Airport Business Plan and Impact Study Presentation

City of Chandler — Work Session (2024-11-04)

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Airport 
Business 
Plan & 
Impact 
Study
City Council Work Session
November 4, 2024

Council Focus Areas
Connectivity
• “Forward-thinking 
transportation & technology 
networks with…multi-modal, 
integrated options to access 
Chandler’s employment 
corridors, local destinations 
and connections with Valley 
cities.” 
Economic Vitality
• “Strategic economic 
development with…A 
modern airport that supports 
business aviation and airpark 
area development.”

•
17th busiest GA airport in US 251,000+ operations
-
48th busiest airport in US
-  6th busiest airport in Arizona
-
“Regional Reliever” classification by FAA
•
Two parallel runways (4,870 ft. and 4,401 ft.)
-  Only public airport in Maricopa County with runways <5,000 ft.
-
One of three GA airports in Maricopa County with two runways
Facility Overview

Chandler Airspace

Chandler Airport’s Reach

Facility Overview
Category
Quantity
Land Area
~550 acres
Total Building Square Footage
~465,000 sf
Based Aircraft (as of 8/7/2020)
443
City-owned Hangars
116
City-owned Open Tie Downs
233
City-owned Shaded Tie-Downs
12
Privately-owned Hangars 
141

• ~100 unleased, developable acres
• ~20 acres on the north
• ~80 acres on the south
Facility Overview

Aeronautical businesses include:
oFlight training
oFixed base operator
oCharter services
oAircraft repair & maintenance
oAircraft sales
oAircraft avionics
oAircraft rental
Facility Overview

oPredominately flight training, private recreational flying and business aviation
oAnchors the Chandler Airpark, second largest employment center in Chandler 
oOne of the busiest contract control towers                                                                                 
in the nation
oTower is owned and maintained                                                                                                
by Chandler
oLarge heliport
oSeven Airport staff
oThree in Business & Administration
oFour in Operations & Maintenance
Facility Overview

AGENDA
Airport Projects Overview
Airport Strategic Business Plan
Community Impact Study

Airport Projects 
Overview
Past Projects
•2020 Airport Master Plan
•2021 Airpark Area Plan
•2020 Bond Projects
•Replace Tower Transceiver Radios
•Wildlife Exclusion Fence
•ADOT Pavement Maintenance (multiple phases)
•Taxiway C Rehabilitation
•Control Tower Internet
•Terminal Renovations
•Terminal Sewer Replacement
•North Terminal Apron Rehabilitation – Phase 1
•Runway & Taxiway Safety Area Infield Drainage 
Improvements/Low-Flow Channel
•Control Tower Signage
•Hangar Electrical System Upgrades
•Gate Access System Replacement
Current Projects
•Airport Strategic Business Plan
•Runway Community Impact Study
•K&K Environmental Remediation
•Taxiway B Extension - Phase1
•Taxiway C Electrical Replacement
•West Facilities Upgrade
•Aircraft Observation  Area
•Airport Operations Garage
•Airport Weather Observation System
•Former Heliport Redevelopment
•2021 Bond Projects
•Cooper Road/Insight Way Collector
•Airport Fuel Tank Replacement
Future Projects
•Hangar Area Pavement Reconstruction
•South Runway Rehab
•Private Hangar Development  
•North Airfield Lighting Replacement
•Replace Precision Approach Path Indicators
•North Runway - Runway End Lights 
•Armory Ramp Rehabilitation – Phase 1
•Armory Ramp Rehabilitation – Phase 2
•North Terminal Apron  Rehabilitation – Phase 2
•Reconstruct North Terminal Taxilane
•Reconstruct San Tan Apron Phase 1
•Reconstruct San Tan Apron – Phase 2
•Reconstruct Heliport Pavement
•Construct Taxiway Connectors

