In aviation forecasting, and planning for passenger capacity and airspace traffic, the Federal Aviation Administration or FAA estimates that U.S. airports typically will see growth in the 3% percent range. St. George Regional Airport, however, has proved to be anything but typical: Year over year, Greater Zion’s travel hub continues to see growth in the 13% range.
Thus, construction crews and all manner of equipment have become a familiar sight at the airport, with a record number of projects in the works, with several nearing completion. From a brand-new commercial ramp—a $15 million undertaking that yielded seven new parking stalls for large aircraft—to the debut of the Observation Deck Bar & Bistro, the airport’s first-ever restaurant and full bar, the sky, it would seem, is the limit.
Dustin Warren, who assumed the role of St. George Regional Airport Director in August after a decade in operations, says it’s a heady time for the site.
“There are a lot of great things on the horizon for this airport. It’s exciting, but also very demanding. Fortunately, the airport and the city have the staff needed to do it all,” he notes.
In just the past year alone, Dustin and his team have overseen the completion of multiple construction projects that are expanding the airport’s capacity.
“Most airports take on one or two projects per year; we’re into the five to seven range, because our partners and stakeholders need it,” says Dustin.
Case in point: The new Observation Deck Bar & Bistro, operated by Tailwind Hospitality, which manages food, beverage and retail concession services at airports across the country. The Bistro is the first full-service restaurant at St. George Regional Airport, and only the second airport in all of Utah to offer full bar service. Located in what once was an upper-level observation tower, the venue offers passengers hot meals, cool drinks and superb views.
Not surprisingly, the flurry of expansion projects comes with a hefty price tag. Dustin credits a combination of FAA grants and the proficient advocacy of St. George Director of Governmental Affairs, Shawn Guzman, and Utah State Senator, Don Ipson, for ensuring the bills will be paid.
“Shawn and Senator Ipson really went to bat for us with the state legislature, which enabled us to renovate the observation deck, complete the sighting study for our new traffic control tower, and begin the planning for our terminal expansion,” Dustin says.
Looking ahead, Dustin predicts that partnerships with SkyWest, Delta, American and United will soon see as many as 500 destinations serviced by St. George Regional Airport.
“We want the community to know that we hear them; that the demand is here for more opportunities and more destinations. We’re working hard to make it happen.”
Marianne Hamilton is a lifelong journalist, fitness instructor, and advocate for the arts. Along with her husband, Doug, she currently serves on the Kayenta Arts Foundation Board of Directors. She and Doug are also sports directors for the Huntsman World Senior Games, and co-directors of the Southern Utah Wine Guild.