San Joaquin County airport director outlines Stockton Metropolitan Airport's growth and challenges

San Joaquin County's airport is set for significant upgrades and expansion, as outlined in a recent presentation by the county airport director during the Board of Supervisors meeting on June 3, 2025. The Stockton Metropolitan Airport, the only commercial service airport in the county, is planning a $28.7 million renovation of its terminal building, which is expected to enhance passenger experience and operational efficiency.

The airport, originally established in 1965, has evolved from its agricultural roots to become a vital hub for air cargo and general aviation. Currently, it handles approximately 100 million pounds of cargo annually, primarily through Amazon Prime operations, which operate two flights daily. The airport also supports various general aviation services, with 62 hangar spaces and around 200 based aircraft.

Future projects include the development of an airport master plan that will outline growth opportunities over the next 20 years. This plan will assess the need for runway modifications, including the potential for a second runway capable of accommodating larger aircraft like the Boeing 737. The airport is also exploring partnerships with companies focused on green energy solutions in aviation, such as ZeroAvia.

In addition to infrastructure improvements, the airport is actively working to revitalize commercial air service, which has seen a decline since the mid-1990s due to deregulation and budget cuts. The airport director emphasized the importance of attracting new airlines to increase flight options for the community, particularly to popular destinations like Las Vegas and Los Angeles.

The meeting highlighted the airport's rich history, including its role during World War II as a training center for pilots, and the ongoing efforts to engage the community in aviation-related careers. With these developments, San Joaquin County aims to position its airport as a key player in regional transportation and economic growth.