Recently, members of the Cheyenne City Council were presented with the nearly finished 20-year master plan for Cheyenne Regional Airport. This plan is important because it outlines future growth, facility needs, and infrastructure improvements at the airport. It sets the direction for the next five, ten, and even twenty years.
Understanding the Master Plan for Cheyenne Regional Airport
Tim Bradshaw, the airport’s director of aviation, explained that updating the master plan is required every ten years. This planned update process takes about 18 months, and they are already three-quarters of the way through. Steven Derengowski, the director of innovation from InterVISTAS Consulting, shared detailed insights with the council members about what the plan includes.
Key Components of the Master Plan
Infrastructure requirements that need to be met.
Ways to enhance safety at the airport.
Engagement with stakeholders to gather input.
Optimizing airport land use for future growth.
Boosting operational efficiency.
Creating a program for financial sustainability.
Growth Projections for Cheyenne Airport
Derengowski pointed out that the plan includes two essential documents. One is the Airport Layout Plan, which illustrates the current airport layout and what it is expected to look like in 20 years. The other is a set of working papers that explain previous work done.
As part of the analysis, Derengowski presented a forecast of aviation demand, which relates to the socio-economic activities of the city and state. He showed a chart that highlighted historical growth from 2003 to 2023, showing that Cheyenne’s metropolitan area has done better than both Wyoming and the entire United States in terms of employment and economic output. However, personal income growth has not kept pace with regional and national averages.
Future Growth Expectations
Looking ahead from 2023 to 2043, Cheyenne is expected to have moderate population growth, and its economy is projected to grow as well. The forecast suggests that personal income growth in Cheyenne will be slightly above both regional and national averages.
Scenarios for Future Flight Services
Derengowski presented three possible scenarios regarding future flight services:
The first scenario keeps the current flight service to Denver, with a modest annual growth in passenger numbers of 0.5%.
The second scenario proposes starting a second hub in Texas by 2028.
The third scenario maintains Denver as the only hub but suggests using larger aircraft and increasing flight frequency starting in 2028.
Facility Needs for Cheyenne Airport
Derengowski also discussed the facility requirements needed to support these scenarios. They include:
Adjustments to runway lengths and widths.
Adding another baggage claim carousel.
Expanding the parking lot.
Building additional hangar space and a combined services building.
He mentioned that while the runways met standards when they were built, many of these standards have changed over time.
Revenue Opportunities for Cheyenne Airport
As the airport looks to the future, Derengowski identified five potential revenue opportunities:
Aerospace and aviation administration, like a fixed-base operator hangar and an air ambulance hub.
Advanced manufacturing and green energy initiatives, such as solar panels.
Technology and data applications, including cloud computing.
Logistics and airport support services, which may include paid parking.
Hospitality and retail, potentially adding a hotel near the terminal.
Landscaping Concerns Raised
After the presentation, Councilman Pete Laybourn raised a question regarding landscaping goals for the airport. He noted that the airport is situated in the city and has faced issues with maintenance in the past.
Derengowski responded that landscaping is not a focus of this master plan as it primarily deals with facilities. Laybourn expressed that while landscaping might not be part of the current plan, it is something to consider moving forward, especially if the airport plans to increase usage and attract more visitors.
Looking Forward: Completing the Master Plan
The Cheyenne Regional Airport’s master plan is set to be completed by March. This comprehensive plan aims to ensure that the airport can handle future growth while providing necessary facilities and services to the community.