Past Airport CIPs

Replace Tower Transceivers

Wildlife Perimeter Fence

“Bump” Gates Installation

Annual Pavement Maintenance

ADOT APMS Grant Pavement Sealing

Current Airport CIPs

Future Airport CIPs

West Facilities Upgrade

Hangar Area Pavement

November Loop Hot Spot

ADOT Grant - Taxiway Bravo Extension
o100% ADOT Grant

FAA Grant – RWY 4R-22L Rehabilitation

AGENDA
Airport Strategic 
Business Plan
Project Overview
SWOT Results
Market Analysis
Mission, Vision, & Values 
Statements
Financial Analysis
Goal Setting
Next Steps
Community Impact 
Study
Airport Day
Project Overview
Project Approach
Stakeholders
Phasing Plan

AIRPORT 
STRATEGIC BUSINESS 
PLAN

Airport Strategic Business Plan
 - Introduction -
In essence, a Strategic Airport Business Plan transforms the 
Mission and Vision for the Airport into specific Goals, 
Objectives, and Action Plans for each functional area of the 
Airport.
A Strategic Airport Business Plan uses a logical and 
disciplined structure to set out the mission, vision, values, 
goals, objectives, and actions plans that drive the day-to-
day management of the Airport.

Airport Strategic Business Plan
 - Reasons for a Business Plan -
Generate 
More 
Revenue
Reduce or 
Eliminate 
Expenses
Secure More 
Funding
Rely Less on 
Subsidies
Create More 
Jobs

Financial Analysis
- Recommendations -
AIRPORT BUDGET 
OVERVIEW

Financial Analysis
- Recommendations -
AIRPORT BUDGET 
– CAPITAL –

Financial Analysis
- Recommendations -
AIRPORT BUDGET 
OVERVIEW

Airport Strategic Business Plan
 - Reasons for a Business Plan -
AIRPORT BUDGET 
OVERVIEW

Airport Strategic Business Plan
 - Reasons for a Business Plan -
Since FY 2021, the Airport received $5,119,017 in FAA and ADOT 
capital project grants.
The City’s local match for these grants totaled $132,820 for a return on 
investment of 3,854% or more than 38 times the local match amount.

Airport Strategic Business Plan 
Elements
Mission Statement
Reason for the Airport’s 
existence
Airport core 
competencies
Vision Statement
Articulates aspirations
Picture of success
Values Statement
Outlines the Airport’s 
collective beliefs
Enduring and will not be 
abandoned.

Airport Strategic Business Plan
Elements
Goals
Help realize the Airport’s 
mission & vision
Objectives
Steps to achieve the 
Airport’s goals
Action Plans
Steps to achieve the 
Airport’s objectives

Airport Strategic Business Plan 
Airport Management Consulting Group
Council Approval on February 23, 2023
Phases
Phase I
Preparation
Phase 2
Development
Phase 3
Implementation
Strategic Airport 
Business Plan

Airport Strategic Business Plan
Elements
Education
Policymaker Buy-In
Determine Approach
Form Planning Team
Brief Planning Team

Phase 2
Development
Approach
Airport/Market Assessments (complete)
SWOT Analysis (complete)
Develop Mission, Vision, & Values Statements
Establish & prioritize Goals (complete)
Develop & prioritize Objectives (in progress)
Formulate Action Plans & Budgets (in progress)
Draft, review, & finalize the Plan
Obtain approval of the Plan

Steering 
Committee
Andy Bass, CoC, Deputy City Manager
Ryan Reeves, Airport Manager
Scott Rinkenberger, Airport Operations Manager
Chris Andres, Airport Planning Administrator
Michael Winer, CoC Economic Development
Terri Kimble, Chandler Chamber of Commerce
Thomas Mathew, Chandler Air Service
Neil Jones, Quantum Helicopters
Frank Setzler, Chandler Aviation
Chris Schuld, CHD Tenant & Local Business Owner
Chris Hawley, Chairman, CHD Airport Commission
Jared Yoshiki, Aircraft Owners & Pilots Association
Phil Derner, National Business Aviation Association

