansion or relocation of any runway at the Aspen/Pitkin County Airport beyond the dimensions and locations that existed on Jan. And a 2018 EA says without mitigation, noise, flights and emissions either increase or stay about the same. 4 metres) west to meet Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) standards and will be widened from 100 feet to 150 feet (30. Mar 31, 2024 · No. Nov 6, 2024 · Pitkin County voters resoundingly supported the county in its decision-making authority over the Aspen-Pitkin County Airport, beating back a citizen-initiated ballot question that would have required subsequent votes on anything involving the relocation or expansion of the runway. The proposal was drafted in response to a Aug 9, 2025 · That means more passengers and more cargo potential for Aspen/Pitkin County Airport, along with improved reliability over the CRJ700s. It also clearly defines “runway. Oct 21, 2022 · The design process for a new terminal building at the Aspen-Pitkin County Airport could get started as soon as March or April of next year, county and airport officials said Thursday. Nov 1, 2024 · The FAA green-lighted Pitkin County's amended Airport Layout Plan after warning funding could be withheld if Question 200 passes. Even with passenger traffic more than 200 percent greater than Aspen, the 60,000-square-foot Santa Barbara airport seems excessively cavernous and out of scale, even in the morning when the airport is at its busiest. The goal of the master planning process is to provide general facility improvement guidelines that satisfy aviation demand while remaining compatible with the environment, other modes of Nov 7, 2024 · Voters opted not to take operational control of Aspen-Pitkin County Airport and place the county at risk of violating federal grant agreements. The request came from a nonprofit that was formed in opposition to the Aspen-Pitkin County Airport’s proposed expansion as outlined under the recent yearlong ASE Vision process. Airport Open House On May 22, 2023, the public attended an open house at the Aspen/Pitkin County Airport, which was temporarily closed for airfield pavement maintenance. ZGF Architects, a Portland-based national firm, beat out a field of 11 applicants to lead the project. Consultants studying future air service for Pitkin County predicted in 2013 and 2014 that air carriers would have retired half Nov 2, 2024 · The runway at the Aspen-Pitkin County airport may need to be moved 80 feet to the west if Aspen wants to accommodate the next generation of regional commercial jets and build a new FBO on the west side of the runway, which is to the left in photo, taken in April 2013. We are community funded and staffed by local volunteers. United Airlines will exclusively fly the aircraft on its Aspen routes this summer, confident that refurbished engines are powerful enough to overcome the airport’s challenging “density altitude” conditions. Jul 25, 2024 · Airport expansion foe Citizens Against Bigger Planes submitted ballot measure packets with what they said included 1,202 signatures of Pitkin County voters — nearly double the requirement to get Sep 18, 2024 · Regan Mertz/The Aspen Times A Whole Lot of People for a Better Airport held an Aspen airport panel discussion and Q&A Tuesday evening. (West Star). 5 election related to two ballot questions concerning the future of the Aspen-Pitkin County Airport. Suite A Aspen, CO 81611 Jan 20, 2023 · “During the ASE Vision process, when advocating for a wider runway, airport expansion supporters said that 150 feet was needed to keep the airport safe. ” The initial ballot title proposed by Pitkin I advocate for the Pitkin Board of County Commissioners to take a pause for a few years and then, with more information at hand, respond to the future. These efforts reflect Aspen One's Jun 25, 2012 · Join the dialogue about the Aspen Airport expansion - this Wed @ 530pm - tour of the airport followed by cocktails and Q+A - don't miss this fun opportunity to get informed and ask your questions! Mar 27, 2025 · Aspen, Colorado offers a variety outdoor mountain activities for tourists. He advocates for a more measured approach—pushing for a new, net-zero airport facility without opening up to larger planes. It Mar 13, 2024 · Regarding local control of our airport Fixed Based Operator, the core question is whether FBO revenues will suffice to cover the needs of our airport without Federal Aviation Administration grants. The project aims to set benchmarks for improving passenger health and wellness, bringing to life the core values outlined in the community-driven Common Ground She added that it is no secret that Pitkin County Staff is pro-airport expansion and the FAA is pro-airport expansion. The project Nov 6, 2024 · Ballot question 200 sought to amend the Home Rule Charter to restrict county officials’ decision-making power regarding the expansion or relocation of any runway at the