The San Antonio Airport System has launched its strategic development plan, a two-phased process designed to stay in front of the increasing growth of air travel and the expanding air travel needs of the community and region.
The plan will focus on the next 20 years at the airport, and examine the suitability for growth and expansion in the next 50 years. The plan will inform development options regarding land use, facilities and the services required for the airport to accommodate projected population growth and prosperity of the San Antonio region.
Assisting the Aviation Department with the plan is WSP-USA, an engineering, professional services and planning firm. Community engagement will comprise a major part of this planning process.
Russ Handy, aviation director for the City of San Antonio, said, “This strategic development plan will be completely data-driven, with input from San Antonio residents and the regional community. Our airport is a driving force in our region’s prosperity and economic development, and this planning effort will allow us to take the lead in securing a prosperous future for San Antonio.”
The strategic development plan consists of two phases. Phase I of the planning process includes extensive interaction with the airport system development committee, which will offer recommendations on airport system development options to the community. The committee’s recommendations will both guide and provide focus for Phase II of the strategic planning process, which is expected to include identification and evaluation of potential airport expansion alternatives.
Phase II will produce an airport development and implementation plan, and a financial feasibility study.
Over the next few months, the airport will engage community and community stakeholders, neighborhood and housing groups, tourism and economic development organizations, local and regional businesses and government bodies.
Additional outreach activities include working group sessions, pop-up events, and additional presence at several SASpeakUp Community Days.
Community members and travelers are also invited to stop by any of the pop-up events scheduled between Aug 16 and Sep 1 to visit with the airport planning team, learn more about the strategic development plan, and provide input and comments via a survey.
The survey is also available online now until September 7 here.