Big day for small runway: 14L/32R reopens after rehabilitation project
 To prepare for the October 30 re-opening of the small runway, airport staff conducted a FOD (Foreign Object Debris) Walk the day before. They picked up bits of paper and plastic that had blown in, dry grass, a few rocks and small pavement bits, and a bolt. They also inspected the freshly-painted markings.
Before dawn yesterday, promptly at 7 a.m., Runway 14L/32R at King County International Airport-Boeing Field (KCIA) officially reopened for flight operations. Moments later, BETA Technologies' ALIA electric aircraft quietly took off from the runway (watch a video of the flight), the first plane to do so. Later, airport tenants, guests and employees celebrated the reopening of the small utility runway at a brief gathering over the lunch hour outside the terminal, with Mount Rainier in the background.
“This is celebrating the history of Boeing Field,” said Ann Richart, Aviation Director, Washington State Department of Transportation (WSDOT). “This project is supporting safety and innovation.”
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The 3,709-foot runway was rebuilt in 212 days. The project extended the useful life of the runway, which is especially key to small general aviation aircraft operating in and out of KCIA.
Brad Schuster, regional manager of the Aircraft Owners and Pilots Association’s Northwest Mountain chapter, flies in and out of KCIA regularly.
“This does represent a huge investment in general aviation,” Schuster said. “Thank you for being willing to invest … in this runway.”
The work was primarily funded by the airport, with additional backing from a Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) Airport Improvement Program (AIP) grant and WSDOT.
Photo: Brad Schuster, regional manager of the Aircraft Owners and Pilots Association’s Northwest Mountain chapter, speaks after the reopening of the small runway on October 30.
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Q and A about the small runway
Q. How long did it take to rebuild the small runway?
A. 212 days
Q. How many lighting fixtures does it have?
A. 265
Q. What is notable about the new lighting fixtures?
A. The new lights use LED technology. This is estimated to reduce overall power consumption by 60%. An example of the new lighting fixtures is at right.
Q. How long is the runway compared to the large runway?
A. The small runway is 3,709 feet long. The main runway is 10,000 feet.
Q. Which type of aircraft use this runway?
A. Airplane Design Group 1 aircraft: small general aviation aircraft with wingspans under 49 feet and tails under 20 feet, such as single-engine Cessnas, Pipers, Diamond and Cirrus aircraft, and light twins
Q. What year was the runway last rehabilitated?
A. 2002
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t, taps Dave Decoteau as first vice-president
John Parrott, director of King County International Airport-Boeing Field, was recognized by the Northwest Chapter of the American Association of Airport Executives (NWAAAE) for his service to the aviation sector. The honor was handed out during NWAAAE's 54th annual conference in Colorado Springs in early October. Also during the conference, KCIA deputy director Dave Decoteau was elected first vice-president of the chapter for 2025-2026.
Parrott received the NWAAAE President's Award of Distinction, which recognizes members who have served the association and promoted aviation with uncommon dedication.
"John, your career and your character have left a lasting mark on this profession and on everyone lucky enough to work alongside you,” said NWAAAE President Andrew Martz. “On behalf of the Northwest Chapter of AAAE, thank you for your leadership, your mentorship, and your unwavering commitment to making aviation better for us all."
"I am humbled to be chosen for this award by my peers in the aviation industry," Parrott said. "However, no one leads in a vacuum. I am fortunate to have a team of exceptional people surrounding me who are helping KCIA achieve our vision of becoming a world-class airport."
In announcing the President's Award, NWAAAE noted Parrott's exceptional leadership and his willingness to invest in developing the next generation of airport professionals. The statement went on to say that Parrott has been a trusted voice, someone who contributes quietly but meaningfully, who listens before speaking, and who embodies what it means to lead with both wisdom and heart.
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"I am grateful to all the NWAAAE chapter members who chose me for this leadership role," said Decoteau about his selection as first vice-president. "I look forward to working with our chapter's new president to help guide the organization over the next year."
Founded in 1971, NWAAAE is an affiliate of AAAE, the world's largest professional organization representing the people who work at commercial and general aviation airports.