Aspen/Pitkin County Airport beyond the dimensions and locations that existed on Jan. With a yes majority, the county can continue plans to modernize the Aspen-Pitkin County Airport. Oct 8, 2023 · Private planes usually get first dibs at an airport frequented by billionaires. Fixed-base operator lease The Aspen-Pitkin County Airport’s proposed fixed-base operator lease, which has been discussed for almost two years, was unanimously approved on Wednesday by the Pitkin County Board of Commissioners during Jun 6, 2024 · The group that is seeking to block relocation and expansion of the Aspen-Pitkin County Airport runway explains its strategy behind submitting three petitions to the county. In afternoon and evening open house sessions, members of the public visited with Airport Advisory Board members and airport staff about the potential redevelopment of the passenger terminal, airfield, and more. Airport Rd. This hour-long conversation features supporters and opponents of the issues. Expansion opponents argue widening the runway will lead to bigger planes coming to Aspen. The project also includes increasing the separation between the runway Oct 2, 2024 · Opponents of plans to transform the Aspen-Pitkin County Airport in a way that would allow larger jets to access it have fired a legal warning shot across the bow of county-sponsored ballot Oct 22, 2024 · Opponents and proponents discussed the pros and cons of shifting and widening the Aspen/Pitkin County Airport runway during a Monday Snowmass Town Council work session. A citizen’s group recommends expansion, but only if mitigation is included. Supporters of the airport expansion include Aspen Skiing Co. 4, Aspen Public Radio and Aspen Daily News held a community forum to discuss the future of the Aspen/Pitkin County Airport and the ballot initiatives voters will consider. The Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) requires an up-to-date and approved. • “The current airport state has continued to decline and it continues to be Aug 28, 2025 · The Embraer 175 aircraft is about to become the only aircraft that United will operate. Anderson urges a vote for question 200 and against 1C. 1 without voter approval. Aug 14, 2025 · The new terminal will replace an existing, aging terminal with a new structure that will better serve Aspen, Pitkin County, and neighboring communities for future generations – all while maintaining operations during construction. It is the Nov 2, 2024 · County-commissioned studies from a decade ago that predicted air carriers serving the Aspen-Pitkin County Airport would by now be phasing out the only commercial aircraft serving the market overstated the imminence of the CRJ-700’s retirement. It is the Oct 7, 2024 · This November, Pitkin County voters will consider two ballot questions on the future of the Aspen-Pitkin County Airport. Submit your questions now! Jul 10, 2025 · This page contains access to County Departments, Community Services, Aspen Airport information, Pitkin Sherriff’s Department, Business Resources, County Commissioner data, regional news, calendars and more. Over the next 18 months, a new terminal will be designed to reflect the community-led and values-driven “Common Ground Dec 4, 2024 · On a crisp December morning at the Aspen-Pitkin County airport, the first Embraer 175 landed, marking the beginning of SkyWest Airlines’ transition from the Bombardier CRJ-700. ” The wingspan restriction is required because the Airport is physically constrained and cannot satisfy all of the applicable Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) design standards. If passed, ballot question 200, a citizen’s initiative, would strip Pitkin County commissioners of their authority to change the size of the airport runway. Getting visitors to Aspen (and later to Snowmass) safely and conveniently was essential to connecting them to the renewal of mind, body, and spirit that defines the Aspen Idea. 21, 2023, Aspen Daily Latest News Aspen/Pitkin County Airport Announces Design Teams for Modernization Effort Read More Aug 13, 2025 · 970-618-8068 Pitkin County, CO (August 12, 2025) – Following years of planning and voter approval in November 2024, the Aspen/Pitkin County Airport (ASE) Modernization Program is moving into a new phase: Community-centered design. that serve mountain-resort destinations where such planes can land suggests there is relatively little demand for Pitkin County officials can to take the next step toward developing a new airport for Aspen thanks to a final vote by county commissioners Wednesday that capped hours and hours of debate about the future of the facility. Regarding the airport, growth (read: allowing Oct 22, 2024 · The first — 200 — asks voters to decide whether to amend Pitkin County’s home rule charter to specify that the Pitkin County Board of Commissioners does not have sole power to authorize the expansion or relocation of any runway at the