SWOT Analysis
- Outline -
Strengths & Weakness Elements (Internal to the City)
Airport Sponsor Organization
Airport Organization
Airport Finance
Airport Planning, Management, & Compliance
Airport Facilities & Improvements
Airside Land & Infrastructure
Landside Land & Infrastructure
Opportunity & Threat Elements (External to the City)
Airport Location
Airport Demographics
Market Demographics
General Aviation Products, Services, & Facilities
Community Environment
General Environment

All Airport Tenants canvassed through physical
and electronic means.
Timeline extended beyond our January 2024 
Airport Day Open House.
Responses:
39% from the Airport Sponsor, Elected
Officials, Management, or Staff
50% from Airport Tenant or User
11% from a Community Member
SWOT Analysis
- Results -

SWOT 
- Key Takeaways - 
Strengths
Airport Customer Service
Facility Maintenance
Airport Layout Plan
Land Availability for Development

SWOT 
- Key Takeaways - 
Weaknesses
Marketing Program
Aeronautical Rents
Hangar Availability
Runway Length
Runway Ordinance

SWOT 
- Key Takeaways - 
Opportunities
Proximity to Major Highways
Number & Type of Aircraft Operations
Aircraft Charter Operations
Local Economy
Airport Economic Impact

SWOT 
- Key Takeaways - 
Threats
Proximity to Residential Areas
Hangar Availability
Political Climate (local, state, & federal)
Capital Funding (local, state, & federal)

Market Assessment
- Key Takeaways - 
Economic Impact
58,600 out-of-state visitors
$11.5 million in visitor spending
479 total jobs
$20.7 million in employee earnings
$55.8 million in total impact to the state economy

Direct 
Competitors
Mesa Gateway
Falcon Field
Scottsdale
Deer Valley
Glendale
Goodyear
Casa Grande
Ak-Chin
Pegasus

Market Assessment
- Direct Competitors - 
Only 2 have less than 5,000-ft
runways
14,836 fewer average arrivals of 
air taxis or air carrier ops
17 less jets than average (8 total)
4th highest in operations
CHD’s size is 275 acres less
Closest to a 4-lane highway
117 more storage units (554 total)
Pricing & services commensurate

Market Assessment
-Indirect Competitors - 
McLellan Palomar
Yuma
Scottsdale
Tucson
Montgomery-Gibbs
Buckeye
Marana
Ryan
Coolidge

Market Assessment
- Indirect Competitors - 
2nd shortest runway length
2nd smallest property size
240 more aircraft (445 total)
22 less jets (8 total)
2nd most annual operations
1,337 more air taxi/air carrier 
operations (11,785 total)
230 more storage units (554 total)

-
The Flightpath Forward –
 - Council Input Needed - 
-
Mission  -
-
Vision - 
-
Values -

Mission & Vision Statements
- Drafts -
Mission
“Chandler Municipal Airport is a vibrant and accessible gateway for aviation, contributing
to the City’s economic growth. We promote superior products, services, and facilities; and
a culture focused on safety, efficiency, and a welcoming community spirit. The Airport is a
pivotal part of the region's transportation infrastructure and aims to deliver an
exceptional aviation experience.”
Vision
“Chandler Municipal Airport aims to lead the region in aviation, serving as a model in
safety, innovation, accessibility, and strong community ties. With an eye on responsible
development and embracing modern technologies, we plan to foster economic growth
and learning opportunities, strengthening the airport’s role as a vital community asset.
Our commitment to the Airport's future, informed by our general aviation legacy, will
guide us toward being a celebrated, inclusive space for all.”

Values Statement
- Draft -
Safety: Our top priority is the safety of the flying public and all airport users. We
pledge to uphold the highest standards of safety in every aspect of airport
operations.
Commitment: Through our commitment to serve all sectors of the general aviation
industry, we ensure Chandler Municipal Airport continues to be an indispensable
community asset.
Accessibility: We support uniform and equitable access to the airport for all
aeronautical activities, in strict adherence to local, state, and federal obligations.
Innovation: Embracing the future of aviation, we integrate innovative, regulatory
compliant solutions and new technologies to establish our airport as a leader in
forward-thinking practices.
Community: We forge strong connections with our local community, proudly
preserving our City's rich general aviation heritage and encouraging community
collaboration.

