Our newsletter is a little late this month — pardon our delay. We were waiting for things to settle down with our construction project before giving you the latest and greatest.
As you hopefully know by now, we are over the initial hump of our entrance, exit roads, and parking lot project. The new entry/exit system was implemented on June 5th, and the newly reconfigured upper parking lot opened on June 7th. Currently though, there is still work being done. As mentioned in our project social media blasts, the arrival of the new parking lot equipment was delayed for over a month. This delayed the implementation of the automated credit card two lane exit system. Also, some of our new wayfinding and signage was delayed. Lastly, the ADA ramp between the upper and lower lots is also behind schedule.
Good news is, as I write this newsletter, all remaining work associated with the new access roads and parking lot should be substantially complete by the 4th of July holiday. Overall, we have received very positive feedback regarding the changes; and once you visit the airport and experience the new configuration, you’ll quickly find it’s not difficult to navigate.
Phase II of the project will include construction of the new air carrier apron parking spot. A portion of the new retaining wall has been completed as part of Phase I. Crews will reduce significant work the week of July 4th and resume full swing after Labor Day. Visitors to the airport shouldn’t be impacted by the next phase.
As usual, please check our website for updates. Thank you for your patience throughout the project!
Aviation activity wise, our summer air service schedule began on Friday, June 8, swinging into full gear as of June 29, with a full schedule with Alaska, Delta, and United airlines service. On the general aviation front, our annual “fly-in” event (those of you who have been in the Valley long enough know what this is code word for…) begins on Tuesday, July 10, and ends Sunday, July 15. We are expecting about the same level of traffic as last year.
Starting with this newsletter, we are once again featuring our “Turn” series. Here in the Valley, there are countless adventures and fun activities to participate in during the summer. For many, the airport is where it all begins. Over the next couple of months, we will highlight community event opportunities in our communities of Hailey, Ketchum/Sun Valley, and Bellevue.
The last couple of years have flown by. Although it’s hard to believe, I have been the SUN Airport Manager for two years. I can’t tell you how fortunate I feel to be a part of this airport and community. Between the Airport staff, Airport Board, our tenants, customers, and the community, you are all some of the best I have had the opportunity to interact with in my 24-year airport career. The staff and myself will continue to work hard to ensure a safe, efficient, and neighborly airport for you and visitors alike.
Speaking of good people at the airport and in the community, I had our communications team interview Chelsey. I think she is our longest tenured airline employee at the airport. If you have flown Alaska Airlines to/from SUN, you have likely crossed paths with Chelsey. I hope you enjoy her story.
Happy 4th of July! Please enjoy the beginning of summer. We’ll send you another update in August.
Sincerely,
SUN Airport Manager