Aspen/Pitkin County Airport beyond limitations that existed before Jan. Following voter approval in November 2024, the ASE Modernization Program is moving Nov 25, 2024 · This page contains access to County Departments, Community Services, Aspen Airport information, Pitkin Sherriff’s Department, Business Resources, County Commissioner data, regional news, calendars and more. Nov 8, 2024 · Aspen Residents Vote for County Control of Airport Ballot measure would have ceded decisions on runway expansion to residents Once Aspen has a new airport terminal and runway — perhaps by 2023 — the facility will not only be able to receive airplanes the size of 737s, it will be obligated to do so. While the airport needs a new terminal, we must also keep addressing the challenging geography, topography and mountain flying conditions with safety first in mind. The Airport will be updating Fly With Integrity as part of a modernization effort, and looks to integrate sustainability and air quality metrics into the Fly With Integrity program in the near future. Jul 11, 2025 · Despite widespread political support, Aspen Mayor Torre remains among the few elected officials opposing the airport expansion. The expansion project includes building a new 45,500 square-foot hangar and the lease of an additional 48,900 square feet of existing airport space. Oct 13, 2024 · Question 200: Airport Expansion and Relocation Restrictions This citizen-initiated measure proposes amending the Pitkin County Home Rule Charter to require voter approval for major expansions or relocations of the Aspen/Pitkin County Airport runway. The ALP update focuses on the application of the Common Ground Recommendations. More than 75 years later, the Aspen/Pitkin County Airport is as essential as ever. Aug 13, 2025 · Pitkin County Commissioners have moved forward with selecting a design firm and, on Tuesday, met with one of their chosen firms to begin discussions on the airport modernization's design goals, costs, and challenges. The Aspen/Pitkin County Airport (ASE) is preparing for a significant transformation, with a full runway closure scheduled from early March through October 2027. The fate of the Aspen-Pitkin County Airport runway, the airport’s layout plan, and the two airport-related November ballot questions were among the topics. Apr 16, 2025 · Aspen Snowmass is investing nearly $80 million into extensive infrastructure upgrades for Summer 2025, aiming to enhance guest access, sustainability, and overall experience. That has historically been a major issue for the airport. That’s because Pitkin County cannot afford to build the project without federal grant money and the Federal Aviation The Aspen/Pitkin County airport terminal is a 44,000 square feet (4,100 m 2) single-floor facility, which has undergone several renovations since its original construction in 1976. Nov 2, 2024 · The campaign against the plan to shift the Aspen airport runway and loosen a long-standing wingspan limit warns voters that doing so would invite a hoard of privately operated Boeing 737s and other bigger, older and dirtier aircraft. Here’s a sampling of the 81 statements submitted by residents who live inside and outside the county. With decades of conversation and planning leading to this moment, we are committed to ensuring that every step forward reflects the values and priorities of our community. Oct 21, 2024 · There’s a reason Walter Paepcke built an airport in 1948 as part of his reinvention of Aspen. The Aspen airport and Federal Aviation Administration approach chart shows one of the few airports that call for a go-around at 3,000 feet above ground. AspenFlyRight will soon report, with Jul 30, 2024 · For years now, residents and local leaders have wrangled over whether the Aspen/Pitkin County Airport should widen its runway. 5 to 45. The public was Nov 2, 2024 · The campaign against the plan to shift the Aspen airport runway and loosen a long-standing wingspan limit warns voters that doing so would invite a hoard of privately operated Boeing 737s and Aug 14, 2025 · Pitkin County is preparing to ask voters to approve a $340 million bond to fund the Aspen-Pitkin County Airport redevelopment. During the public approval process for lengthening the Aspen/Pitkin County Airport runway by an additional 1,000 feet in 2011, the public was repeatedly “promised” that the runway lengthening The ballot question will amend the Home Rule Charter, Pitkin County’s governing document, to restrict county officials decision making power regarding the expansion or relocation of any runway at the Aspen/Pitkin County Airport beyond the dimensions and locations that existed on Jan. The opposition is represented by two groups: Aspen Fly Right and Citizens Against Bigger Planes, which recently began a petition in an effort to put airport expansion to a OPPOSE ASE AIRPORT RUNWAY EXPANSION Voters in Pitkin County rejected a runway expansion by a 2-to-1 margin