Pasco Real Estate Blog

No one can predict the future, but a consultant hired by the Port of Pasco says heavier usage in the coming years will require the Tri-Cities Airport (PSC) to expand so it can keep up with demand. What kind of changes does the consultant think are coming? Mead & Hunt aviation consultants foresees continued growth in passenger activity, a fifth airline coming in to serve the airport, and larger planes — like the Boeing 757 — replacing some of the smaller aircraft that airlines are currently using in Pasco.

All of this is documented in the airport’s master plan, which was recently updated thanks in large part to federal funding. It’s a long series of PDF documents that I found quite interesting, but if you don’t have time to read through it all, here’s my summary:

Recommended Upgrades/Changes (not a complete list)

• Extend the two primary runways from their current 7,700 feet length to 9,170 feet
• Increase runway pavement strength
• Acquire property at the ends of existing primary runways
• Expand terminal building to allow space for a fifth airline ticket counter
• Redesign the ticket counter and baggage handling area
• Add additional car rental counter space
• Add another walk-through metal detector at the security checkpoint
• Add another jet bridge boarding gate (where you walk up the ramp directly onto the plane)
• Add concessions in main/secure terminal (already planned)
• Add more bathrooms in main/secure terminal
• Expand parking space availability (already in progress)

The plan doesn’t suggest expanding the check-in lobby because more travelers are doing check-in from home via the Internet, and more are flying with carry-on luggage that doesn’t require airline handling. It also doesn’t suggest an expansion of the baggage claim area or capabilities.

You can download the full report here (again: recommended), or just wait until this winter when airport officials are planning a public workshop to talk about the master plan.

Thanks for reading this article on the Pasco Real Estate Blog. If you arrived here looking for specific real estate information, or would like to speak with a friendly, fun, professional, and low-pressure real estate agent, please contact Cari via her web site or call her directly at 509 – 430 – 5342 and she’ll be glad to help. Thanks again for visiting!