(EAST WENATCHEE, WA) Pangborn Memorial Airport will open its new General Aviation Terminal with a public ribbon-cutting on Wednesday, August 27, 2025, at 2:00 p.m. at 3764 Airport Way. The event marks a major upgrade for the region’s general aviation community and comes as the airport prepares for a separate runway rehabilitation scheduled for early fall. Visitors can tour the facility, meet project partners, and enjoy light refreshments during the celebration.
About the new General Aviation Terminal
The new General Aviation Terminal is a 6,400-square-foot renovation of a 1960s-era Quonset hut, redesigned to serve today’s flight activity. The upgraded building brings key services together under one roof, including a passenger waiting area, a pilot’s lounge, and the Fixed Base Operator (FBO).
Airport leaders say the facility will support:
– Business travel
– Agricultural services
– Emergency response and medical transport
– Flight training
– Tourism
These are core activities that help drive North Central Washington’s economy.
Work on the terminal began after a groundbreaking on August 12, 2024, attended by Senator Maria Cantwell. The Chelan Douglas Regional Port Authority, which manages Pangborn Memorial Airport, guided the project from planning through construction, positioning the airport for the next phase of growth.
Airport officials describe the building as modern, approachable, and efficient, with a layout aimed at quick, easy service for pilots and passengers.
“We are proud to deliver a facility that reflects the quality of the general aviation community and will support continued growth at Pangborn.” — Colby Goodrich, FBO Manager
Commissioner JC Baldwin emphasized that general aviation remains a key driver of regional economic activity and called the terminal an investment in the airport’s future. According to analysis by VisaVerge.com, the opening aligns with a long-term vision to improve airfield services and strengthen the airport’s role as a regional hub.
Special attraction: Flying Legends of Victory Tour
Visitors attending the ribbon-cutting will have a rare bonus. The Commemorative Air Force will be on site with two restored World War II bombers:
– B-17 Flying Fortress “Sentimental Journey”
– B-25 Mitchell “Maid in the Shade”
These aircraft will be available for ground tours and rides during their Wenatchee stop from August 26–31, 2025. The visit adds a historic backdrop to the new terminal’s debut and is expected to draw aviation fans of all ages.
What the new terminal offers
Airport staff designed the space to make general aviation trips simpler and more comfortable. Key features include:
– A dedicated passenger waiting area to stage arrivals and departures
– A pilot’s lounge for flight planning and rest
– Consolidated FBO services for fuel, ramp coordination, and customer support
By placing these services inside the same building, Pangborn Memorial Airport aims to reduce time on the ground and help crews turn flights faster.
The upgrade also supports a wider range of missions:
– Business and corporate travel to connect local firms with partners and clients
– Agricultural flights that support farm operations across North Central Washington
– Emergency response and medical transport, which rely on predictable access and safe facilities
– Flight training and tourism, which contribute to the local economy and community life
Project leaders note that converting a 1960s structure into a modern terminal brings practical benefits. The new layout helps staff serve multiple aircraft at once while keeping passengers comfortable. The facility signals a long-term commitment to general aviation, a steady source of activity and jobs in the region.
Runway rehabilitation and operational planning
The terminal opening comes ahead of a major runway rehabilitation scheduled for September 2 to October 3, 2025. Key details:
– Duration: 31-day closure for fixed-wing aircraft operations
– Helicopter operations: will continue during the closure
– Project cost: about $20 million
– Funding: 95% from the FAA Airport Improvement Program and 5% local funds from the Chelan Douglas Regional Port Authority
The runway upgrade complements the terminal improvements and is meant to support long-term safety and operational strength at the airfield.
During the closure, general aviation pilots should:
1. Plan to use alternative nearby airports for fixed-wing operations.
2. Schedule fuel stops and adjust flight training sessions accordingly.
3. Coordinate business travel itineraries around the temporary pause.
The new terminal will remain a key asset and will support traffic when the runway reopens.
Long-term planning and community benefits
These projects are part of a broader 20-year Master Plan aimed at improving facilities and meeting future demand. Leaders say the plan balances customer service with safe, efficient operations.
Community benefits include:
– Families and aviation fans gaining public access to tours and historic aircraft
– Business travelers receiving improved ground support
– Pilots enjoying a more functional and comfortable base
– Continued reliable access for medical transport and emergency flights
Organizers expect steady interest throughout the week, boosted by the Flying Legends of Victory Tour. For many visitors, seeing a B-17 or B-25 on the ramp will connect past and present, illustrating how today’s operations still rely on safe, well-run facilities.
The new General Aviation Terminal is built for service — bringing people together in one place and making each step smoother.
Event details and contacts
Ribbon-cutting:
– When: Wednesday, August 27, 2025, at 2:00 p.m.
– Where: 3764 Airport Way, East Wenatchee, WA
– What to expect: Tours, light refreshments, and time with project partners
Commemorative Air Force visit:
– Aircraft on site: B-17 “Sentimental Journey” and B-25 “Maid in the Shade”
– Dates: August 26–31, 2025
– Activities: Ground tours and rides during their Wenatchee stop
Project contacts:
– Terminal project: Stacie de Mestre — [email protected]
– Runway project: Trent Moyers, Director of Airports — [email protected] | (509) 663-5159
– Port Authority general contact: [email protected]
For background on federal funding that supports airfield work, see the FAA’s Airport Improvement Program: https://www.faa.gov/airports/aip. The Pangborn runway project’s 95/5 funding split comes from this program and local sources, as confirmed by the Port Authority.
Airport officials say the public is welcome and encouraged to attend.
Frequently Asked Questions
This Article in a Nutshell
Pangborn Memorial Airport unveils a modern 6,400-square-foot General Aviation Terminal on August 27, 2025, enhancing business travel, flight training, and emergency services while runway rehabilitation follows September 2–October 3, 2025. Visitors can tour facilities, meet partners, and view B-17 and B-25 Commemorative Air Force aircraft during August 26–31.
