The Scottsdale Airport has a rich history that dates back to World War II! It's never been a commercial airport, but is an International Airport. Pictured above are all Hall of Fame recipients for 2023.
Originally known as the Thunderbird Airfield #2, this airport included an airstrip, hangars, classrooms and dormitories. The airport was a training field for 5500 Army pilots from 1942 - 1944.
The Scottsdale Airport has made improvements over the years as private plane owners arrive for all of the major events held in Scottsdale. According to this article from Airport Improvement Magazine, In 2019, a 23,800 square foot Aviation Business Center opened htat includes a new restaurant, airport administration offices, Thunderbird Veterans Memorial, two banquet spaces, US Customs and Border Protection offices, and Civil Air Patrol Offices.
In 2022, the airport underwent major renovations to keep up with FAA standards and also to remedy the issue of planes waiting in line to take off. $5.4 million in Federal grants were used to improve "airport runup areas" according to this article from KTAR News. Those improvements were just in time for this year's very heavy airport traffic!
The airport exists without City of Scottsdale funding and has enjoyed MUCH success. During the Super Bowl and Phoenix Open of 2023, the airport "managed 490 jet operations in less than 24 hours!
Please reach out to me if you're interested in a tour of the airport!
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