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San Bernardino International Airport touts cargo, training programs and new amenities
Summary
SBIAA CEO Michael Burrows told the council San Bernardino International Airport has grown into a cargo gateway with UPS, FedEx and Amazon Air operations, added Breeze Airways passenger flights, expanded workforce training including drone pilot programs, and announced a new rooftop bar and community amenities.
San Bernardino — Michael Burrows, chief executive of San Bernardino International Airport (SBIAA), gave the City Council an update on growth at San Bernardino International Airport, highlighting cargo partnerships, workforce programs and new amenities aimed at both aviation customers and residents.
Burrows opened with a local account of Norton Air Force Base’s closure and the airport’s long recovery, then laid out recent wins: scheduled cargo operations with UPS and FedEx, and a major Amazon Air Southern California hub opened in 2021. Burrows said the airport is now the 25th busiest air cargo airport in the United States and reported an airport‑related employment figure topping 18,693 jobs and roughly $3 billion in regional economic output.
He also described diversified activity at the field: an executive terminal (fixed base operator) that includes U.S. Customs and international arrivals, corporate and general aviation maintenance businesses, and a successful drone training program launched in 2020 that now partners with county schools and national research institutions to lower training costs and connect students to careers.
Passenger service: Burrows said Breeze Airways launched service out of SBD and in February added a nonstop to Provo that is performing strongly. Burrows said airport leaders are continuing to study rail and other connections, and are discussing a potential Arrow (Light Rail) alignment to the airport with SBCTA.
Community and amenities: The airport has opened a brewery (“Our Brew”), and Burrows previewed an upcoming rooftop bar/patio and international‑lounge concept designed to serve both travelers and the public, with the potential for increased sales‑tax revenue for the city.
Community outreach: Burrows highlighted the SBD Good Neighbor program (sbdgoodneighbor.com), which tracks resident flight‑pattern questions and routes inquiries to the FAA when needed, promising responses within 24 hours.
Quotes and context: "We are the busiest gateway which connects to that hub," Burrows said of UPS and the airport’s cargo role. He framed workforce and training efforts — including FAA authorizations for beyond‑visual‑line‑of‑sight drone testing — as a way to bring technical jobs and career pathways to local residents.
Next steps: Burrows said continued cooperation with SBCTA and local governments will be needed for improved transit access and future development. Council members expressed support and asked about light‑rail connections and workforce links.
Provenance: Presentation started after the council completed ordinance action on truck routes and ran from the resumed presentation at roughly 8 p.m.; Michael Burrows and Catherine Pritchett participated.
