There’s more going on than planes flying in and out of King County International Airport! There are active construction projects now and more coming this spring and into 2021.
Modern Aviation is building two new hangars:
- Phase 1: 40,000 square feet hangar (completed by end of Aug. 2020) and
- Phase 2: 24,000 square feet hangar and 7,100 square feet of office space (completed by Dec. 2020)
The two new hangars will be located just south of Modern Aviation’s existing hangar and will be the same height as their existing hangar (28’ feet door). They replace three rows of old t-hangars.
Upcoming construction projects:
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Airfield Electrical Project – replacing and adding regulators for airfield lighting (Spring 2020)
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UPS Ramp Project – adding new in-pavement loading docks for loading of aircraft (Spring 2020)
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Large Aircraft Parking – demolishing the existing arrivals lobby and paving an open ramp (Jan. 2021)
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In a long-anticipated trip delayed two days by windy weather, Boeing’s new 777X took its first flight on Saturday, Jan. 25 from Paine Field in Everett. It landed about four hours later at King County International Airport (KCIA), after flight testing over Eastern Washington and a flight-to-flight photo session over Mount Rainier. The jet roared down the runway, leaving a trail of spray from the rain as it ended its journey.
Check out the video of the first flight.
At least 40 media representatives – videographers, photographers and reporters – stood in a roped-off area near the control tower to record the end of the historic flight. The plane is the world’s largest widebody twinjet, with a capacity of up to 425 passengers. It boasts folding wing tips new to commercial planes, but used frequently on military aircraft. The jet would be too wide to use many existing runways and airport gates if it weren’t for the folding wingtips. The plane was towed to a Boeing hangar for its official welcome and fanfare. As test pilots Van Chaney and Craig Bomben emerged from the aircraft, they raised their arms triumphantly to a roar of applause. The pilots beamed like schoolboys as they walked down temporary stairs to the waiting crowd.
In brief interviews with reporters, both test pilots used the words “amazing” and were bubbling with excitement.
"It was awesome, it was so much fun," said Bomben. "We would still be flying if we could. The airplane was solid, we had a nice trip around Mt. Rainier."
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"It's really emotional," Chaney said. "Because of all the employees. All the work they put into this plane."
Airport employees put in some extra work to welcome the flight, too.
“We’re proud to support this new Boeing effort,” said John Parrott, KCIA director.
The 777X will undergo intensive testing before the FAA will consider certifying it. Testing is always required for a new model plane or even a derivative of an existing aircraft like the 777X, but will likely be more rigorous due to the difficulties Boeing has faced with the 737-MAX. The first 777X is expected to be delivered in 2021.
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Nearly 40 people from the Issaquah Co-op Preschool, including 20 preschoolers and 19 parents, toured the Aircraft Rescue and Firefighting (ARFF) station recently (Jan. 23). The children, ages three to five, had a blast.
“They were encouraged to try on fire gear, sit in the fire trucks, tour the station and had snacks and bling for everyone, including their own fire helmet!” said Greg Thomas, Chief of the ARFF unit. “We all had a lot of fun.”
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Libby Chin, age 3 ½, sure did. She’s the daughter of Vanessa Chin, Business Information Management Manager at the airport, and a Boeing dad.
“The fire truck is so big and has so many buttons,” said Libby, whose favorite toys all have buttons. “I like my fire chief hat! It is similar to the Chief’s.”
“As soon we arrived at the ARFF Station her face lit up with the biggest smile and joy recognizing exactly what we were in store for,” Vanessa Chin said. “For Libby, this is her second tour of the ARFF Station.”
Thomas, along with Graydon Matheson and Bill Butterfield, conducted the tour.
“Our goal is fire safety and familiarity with fire fighters in fire gear (which can look a little like Darth Vader to a three-year-old), and the tools we use,” Thomas said.
Thomas said he and his team love to do tours of the station for all ages and types of groups. If you are interested in a tour, contact Thomas at Greg.Thomas@kingcounty.gov.
The station is at the base of the air traffic control tower at 8190 East Marginal Way.
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The airport’s Maintenance Shop on Ellis Avenue now boasts a new Tool Crib and Tool Room, providing the right tool for the right job and better access to tools and equipment. Staff used the LEAN 5S model to clean out an overcrowded Inventory Room and set up the new Tool Crib and Tool Room.
“This is a significant upgrade in access to tools and the business process of checking out tools,” said Paul Cook, maintenance supervisor.
The airport is also investing in additional small tools to outfit the two rooms.
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37th Annual Northwest Aviation Conference & Trade Show
Saturday, Feb. 22, 9 a.m. - 5:30 p.m.
Sunday, Feb. 23, 10 a.m. – 4 p.m.
The State Fairgrounds in Puyallup
King County Airport will have an exhibitors’ booth staffed by operations and other airport employees. Look for the airport banner and a large picture of the airfield. Staff will answering airport and pilot questions, and we will have giveaways for all who stop by.
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