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Montrose Regional Airport
MEDC played a key role in the growth of air service to our airport. In 1985 MEDC worked with American Airlines to secure service to Montrose. At that time, MEDC worked with the Airport Authority. The Airport Authority wanted MEDC to be the agent to sign the agreements between the airport and the airlines due to our non-profit status. In 1992 MEDC pledged $175,680 for the flight guarantee program for a one-year period covering the ski season. MEDC continued to participate in the guarantee program and board members took on the responsibility to raise the funds for the guarantees. In 1995 MEDC paid for the shortfall that the guarantee program incurred from their own funds. At the same time, they worked to bring additional partners into the program to assist with the guarantee program.
In 2002 the Telluride Montrose Regional Air Org. (TMRAO) was formed. Two years later, the name was changed to the Colorado Flight Alliance. The Alliance works directly with the airlines and in conjunction with area partners to grow the program. As the airline service grows, so does the need for airport facilities.
In 2007, Lloyd Arnold was hired as the airport’s Director of Aviation. He centered his efforts more on commercial airlines than general aviation, knowing that was where the true economic growth would come from. In conjunction with the Colorado Flight Alliance, the Telluride Ski Resort and local governments, flight service into Montrose has continued to grow.
In 2010 – 2011 the terminal was remodeled and expanded to add 8,000 SQ FT allowing for increased passenger accommodations such as check in, a passenger lounge and added security that was required by the FAA as a result of 9/11.
In 2017 an updated Master Plan was completed. It included a major expansion to our terminal to facilitate both passenger and airline service growth.
In 2023 the $40 million dollar capital improvement project was completed. The expansion added 25,000 SF to the terminal, doubling its size. The improvements include an upper level for passengers and our first two loading bridges to provide passengers with protection from the weather when loading and unloading. Additional amenities such as escalators and an elevator, charging stations, dedicated bar areas, additional food venders, increased baggage claim areas and nine hundred much needed paved parking spaces. The enplanements in 2022 reached 229,395, up from 92,582 in 2007 when Lloyd was hired. Total passengers for 2022 were 463,160. These numbers include recreation, tourism, and business travelers.
Aviation has one of the largest economic multipliers. According to the 2020 Colorado Division of Avionics Economic Impact Study, our airport business revenue impact was $327M, supporting 2850 jobs which represents 848 direct jobs from actual airport activity and 2,002 indirect jobs. Air service is a critical part of business recruitment. It provides the travel connectivity necessary for our global companies.
The Colorado Tribute to Aviation event features unique civilian and military aircraft. It consists of a ground display that allows the public to experience the size and magnitude of the military aircraft, meet the pilots and look inside. The event attracts attendees from around the region and brings not only economic dollars to Montrose, but it provides those who fly these aircraft to participate in the event an opportunity to experience our community. Many return with their families to vacation here and possibly make Montrose their home.
Airports receive the majority of their project funding from the Federal Aviation Administration. They are not funded through sales tax or property taxes. The local match is minimal. The partnerships with the Colorado Flight Alliance and others have created the growth that has allowed Montrose to be given the title: “the busiest airport on the western slope” in 2022.
In 2002 the Telluride Montrose Regional Air Org. (TMRAO) was formed. Two years later, the name was changed to the Colorado Flight Alliance. The Alliance works directly with the airlines and in conjunction with area partners to grow the program. As the airline service grows, so does the need for airport facilities.
In 2007, Lloyd Arnold was hired as the airport’s Director of Aviation. He centered his efforts more on commercial airlines than general aviation, knowing that was where the true economic growth would come from. In conjunction with the Colorado Flight Alliance, the Telluride Ski Resort and local governments, flight service into Montrose has continued to grow.
In 2010 – 2011 the terminal was remodeled and expanded to add 8,000 SQ FT allowing for increased passenger accommodations such as check in, a passenger lounge and added security that was required by the FAA as a result of 9/11.
In 2017 an updated Master Plan was completed. It included a major expansion to our terminal to facilitate both passenger and airline service growth.
In 2023 the $40 million dollar capital improvement project was completed. The expansion added 25,000 SF to the terminal, doubling its size. The improvements include an upper level for passengers and our first two loading bridges to provide passengers with protection from the weather when loading and unloading. Additional amenities such as escalators and an elevator, charging stations, dedicated bar areas, additional food venders, increased baggage claim areas and nine hundred much needed paved parking spaces. The enplanements in 2022 reached 229,395, up from 92,582 in 2007 when Lloyd was hired. Total passengers for 2022 were 463,160. These numbers include recreation, tourism, and business travelers.
Aviation has one of the largest economic multipliers. According to the 2020 Colorado Division of Avionics Economic Impact Study, our airport business revenue impact was $327M, supporting 2850 jobs which represents 848 direct jobs from actual airport activity and 2,002 indirect jobs. Air service is a critical part of business recruitment. It provides the travel connectivity necessary for our global companies.
The Colorado Tribute to Aviation event features unique civilian and military aircraft. It consists of a ground display that allows the public to experience the size and magnitude of the military aircraft, meet the pilots and look inside. The event attracts attendees from around the region and brings not only economic dollars to Montrose, but it provides those who fly these aircraft to participate in the event an opportunity to experience our community. Many return with their families to vacation here and possibly make Montrose their home.
Airports receive the majority of their project funding from the Federal Aviation Administration. They are not funded through sales tax or property taxes. The local match is minimal. The partnerships with the Colorado Flight Alliance and others have created the growth that has allowed Montrose to be given the title: “the busiest airport on the western slope” in 2022.
