Charles M. Schulz — Sonoma County Airport unveils modernized air terminal during grand opening celebration

Sonoma County leaders and officials with Charles M. Schulz – Sonoma County Airport were joined today by representatives from local, state and federal government, tribal leaders, transportation partners, and members of the region’s tourism and business communities, for a grand opening ceremony celebrating the completion of Phase II of the airport’s terminal building. The new air terminal, which is part of an overall $40 million airport modernization project, will open to the public on Wednesday, Nov. 16.

“Charles M. Schulz – Sonoma County Airport is the gateway to our world-class community. A modernized and efficient airport will support our economy and welcome travelers from around the world to Northern California,” said Rep. Mike Thompson, D-St. Helena. “I was proud to help the airport receive $10 million in funding from the FAA Airport Improvement Project, and it is amazing to see the impact that this funding had on this facility. Congratulations to Sonoma County and the airport officials for the grand opening of the newly renovated and modernized terminal hub, and I look forward to seeing how STS will connect us to the world.”

“Sonoma County’s airport has emerged as a great option for Wine Country travelers and this new terminal takes it to the next level,” said Sen. Bill Dodd, D-Napa. “It’s a smart investment that will help meet our transportation needs and contribute to the economic vitality of the entire region.”

“Traveling for local residents and visitors to Sonoma County to our Charles Schulz Airport has just been made easier and more pleasant,” said Assemblymember Jim Wood, D-Healdsburg. “This new terminal allows people to stop saying ‘Good Grief’ because they feel the need to drive to and from Oakland or San Francisco airports. It will encourage visitors to come and enjoy our local restaurants, wineries, coastal areas and redwoods without delay—such a great boost to our local tourism economy.”

“This state-of-the-art airport terminal is the culmination of years of hard work and will complement an already exceptional air travel experience to and from Sonoma County,” said James Gore, chair of the Board of Supervisors. “Congratulations and thank you to our county officials for their vision and oversight, and to our state and federal partners who made this project possible.”

The modernized terminal building offers more than 27,000 additional square feet of space including a renovated ticketing lobby, improved double-lane security lanes, a large main lobby with four additional boarding gates and dedicated concessionaires, an outdoor seating area, a new baggage claim area equipped with two baggage carousels, improved public viewing areas and car rental areas, and local artwork recognizing the airport’s namesake, Charles M. Schulz. Partner contractors engaged on the project included Q&D Construction, C&S Companies and Mead & Hunt. 

According to a recent economic impact analysis, the Capital Improvement Plan at Charles M. Schulz – Sonoma County Airport is projected to support an average of 164 jobs annually, generate $100.9 million in total payroll, $31.2 million in tax revenue, and $231.7 million in economic output in Sonoma County. Across all North Bay counties, the Capital Improvement Plan is expected to support an average of 169 jobs annually, generate $104.1 million in total payroll, $32.3 million in tax revenue, and $240.9 million in economic output.

For information about Charles M. Schulz — Sonoma County Airport, please call (707) 565-7243 or visit: https://sonomacountyairport.org/.

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Media Contact: 
Jon Stout, Sonoma County Airport Manager 
jon.stout@sonoma-county.org
(707) 565-7243

Dan Virkstis, Communication Specialist 
publicaffairs@sonoma-county.org 
(707) 565-3040