Expanded Horizons

By Angie Johnson-Schmit

Air travel to and from Prescott Valley, Arizona just got a lot easier.

New Prescott Regional Airport Terminal Creates Growth Opportunities.

The Prescott Regional Airport (PRC) completed a major upgrade and improvement at the end of May 2021. Their brand-new 18,000 square-feet passenger terminal is officially open for business. The terminal offers a host of improvements, including updated security and more available space for both air travelers and airline operations. It also makes any future expansions of the facility easier; an important consideration as regional air service continues to grow.

Photocredit: Kristina Abbey

The economic impact data paints a bright picture for the airport, with the study results revealing that the airport generates $160.3 million. The study also showed PRC was the fastest growing commercial service airport in 2019, with an increase in paying passengers of 174 percent. The addition of the new air terminal will further expand economic and leisure opportunities for travelers.

The Arizona Department of Transportation (ADOT) 2020 Airport of the Year was awarded to PRC for the second time since 2014. ADOT’s Aeronautics Group chooses the award based on criteria like airport management, innovative activities and programs, aviation advocacy, and community relations. PRC earned the accolade for securing additional funding for the air terminal construction, completion of an economic impact study, and their inventive Federal Aviation Administration Annual Live Burn training.

The area has long been a tourist destination, but the expanded airport facility will also benefit local businesses, remote workers, and locals looking for the convenience of air travel that doesn’t require a drive to Phoenix. With regular service offered by United Airlines and Boutique Air, air travelers have easy, daily access to travel hubs like Los Angeles, CA and Denver, CO. It will be more convenient than ever for residents to travel directly to and from the Prescott Valley, AZ area.

Travelers can expect more than a strictly utilitarian setting from the new terminal. Over 44 artists submitted work to be displayed, which will be going up soon.

Airport Director Dr. Robin Sobotta encourages interested locals to come out and take a self-guided tour. For those who love the romance of watching airplanes take off and land, there is also a courtyard where people are invited to relax and enjoy the sights. The courtyard is outside of the security screening area, so there is no need to go through screening to enjoy watching the planes arrive and depart.

Photocredit: Kristina Abbey