Skagit Regional Airport: A Key Economic and Business Asset for Skagit County

Driving Economic Growth Through Aviation

Skagit Regional Airport is more than a transportation hub; it is a crucial economic engine for Skagit County. Serving private and commercial aircraft, the airport plays an essential role in business aviation, logistics, and emergency response. 

According to a 2022 Economic Impact Study conducted by BST Associates, the Port of Skagit supports nearly 500 jobs in the aerospace and airport services industries at Skagit Regional Airport and the adjacent Bayview Business Park. 

Linda Tyler, communications director at the Port of Skagit, emphasizes the airport’s economic importance: “Skagit Regional Airport is designated as an essential public facility and is considered a necessity by businesses operating at Port properties. Its economic benefits include connectivity with other regions, which is critical for attracting new businesses and retaining those already established in Skagit County.” 

Additional direct impacts measured within the BST Associates study include $15.1 million in income and $40 million in business revenue at Skagit Regional Airport in 2022.

In addition to its economic impact on our region, the airport supports vital community services such as search and rescue operations, medical transport, and emergency disaster responses. 

Key Advantages of Skagit Regional Airport

Skagit Regional Airport stands out as one of 20 regional airports in Washington state due to its prime location and potential for growth. Positioned between Seattle and Vancouver, B.C., the airport provides strategic access to a population of 6.5 million people. The absence of commercial airline traffic allows business travelers to enjoy greater efficiency and speed.

“The airport’s location is ideal for business,” says Tyler. “Skagit Regional is connected to Bayview Business Park and is surrounded by over 500 acres of buildable industrial land. These advantages and complementary infrastructure  support a variety of industries that  rely on aviation for transportation and commerce.

Adding  U.S. Customs and Border Protection Services in 2019 has enhanced the airport’s capacity to accommodate international business flights, further increasing its appeal to diverse industry sectors.

The airport also serves as a gateway to tourism destinations, such as North Cascades National Park, the San Juan Islands, and the Skagit Valley’s renowned agricultural area. Future Development: Preparing for Growth

Since 2010, the Port of Skagit has overseen a series of projects, totaling more than $39 million in capital improvements at Skagit Regional Airport. These enhancements, primarily funded through federal and state grants, include runway rehabilitation, safety upgrades, and infrastructure improvements to support larger business jets. With these upgrades, the airport can now handle Approach Category C and D aircraft, representing the largest business jets currently utilizing the facility.

“With the completion of these infrastructure projects, Skagit Regional Airport is well-prepared for growth in domestic business traffic over the next 20+ years,” says Tyler. “The airport has also seen significant private investment recently through eight development projects, resulting in new hangars and expanded aviation businesses.”

The Port is looking to further enhance airport capabilities in its five-year Capital Improvement Plan. Upcoming projects include acquiring snow removal equipment for winter operations and overlay of primary Runway 11-29. Longer term, the Port is planning a 1,500-foot extension of Runway 11. This expansion will facilitate longer-range departing flights, making Skagit Regional Airport an even more attractive option for business aviation and economic development.

A Strategic Asset for Skagit County’s Future

Skagit Regional Airport is essential to the region’s economic development, providing critical infrastructure for business, industry, and emergency services. As Skagit County continues to grow, the airport’s role as a driver of investment, job creation, and connectivity will become more significant. With ongoing improvements and strategic planning, Skagit Regional Airport is poised to remain a cornerstone of regional economic development for decades.

Join Us in Supporting Skagit Regional Airport’s Growth!

Skagit Regional Airport is a vital asset for our community, driving economic development, business expansion, and essential services. As Skagit County continues to grow, so does the need for strategic investments in our regional airport. Stay informed, get involved, and support initiatives that strengthen our local aviation infrastructure. 

Visit our website, call us at 360-336-6114, or email us at office@skagit.org to learn more about how we can work together! The contact number for the Port of Skagit is (360) 757-0011.