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Airport welcomes electric aircraft demonstration
 Dave Decoteau, Deputy Director at King County International Airport-Boeing Field, welcomes guests to an event on October 28 for the first electric passenger aircraft to land at the airport. It was also the first to take off on the newly reconstructed small runway two days later. Watch a video of that flight.
King County International Airport-Boeing Field welcomed BETA Technologies for a demonstration of its new all-electric passenger aircraft on October 28. The aerospace company manufactures electric aircraft and infrastructure, including the ALIA CTOL, a conventional fixed-wing electric airplane.
"We're taking action to reduce our airport's carbon impact, and part of how we do that is by embracing new technologies like electric aircraft," said KCIA Director John Parrott. "We're proud to host BETA Technologies and its ALIA aircraft as a demonstration of a new era in aviation."
With strong public and private sector collaboration, Washington state is positioning itself to lead the transition toward cleaner, more connected air transportation.
“Washington state is famous for our aerospace industry, our value of environmental sustainability, and our innovative tech sector. Bringing all of this together is what has made Washington a recognized leader in the development of advanced air mobility,” said Ann Richart, Aviation Director, Washington State Department of Transportation. “We’re delighted to have BETA Technologies here in Seattle to demonstrate how their all-electric aircraft can meet our goals and revolutionize air travel in the Pacific Northwest!”
“Bringing ALIA to Washington represents a powerful convergence of vision and action. Washington’s commitment to sustainable infrastructure and advanced air mobility aligns perfectly with our mission to build a cleaner, more connected transportation system,” said Kyle Clark, CEO of BETA Technologies. “Today’s flight at King County International Airport is more than a demonstration – it's a step toward realizing a future where electric aviation is accessible, reliable, and benefits local communities.”
BETA is building its two electric aircraft models — ALIA CTOL, a fixed-wing aircraft, and ALIA VTOL, a vertical takeoff and landing aircraft — at its production facility in Vermont. BETA showcased its VTOL at KCIA in September.
Photo: Ann Richart, Aviation Director, Washington State Department of Transportation, speaks to attendees about the importance of developing advanced air mobility.
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You are invited to an open house about the airport's future
King County Airport is hosting its fifth open house for the Vision 2045 Airport Plan and Part 150 Noise Study on Tuesday, November 18. Vision 2045 aims to evaluate how KCIA can evolve to meet future aviation needs while adapting to changing demands. The Part 150 Study is a voluntary Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) noise study that the airport is undertaking to measure how much airplane noise is affecting people on the ground.
Register to receive reminders and updates about this open house and the Vision 2045 Airport Plan. Registration is not required to attend the open house.
- When: Tuesday, November 18, 2025, 5:30 – 7:30 p.m.
- Where: Flight Service Station, 6526 Ellis Ave. S., Seattle
Get more information about Vision 2045.
To request language interpretation or other accommodations at the open house, please email KCIACommunityOutreach@kingcounty.gov or call 206-296-7380.
Becoming the airport's first Ruth Woo Fellow
by Nada Ramadan
Editor’s note: The prestigious Ruth Woo Emerging Leaders Fellowship Program is in memory of Ruth Woo, a beloved community advocate for access to government for people who haven’t traditionally had access to public service.
I’m excited to be the airport’s first Ruth Woo Fellow for the next year. I will be working with Troy Chen and Matt Sykora on community engagement at the airport, which is really what I want to be doing.
Growing up as a woman in the Middle East, I faced significant challenges with sexism and had to fight hard to achieve the positions and freedoms that came more easily to my male counterparts. I am no stranger to navigating systemic barriers and oppressive structures.
My early career path has focused on social justice. Most recently, I worked with student exchange programs for the Foundation for International Understanding Through Students (FIUTS), founded at the University of Washington, for three years. I taught English to refugee learners and at the National Protestant College in Beirut, and volunteered at OneWorld Now! here in Seattle, facilitating youth leadership workshops focused on civic engagement and identity.
I have a Bachelor of Arts in English literature and a teaching diploma, both from the American University of Beirut.
I am passionate about creating programs and initiatives that resonate deeply, ensuring the values of equity and inclusion are embedded into our communities and institutions. My career has been shaped by a desire to be part of the ‘good fight’ for justice and equality, and I take pride in collaborating with teams to enact meaningful, sustainable change.
