Airport History: Under a Joint-Use Agreement with the U.S. Air Force, Los Angeles World Airports (LAWA) currently operates a passenger terminal on Air Force (AF) Plant 42 as Palmdale Regional Airport (PMD). Since the passenger terminal opened in 1971, several airlines have operated out of the airport but service has been intermittent and no scheduled service is currently available. In anticipation of the need for future airport capacity to serve the Antelope Valley and the Southern California region, LAWA began land acquisition in 1970 next to AF Plant 42 with the intention of constructing and operating a new large commercial service airport when demand warranted. About 17,750 acres of property is currently owned by LAWA.
Airport Role: As the population in the area grows, and capacity at existing airports in the L.A. Basin becomes restricted, it is hoped that PMD can grow to serve the local market demand and some of the regional demand for both passenger and cargo air service.
Airport Master Plan: : LAWA recently began the development of a new master plan for PMD which is scheduled to be completed in 2005. The plan will guide airport land use and development decisions through 2030 on both Plant 42 and on the adjacent LAWA property. The plan will be developed in three phases.
Phase I: Airport Requirements. During this first phase, the planning goals will be identified and data and documentation will be gathered on existing facilities, conditions and issues. Forecasts of demand for aviation services through 2030 will be developed and future airport facility requirements determined.
Phase II: Alternative Development Plans. During this phase, alternative airport development scenarios will be formulated and analyzed. One scenario will be selected as the preferred alternative that best meets the planning goals. Recommendations will be included for use of land not required for aviation purposes. A study of the local and regional roadway and rail systems affecting PMD will also be completed during this phase.
Phase III: Implementation Plan. This final planning phase concentrates on the development of a phased 25-year airport implementation plan that includes environmental analyses and assessments, preparation of the Airport Layout Plan, development of cost estimates and finalization of an Airport Capital Improvement Plan (ACIP) and financial implementation strategy.
Community Involvement: A public outreach and coordination program will support this planning effort in all phases. LAWA will be working closely with the City of Palmdale through the new Palmdale Aviation and Aerospace Commission.
Ongoing Marketing: LAWA has contracted with United Airlines to bring commercial airline passenger service in June 2007. LAWA is actively engaged in marketing the LAWA terminal facility at AF Plant 42. LAWA property adjacent to Plant 42 is also being marketed for the development of cargo and aircraft maintenance facilities.
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