Strategic Business Plan
Next Steps
- Objectives -
Prioritize & Refine Objectives
“Must Do”
“Should Do”
“Would like to Do”
Identify Objectives Within Airport Areas
Organization
Operations
Marketing
Products, Services, & Facilities
Financial

Strategic Business Plan
Next Steps
- Action Plans -
Develop Action Plans & 
Budgets
Final Draft of the Plan
Obtain Council Plan 
Approval

Financial Analysis
- Recommendations -
RESTRUCTURING 
OF AIRPORT 
FINANCIAL 
STATEMENTS FOR 
BETTER ANALYSIS 
OF OPERATING 
PERFORMANCE
ADJUSTMENT OF 
FUEL FLOWAGE & 
ASSOCIATED 
AIRSIDE FEES
ESTABLISH A 
COMMON AREA 
MAINTENANCE FEE 
FOR TENANTS WHO 
BENEFIT FROM 
SAID AREAS
ENSURE ALL LEASE 
RATES REMAIN AT 
CURRENT MARKET 
VALUE

Financial Analysis
- Recommendations -
RESTRUCTURING 
OF AIRPORT 
FINANCIAL 
STATEMENTS FOR 
BETTER ANALYSIS 
OF OPERATING 
PERFORMANCE
Arrange financial reporting around revenue cost centers
Airside (runways, taxiways, apron, etc.)
Common Use Areas (Terminal, Landside)
Aviation Real Estate - Land
Aviation Real Estate – Improvements
Aviation Fuels
Allows for finite analysis of specific revenue cost centers vs
general operating costs across the facility.

Financial Analysis
- Recommendations -
ADJUSTMENT OF 
FUEL FLOWAGE & 
ASSOCIATED 
AIRSIDE FEES
To offset operating & non-operating expenses:
Increase the fuel flowage fees
CHD is at $0.10/gallon
Other airports range from $0.09 to $0.12/gallon
Increase commercial use permit fees
Percentage of annual gross revenue, or;
Scottsdale Airport
Percentage of hourly billable aviation activity
City of Phoenix Airports

Financial Analysis
- Recommendations -
ESTABLISH A 
COMMON AREA 
MAINTENANCE FEE 
FOR TENANTS WHO 
BENEFIT FROM 
SAID AREAS
Add a Common Area Maintenance Fee
Offset expenses for new property developments 
Applied to tenants who benefit from common areas
Based on individually leased properties
Cost divided on a per-square-foot basis
Variable & based on actual annual costs

Financial Analysis
- Recommendations -
ENSURE ALL LEASE 
RATES REMAIN AT 
CURRENT MARKET 
VALUE
Market assessments are historically sporadic
Perform regular regional aviation market assessments
Example: every 5 years with market adjustments
All City of Phoenix Airports & Scottsdale perform
regular market adjustments.
Assures property revenues keep pace with fair-market values

Next Steps
- Goals Draft-
Lease 30 acres of additional airport land for development, including the development of 100,000 sq-ft of aircraft storage 
facilities by 2029.
Lease
Increase revenues 15% by 2029, including the establishment and/or adjustment of market rents (for the lease of land & 
improvements) and cost-based fees (for use of the Airport).
Increase
Develop & implement a staffing plan with airport stakeholders for the continued safe operation of the Airport by 2026, 
especially to include operational coverage during Tower operating hours.
Develop & Implement
Develop & update the Airport’s Primary Management Compliance Documents (e.g., Rules & Regulations, Minimum 
Standards, Leasing Policy, Rents & Fees Policy, and Development Standards) by 2026.
Develop & Update
Complete the Community Impact Study by 2025 and revisit the extension of RWY 4R/22L by 2027.
Plan & Implement