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Former airport intern now a flight instructor
Back in the height of the pandemic in the summer of 2020, lockdowns were the norm. Schools and businesses were closed. Fewer people were flying and tourism was taking a hit.
Still, Joseph Truss, then a high school intern at King County International Airport-Boeing Field through the Career Launchpad program, had big dreams. He hadn’t had any flight training at the time, but his internship firmed up his interest in aviation.
“Being around the airport and the pilots, really solidified this is what I really want to do,” Truss said.
He also had confidence the economy – and passenger travel – would rebound.
Five years after his internship, the now 23-year-old Truss has obtained his pilot certificate, a job as a flight instructor at Rainier Flight Service, and is clocking flight hours.
“I think it might have been just a feeling,” Truss said recently. “People really want to travel the world. I’m really glad I was right.”
At Rainier Flight since May 2024, Truss hopes to take off as a pilot for a regional airline once he logs enough hours. He’s almost there – with 1,200 hours out of a minimum 1,500 needed.
Truss looks back on his progress and gives thanks to the Red-Tailed Hawks, chartered by the Black Pilots of America, a non-profit charitable organization.
“Towards the end of my internship I found a group called the Red-Tailed Hawks,” Truss said. “They gave me a pathway of how to get my license.”
“For the next three and a half years I was doing monthly meetings with them, going through flight training and going to college,” Truss said.
Red-Tailed Hawks members provided mentorship, while the group also offered scholarships. The group owns two planes kept at Boeing Field, Truss added.
Truss attended Green River College, pursuing a degree in aeronautical science. He’s hoping to finish his degree, but for now he’s teaching future pilots six days a week at Rainier.
“I’ve never been a teacher before so it’s my first teaching job,” Truss said. “It’s really challenging and also really rewarding at the same time. Seeing my students progress, reaching their dreams, it’s a really rewarding career.”
His advice for others who want to fly?
“If you love aviation, if you have a passion for aviation, just love to learn. Be curious,” Truss said.
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Matt Sykora elected to WAMA leadership role
Matt Sykora, Airport Business Manager, recently was elected vice president of the Washington Airport Managers Association (WAMA). He will serve a one-year term starting on January 1.
“I am deeply honored and grateful for the confidence the WAMA members have placed in me,” Sykora said. “Having had the privilege of serving on the Board of Directors and as chair of the Airports Committee, I have seen firsthand the dedication and passion that drives this organization forward.”
WAMA, a non-profit organization, aims to strengthen airport and airport management in Washington state by fostering professionalism among airport operators. Membership in WAMA is available to anyone involved in aviation.
Sykora said he is looking forward to serving WAMA members and advancing the organization’s mission and strategic goals, including reenergizing airport tours, developing a mentorship program and expanding academic outreach.
“I am eager to work alongside my colleagues, our dedicated members, and our partners to bring these initiatives to life,” he added.
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Airport employees earn credentials
Congratulations to airport employees who recently earned the Certified Member credential through the American Association of Airport Executives (AAAE):
- Joshua Carswell, KCSO/ARFF Deputy
- Narain Gambir, Airport Operations Specialist
To become a C.M., a member must successfully complete a 180-question, multiple-choice examination. This designation signifies that employees have a diverse knowledge of airport operations.
Brian Mazzuca, undergraduate intern, completed his ACE Airfield Operations (certificate) through AAAE. This is a Part 139-based curriculum designed to educate and challenge airport personnel with airfield operations responsibilities.
Get an inside look at one of the U.S.'s busiest non-hub airports
Discover what happens behind the scenes at King County International Airport (KCIA)! The airport offers public tours by appointment Monday through Friday between 10 a.m. and 3 p.m. The experience lasts about 90 minutes. Groups are limited to 25 participants to ensure a fun, safe, and engaging experience for everyone.
During the tour, you’ll visit different sites around the airport and see daily airport operations up close while gaining a new appreciation for the people and technology that keep the airport running smoothly.
Tours may be subject to change or cancellation based on operational requirements at the airport.
For more information or to book your tour, contact KCIACommunityOutreach@kingcounty.gov.
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