in 1995 for the same reasons as we oppose it today. Nov 6, 2024 · Following a projected win for Pitkin County’s airport-related ballot question 1C, several key airport topics were up for discussion during a Wednesday meeting. and Aspen. Ellen does not see anybody who’s going to be in that discussion who might be an advocate for not expanding. We follow science and fact to educate the public and advocate for the health and wellbeing of the people, environment, culture, and character of Pitkin County and our Valley. ” Discussions surrounding the need for air-side improvements at the Aspen-Pitkin County Airport regularly circle back to the issue of “scope clauses,” agreements between major airlines and the Apr 8, 2020 · A citizen's group recommends expansion, but only if mitigation is included. Alas, its wingspan is 103 Welcome to the Pitkin County Official Web Site. Jan 23, 2025 · Affordable housing, environmental integrity and ongoing issues over the entrance to Aspen and airport expansion are often debated in terms emanating from conflicting values, where community and quality of life compete with commercial development and economic growth. Dec 9, 2021 · The initial number of applications for the board — which is expected to deal with controversial issues related to the Aspen-Pitkin County Airport’s proposed expansion and improvements World-renowned physicist and Old Snowmass resident Amory Lovins is asking Pitkin County commissioners to call a “time out” on Aspen airport redevelopment, saying that the COVID-19 pandemic’s . 1, 2024, status without voter approval. The project’s centerpiece is a new passenger terminal to better serve travelers, locals and airport staff. The meeting focused on timelines, budgeting, and community impacts associated with the upcoming construction phases. The Aspen Airport's existing ALP was approved in 2016. American Airlines is starting a route from Charlotte’s airport to the city in the Rocky Mountains. This page contains access to County Departments, Community Services, Aspen Airport information, Pitkin Sherriff’s Department, Business Resources, County Commissioner data, regional news, calendars and more. I’m surprised the FAA would even approve a move 80 feet closer to the mountains and still have a safe approach for a Dec 17, 2014 · Airport expansion - what you’re saying Pitkin County officials did a community outreach effort this year to gauge community sentiment about possible changes and improvements to the Aspen-Pitkin County Airport. But how much longer the plane, which was last manufactured in 2011, can be expected to viably service the airport, known as ASE, for commercial May 3, 2024 · After nearly two hours of community feedback, Pitkin County commissioners passed a resolution on May 1 that suggests updates to the Airport Layout Plan for the Aspen-Pitkin County Airport, including a wider runway that would allow larger airplanes to land. I support terminal and runway rebuilds, but This page contains access to County Departments, Community Services, Aspen Airport information, Pitkin Sherriff’s Department, Business Resources, County Commissioner data, regional news, calendars and more. Following years of planning and voter approval in November 2024, the Aspen/Pitkin County Airport (ASE) Modernization Program is moving into the design phase. the county says it hopes to borrow less than the full amount. Dec 17, 2023 · A CRJ-700 moves across the taxiway at Aspen-Pitkin County Airport. What is concerning, however, is the collateral damage the project may do to what’s left of Aspen’s entrepreneurial spirit. The ballot question seeks to amend Article II of the county’s governing document, the Home Rule Charter, to reaffirm Pitkin County’s power to approve and carry out the layout plan for the Aspen/Pitkin County Airport, as well as the location and expansion of the airport’s runway. The ASE Vision Committee presents its plan, which includes an expanded runway and a new terminal, to Pitkin County Commissioners. 1. 1 without voter approval in their ballot question. “As the airport’s expansion plans develop, we are working closely with the airport on Aspen/Pitkin County Airport, ASE 0233 E. Fly Aspen Snowmass consultant Bill Tomcich and Aspen-Pitkin County Airport Director Dan Bartholomew highlighted the increase in local passengers in a presentation given during a Monday Aspen City Council work Feb 2, 2024 · Your gateway to Aspen's slopes: Colorado Aspen Airport guide with transport tips, airline info, and navigating the terminal for a smooth trip. Pitkin County Nov 2, 2024 · The runway at the Aspen-Pitkin County airport may need to be moved 80 feet to the west if Aspen wants to accommodate the next generation of regional commercial jets and build a new FBO on the west side of the runway, which is to the left in photo, taken in April 2013. Visit us at the Aspen / Pitkin County Airport. May 22, 2025 · The Pitkin County Board of County