Motion 2019-01 – Statewide Commercial Aviation Coordinating Commission Page 1 of 3
MOTION 2019-01:
A MOTION OF THE PORT OF SEATTLE COMMISSION
supporting legislative proposals that create a statewide
commercial aviation coordinating commission, charged
with making recommendations on a site for future
commercial air service activity.
AMENDED AND ADOPTED
FEBRUARY 26, 2019
INTRODUCTION
As the operator of Seattle-Tacoma International Airport, the state’s largest commercial service
airport and eighth-busiest in the national system of airports, the Port of Seattle is committed to
its role in serving regional demand for passenger and cargo service in Washington state, as both
are critical to supporting economic growth and ensuring transportation mobility for goods and
people. However, the Port Commission is aware that growth trends in our state indicate that
commercial air service demand will likely surpass what it has planned to accommodate with our
current and future investments at Sea-Tac.
TEXT OF THE MOTION
The Port of Seattle Commission supports legislative proposals convening a statewide
conversation about the long-term future of commercial air service in the state of Washington.
Current proposals under consideration in the State Legislature, as drafted, establish a
gubernatorial commission charged with recommending an additional primary aviation facility
that can accommodate long-term future commercial air demand, a process that is consistent
with the position of the Port of Seattle Commission. The Port Commission endorses this
approach regarding the siting of future airport facilities.
STATEMENT IN SUPPORT OF THE MOTION
Meeting our state’s current and future commercial air service needs is critical to the success of
the state and regional economy. Seattle-Tacoma International Airport affords businesses and
visitors convenient, reliable, and direct access to and from destinations throughout the country
and the world and creates jobs, economic activity, and cultural connections with diverse and
long-lasting benefits. Conversely, lack of capacity to accommodate air travel could be a
chokepoint on Washington and the Puget Sound’s growth and success.
Motion 2019-01 – Statewide Commercial Aviation Coordinating Commission Page 2 of 3
The Port of Seattle welcomes partnership with the State in addressing long-term planning to
meet the passenger and air cargo demands that the economy is creating. A state commission
created by the Legislature is an important step in this direction, allowing a diverse group of
directly involved stakeholders to review data, assess future needs, and recommend next steps
about meeting those needs. Considering the importance of air service to the region, the Port
appreciates the intention of the State to partner in considering future regional demand for
passenger and cargo service to keep Washington state moving.
As the state commission that would be created by this legislation conducts its review of future
commercial aviation sites, it should consider the findings of the Puget Sound Regional Council
(PSRC) in its Regional Aviation Baseline Study, funded by a grant from the Federal Aviation
Administration. The study will evaluate capacity at the region’s airports through the year 2050,
and is set to be completed by the third quarter of 2020. it includes extensive stakeholder
outreach and takes into account the master planning processes already underway at the
region’s airports. The state commission’s final recommendation to the Legislature would
benefit from alignment with the PSRC Baseline Study.
In the meantime, Sea-Tac Airport will continue to play its leadership role in meeting current
commercial air service demand for Seattle, Washington state, and the larger Pacific Northwest.
Already, it is the eighth busiest airport in North America, serving nearly 50 million passengers in
2018. In 2019, airlines at Sea-Tac will offer non-stop flights to 91 domestic and 29 international
destinations. In addition, 423,315 metric tons of freight and mail cargo passed through Sea-Tac
in 2018. Sea-Tac connects Washington’s businesses, goods, and residents throughout the
United States and to the world.
The Aviation Planning Council that was convened as part of the State’s 2009 Long-term Air
Transportation Study (LATS) recommended “the State place a priority on protecting and
maximizing the efficiency of the airport system we already have in place before we consider the
development of new airports.” Consistent with that recommendation, Sea-Tac Airport is in the
midst of major capital investments to improve the movement of passengers through our facility
and accommodate the rapid growth in air travel demand that Washington’s economy has
generated over the past decade. In addition to projects already under construction such as the
new International Arrivals Facility and the North Satellite Modernization, the Port is conducting
environmental review on the near-term projects in its Sustainable Airport Master Plan (SAMP).
The SAMP near-term projects would serve projected demand to 2027, which is expected to be
56 million annual passengers. This effort builds on our commitments to the community and
environmental responsibility.
Collaboration is critical when addressing the myriad challenges that face a state and region
whose population and economy is growing as rapidly as it is in our state. The Port has partnered
with the State Legislature on various issues associated with airport growth and looks forward to
participating in a regional conversation about meeting future passenger and cargo service
needs in the State of Washington.
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ADDITIONAL INFORMATION ATTACHED
Legislative Text of Substitute Senate Bill 5370 (as amended 2.18.19)
Bill Summary of Substitute Senate Bill 5370, as prepared by nonpartisan staff at House and
Senate Transportation Committees
