Aiport News & Press Releases

The B-17 Flying Fortress called “Sentimental Journey” will make a return visit to the Santa Maria Public Airport early this week.   The flying museum is set to land around noon Monday and remain in Santa Maria until Wednesday. It will be parked on the ramp behind the Santa Maria Radisson Hotel at the airport. …

Allegiant Air service to Hawaii is saying aloha to the Santa Maria Public Airport. The air carrier made it official Tuesday morning - nonstop jet service between Santa Maria and Honolulu International Airport will begin Nov. 17. Airport General Manager Chris Hastert, Santa Maria Mayor Larry Lavagnino, members of the Santa Maria City Council, Chamber …

Visitors to the Santa Maria Public Airport will be noticing a little more “island style” starting today after Allegiant Air announces it will begin flights to Hawaii on Nov. 17. Santa Maria is one of four western cities Allegiant serves that will be getting flights to Honolulu. The others are Stockton, Eugene, Ore. and Bellingham, …

A request for $6.1 million in state funds to build an interchange at Highway 101 to connect with the future Union Valley Parkway now has an OK from the California Transportation Commission.  The decision was announced Monday by Santa Barbara County 4th District Supervisor Joni Gray.  “Caltrans can now advertise for construction bids,” Gray said …

When incoming aircraft approach the main runway at Santa Maria Public Airport beginning next week, pilots will see fresh black asphalt and an orange carpet of California golden poppies.  The state flower planting is part of the effort to restore the land surrounding the 1,700-foot runway extension, which will be open for use May 3. …

Sunni Gibbons, a member of the Santa Maria Valley chapter of the Ninety-Nines, stands by her Piper Cherokee 235 plane at the Santa Maria Public Airport. Gibbons will be inducted into the Ninety-Nines Forest of Friendship, a living memorial in Atchison, Kan., in June. Sunni Gibbons has been many things throughout her 71 years — …

The Santa Maria Public Airport’s runway extension project is being extended. The project had been scheduled for completion by April 5, but because of delays the full 8,000-foot runway won’t be open to air traffic until May 3, and it won’t be certified by the Federal Aviation Administration until May 31, according to General Manager …

The Vapor Trail Vettes of the Santa Maria area are hosting a low speed autocross on Saturday, April 7 at the Santa Maria Airport on Terminal Drive.  All makes and models of cars are welcome. Drivers must be at least 18 years old.  A registration form can be downloaded from the Vapor Trail Vettes website …

Santa Maria Public Airport District Director Hugh Rafferty has been appointed to two California Special Districts Association committees. Rafferty will serve on the Education Committee and the Elections and Bylaws Committee for 2012. The California Special Districts Association provides legislative advocacy, education and member services for the approximately 900 special districts in California. Rafferty also currently serves as …