Commissioners (BOCC) held a work session on May 22, 2025, to discuss significant developments regarding the airport's renovation and expansion projects. The original facility consisted of a log cabin terminal building and a gravel runway. An Airport Layout Plan (ALP) is a high-level blueprint for the airport that depicts existing and anticipated future conditions. and Sun Valley and San Francisco and Sun Valley. employee rakes the features at the Buttermilk Ski Resort while a private jet prepares for takeoff at Aspen-Pitkin County Airport in the background. Jun 5, 2024 · Foes of runway expansion at Aspen-Pitkin County Airport filed proposed wording on Tuesday for three petitions that would force an election on airport issues. Local commissioners are criticized for undermining residents' decision-making abilities. Apr 16, 2020 · An Aspen Skiing Co. The session began with discussions on the demolition phase of the airport project, with Walter Paepcke and John Spachner founded the Aspen-Pitkin County Airport as a privately owned, public use gravel landing strip in 1946. Oct 30, 2024 · The Aspen-Pitkin County Airport expansion can be done without allowing the next class of larger aircraft and the negative impacts of the expansion. Jul 11, 2025 · The goal of the voter-approved Airport Modernization Program is to improve safety, enhance traveler experience, and advance environmental sustainability at Aspen/Pitkin County Airport (ASE). 1, 2024, without voter approval. That was the word Tuesday from Aspen airport Director John Kinney, who told Pitkin County commissioners the Federal Aviation Administration has approved an environmental assessment of Oct 7, 2024 · This November, Pitkin County voters will consider two ballot questions on the future of the Aspen-Pitkin County Airport. Aspen Fly Right is an independent nonprofit organization. Credit: Brent Gardner-Smith No layout plan? No environmental assessment? The Federal Aviation Administration will sever grant funding that supports critical Aspen airport airfield maintenance, according to an airport official. Anderson states, We are the backbone of this community. Apr 8, 2020 · The potential ripple effects to the Aspen community and the resort because of the airport’s expansion are even more difficult to quantify, but there will be “growth,” as the number of people flying into and out of the city is expected to increase by about 100,000, from 233,541 to more than 333,000. Most airports start their go-around at 1,500 feet. It means the present 44,000-square-foot terminal Jul 31, 2023 · On-demand and chartered private flights known as air taxis have gained popularity since the pandemic at Aspen-Pitkin County Airport (ASE), surpassing operations from commercial carriers at an airfield where general aviation and air taxis make up 80% of the flights. The runway will be shifted 80 feet (24. S. The Pitkin County-proposed Airport Layout Plan would shift the runway Jan 1, 2019 · Still, the question remains, where is the need to spend all this money on an airport perched at the western edge of the Continental Divide and serving a tiny rural ski town, particularly since it appears the major beneficiaries of the expansion would be the private aircraft carrying the uber-wealthy Aspen elite? Expansion Project The directors of the Grand Junction Regional Airport Authority (Airport Authority) board are considering a proposal to accommodate the expansion of West Star Aviation, Inc. Apr 16, 2024 · Opponents are concerned that a wider runway means bigger planes and more traffic in and out of Aspen, but a recent decision from Pitkin County commissioners to rebuild the runway 80 feet to the west might force the expansion. 1: In 2011, Jim Elwood, the Aspen-Pitkin County Airport director, gave permission to Gulfstream to allow the Gulfstream G-650 to land at the Aspen-Pitkin County Airport, knowing that it had a Oct 25, 2024 · More: What Aspen’s Airport Expansion Could Mean for Ski Towns Everywhere During peak holiday season, from mid-December to the first week in January, there will be twice-daily flights between L. Dec 9, 2015 · Pitkin County commissioners made a key decision Tuesday regarding the future of the airport by finalizing a short list of concepts for a new terminal. The mayor of Aspen was right to remind Pitkin County Commissioners of the potential long-term risks of an airport runway expansion (“Aspen mayor concerned about rough landing for airport plan,” Sept. In a narrative that’s all too Aug 14, 2025 · The design firm selected to lead the terminal reconstruction at the Aspen-Pitkin County Airport says it has a strategy for a climate-friendly project, but big financing questions still remain. The Embraer E175 is a pleasure to fly! Aspen Airport’s expansion drama Earlier this year, I wrote about the debate over Aspen Airport’s future. As Aspen Skiing Co. “Shall the Pitkin County Charter be amended to limit the powers of the County