“A Mile of Runway…”
The Impact of Runway Length

AIRPORT 
COMMUNITY IMPACT 
STUDY

- 2024 Airport Day -
First public “Open
House” in 7 years
Expected between
3,000 and 5,000
attendees
Between 8,000 and
10,000 attended
Highlighted every 
decade and type of 
flight at CHD
Reacquainted our 
flying to
community to our 
residential
community

MARKETING
& 
INDUSTRY
ENGAGEMENT

RWY 4R-22L Improvement
- Community Impact Study -
- What the Community Impact Study Means -
The Study is a long-term approach with a near-term objective of
illustrating the Airport’s need of a Runway Extension for
a safe,
efficient, and economically advancing community.
Through the Study, we will build lasting interconnected relationships
between
the
Airport
and
the
community
by
fostering
an
understanding of the Airport as part of Chandler’s critical community
infrastructure.

RWY 4R-22L Extension
-
Community Impact Study –
-
4-Phased Approach - Scope of Work - 
1. Establish
Research, Project Definition, & Study
Programming
2. Prepare
Conceptual Runway Design, Economic
Analysis, & Outreach Material
Development
3. Engage
Community Outreach, Information
Sharing, & Feedback Collection
4. Sustainability 
Ongoing Community Partnerships &
Support Implementation
We are here:

RWY 4R-22L Improvement
- Community Impact Study -
Project Kickoff Phase 1 – February 2024
Initial Inventory provided for Analysis:
Internal & External Stakeholders
All studies and plans, both completed and underway, to inform the scope
Qualitative & Quantitative questions to shape technical analyses.
Airport Noise Report history.
Comprehensive list of upcoming City events to frame Public Outreach.

RWY 4R-22L Improvement
-
Community Impact Study –
-
Phase 1- 
Establishing
Focus:
Proactive community engagement at the outset
Actions:
Preliminary Research
Project Definition
Study Programming
Timeline: Approximately 5 to 8 months in duration

RWY 4R-22L Improvement
-
Community Impact Study –
-
Phase 1 - 
Preliminary Research
Collect key background information on airport operations,
historical economic development, and known or perceived
development issues
Conduct a gap analysis & needs assessment of Airport 
marketing materials and outreach methods
Establish current impact of the Airport within the community
Analysis of policy, case studies, and recommendations for 
runway extension

RWY 4R-22L Improvement
-
Community Impact Study –
-
Phase 1 - 
Project Definition
Establish project team leaders, City, and internal
stakeholders
Hold a 1-day In-Person Workshop (NTP +45 days)
Stakeholder mapping
Issues Mapping
SWOT Analysis
Conduct up to 8 Interview Sessions
Policy Makers
Stakeholders
Key Officials

RWY 4R-22L Improvement
-
Community Impact Study –
-
Stakeholders - 
• Airport
• Mayor & Council
• City Manager
• Key Departments
Internal 
• Chandler Residents
• Airport Users
• Major Employers
• Community Businesses & Organizations
• Nearby Neighborhoods
• Aviation Enthusiasts
External

RWY 4R-22L Improvement
-
Community Impact Study –
-
Phase  1 - 
Study Programming
Complete a draft Study Program (NTP +120 days) outlining:
Communications & Informational Plan
Public Engagement Plan
Progress Checkpoints
Project Schedule (Phases 2 through 4)

Coordinated Timelines
Strategic 
Business 
Plan
Goal & Objectives 
Setting                      
(Early 2Q 2025)
Business Plan Draft 
(immediately after 
Goals & Objectives)
Early 2Q 2025
Final Business Plan 
Approval                  
(at Council discretion)
Projecting 3Q 2025
Community 
Impact 
Study
Preliminary Research 
(Early 2Q 2025)
Conceptual Design, 
Analysis, & Outreach 
(TBD based upon 
Phase I Findings)
Community 
Engagement        
(TBD based upon 
Phase I Findings)
Community 
Partnership 
Implementation 
(TBD based upon 
Phase I Findings)

THANK YOU!