Short Term Plans

On an annual basis, Arizona airports submit a five year capital improvement plan to both the FAA and ADOT Aeronautics. The first FY 2010 year projects under consideration are the dust, weed, and erosion control of the runway and taxiway shoulders. The dust, weed, and erosion control will provide an added measure of safety and reduce the possibility of aircraft damage from foreign object debris. The next project is the installation of additional security measures along the north and west airport property lines.

The current blast fences off runway 19 have been identified by the FAA as high priority issues needing relocation and reconfiguration due to the control tower line of site and lying within the object free zone. This project is scheduled for FY 2010.

Two studies are listed to be completed one an environmental study for the acquisition of property north of runway 19 approach which is required prior to an offer being made on the property. The second study is the commission of an airport capacity study which is the result of an agreement with the east side land donor to determine if a parallel runway is needed.

Additional short term plans include new environmental documentation for the development of the eastside. Relocation of the ramp light poles to the apron perimeter which will increase airplane safety by clearing the ramp of potential hazards. An update to the master plan is recommended for 2013. The last project for 2013 is an Engineered Material Arresting System installed beyond the both runway ends for aircraft overruns.

Long Term Plans

Long term plans include a new taxilane on the east side of the current runway with new taxiways leading to a northeast corporate hanger area, central transient ramp, and south hangar development. The last item in the long term plan is the replacement of the existing control tower.

Based Aircraft Forecast

The master plan forecast estimates a 55% growth in based aircraft by 2025. The fleet mix indicates that 20 jets and historic war birds could be based at the airport in the next 15 years. The FAA projects that business jets will be the fastest growing general aviation aircraft type in the future. The introduction of very light jet (VLJ) will likely attract buyers who might otherwise purchase a turboprop due to similarity in cost. The Glendale Airport is very well positioned to attract this market because of its general aviation facilities, airport terminal building, adequate runway length, and the airport traffic control tower.

Annual Operations Forecast

Overall itinerant operations for towered airports in the US has declined slightly since 9/11, however Glendale Airport has experienced over 40% growth through 2006. The 2007 through 2009 statistics reveal a decline in operations due to the slow economy, however the fifteen year forecast is still optimistic at over a 40% increase. Business jets are anticipated to show the most growth, reflective of what is happening in the industry. The increase is also based on the continued increase in flight training, on demand charters and projected increase traffic for the sports venue.