Board of Commissioners to authorize expansion or relocation of any runway at the Aspen/Pitkin County Airport beyond the runway dimensions and locations that existed on January 1, 2024, unless Pitkin County voters approve such expansion or relocation in accordance with the provisions of BOCC Resolution No Jun 27, 2024 · Here's why the future of Aspen Airport (ASE) is so uncertain, as locals oppose the airport being expanded, even if it's necessary. Mar 7, 2024 · Tom Melberg (Jan. Aug 6, 2014 · The Aspen-Pitkin County Airport is set to go through some critical upgrades during the next eight years. Specific components of the EA, two-and-a About Us Aspen Fly Right is an independent nonprofit organization. Nov 28, 2017 · Two weeks ago, the Pitkin Board of County Commissioners decided unanimously to submit the long-anticipated environmental analysis (EA) for the proposed expansion and upgrade of the Aspen Airport Jul 17, 2023 · Bob Maclean — As a long-term, part-time local resident, a pilot and an Aspen-Snowmass employee, I am absolutely opposed to the expansion plans at the Aspen-Pitkin County Airport. Data from other airports in the Western U. Aspen Fly Right is pro-airport but opposes overdevelopment and airfield expansion as harmful and Oct 24, 2024 · The FAA says that the Aspen-Pitkin County Airport runway widening is not required, but the commissioners have been pushed toward widening the runway and increasing the separation by county staff The nearly $100 million proposal to build a new terminal and runway at the Aspen-Pitkin County airport continues to make its way through local and federal bureaucracies. Oct 6, 2024 · On Friday, Oct. Aspen Fly Right is pro-airport but opposes overdevelopment and airfield expansion as harmful and needless Construction on a new passenger terminal at the Aspen-Pitkin County airport could begin in four to five years if all goes according to plan. May 27, 2025 · I am not worried about the airport expansion collapsing into a money pit. More locals are flying out of the Aspen-Pitkin County Airport, according to officials. Pitkin County commissioners made a key decision Tuesday regarding the future of the airport by finalizing a short list of concepts for a new terminal. The county and the firms it has enlisted for the airport expansion project now will move forward with the public scoping phase concerning the two Dec 3, 2024 · Another major improvement with this change is that the E175 has better avionics than the CRJ-700, which should reduce delays and cancelations due to weather. The next phase of Pitkin County’s plan to build a nearly $100 million new airport terminal and runway can begin. Nov 8, 2024 · Pitkin County voters took to the polls to vote yes on a measure reaffirming the county's airport authority. Aug 19, 2018 · A United spokesperson did little to dispute that when asked if the company plans to land 737s in Aspen. In 1999, the FAA approved modifications to design standards for the Jan 26, 2022 · The Sundeck on Aspen Mountain Skico recently gained approval from the County to offset the energy used in their snowmelt system at the Sundeck Restaurant on Aspen Mountain by installing batteries at their employee housing units at the Aspen Airport Business Center. The Program’s centerpiece is a new passenger terminal that will reflect the community-led and values-driven "Common Ground Recommendations" Airport and Pitkin County officials are moving forward with plans to relocate and widen Aspen’s runway and build a new 60,000- to 80,000-square-foot terminal now that FAA officials have approved an environmental assessment of the project. “This aircraft change isn’t just about a new look,” Delta said in a press release announcing the change on Friday morning. And a 2018 EA says without mitigation, noise, flights and emissions either increase or stay about the same Future Air Service Study Phase II Pitkin County Code prohibits the operation of aircraft with “a tip-to-tip wingspan of greater than 95 feet. Referendum 1C Oct 8, 2019 · The work of five committees tasked with developing a plan for the future of the Aspen-Pitkin County Airport continues, with one of the groups issuing a recommendation last week to proceed with The Aspen/Pitkin County Airport’s Master Plan is a guide to the airport’s needs, including the timing and cost for proposed improvements, an analysis of financing options, and a clear implementation plan. Unfortunately, this vital piece of Aspen Airport to expand runway and modernise terminal Aspen airport is set for major upgrades including a revamp of both its runway and terminal. Feb 9, 2024 · Lifting Congress’ approved 95-foot wingspan exemption at the Aspen-Pitkin County Airport defeats our community’s safeguard from over-tourism. Key improvements include high-speed chairlift upgrades, the complete rebuild of the Ullrhof dining venue into a modern, all-electric structure, and expanded snowmaking capabilities.