Arnold Palmer Regional Airport

Arnold Palmer Regional Airport. It is a public airport located in Unity Township, Pennsylvania, within Westmoreland County, Pennsylvania, and serves the Laurel Highlands region and the greater Pittsburgh area. Named for the legendary professional golfer and Latrobe native Arnold Palmer, the airport is owned and operated by the Westmoreland County Airport Authority. It functions primarily as a commercial service airport, with a modern terminal constructed in 1999, and also supports general aviation and corporate flight operations.

History

The airport's origins trace back to a former military airfield used during World War II, which was later converted for civilian use. For decades, it operated as the Westmoreland County Airport, providing general aviation services to the region. A significant transformation began in the late 1990s, culminating in the dedication of a new passenger terminal in 1999, which was subsequently renamed in honor of Arnold Palmer. The airport gained its first scheduled commercial service in the early 2000s with carriers like US Airways Express. A major expansion occurred in 2012 with the extension of its primary runway, Runway 5-23, to over 9,000 feet, enabling it to accommodate larger aircraft and attract low-cost carriers. This development was championed by local leaders including Congressman John Murtha and has been integral to the airport's growth in passenger traffic.

Facilities

The airport covers 1,200 acres and has two asphalt runways: the primary Runway 5-23, measuring 9,003 by 150 feet, and the secondary Runway 12-30, which is 4,501 by 100 feet. The passenger terminal, a single-story modern facility, features three gates and amenities such as a restaurant and gift shop. The airport is a designated Port of Entry, with a staffed United States Customs and Border Protection facility, allowing for international general aviation arrivals. Other facilities include a Fixed-base operator for general aviation services, corporate hangars, and a large aircraft parking apron capable of handling Boeing 757 and Airbus A320 family aircraft. The airport is also home to the Latrobe Air Show and hosts the 69th Airlift Squadron of the Pennsylvania Air National Guard.

Airlines and destinations

The airport is currently served by one commercial airline, Spirit Airlines, which operates year-round and seasonal flights to leisure destinations. Primary destinations have included Fort Lauderdale–Hollywood International Airport in Florida, Orlando International Airport, Myrtle Beach International Airport in South Carolina, and Tampa International Airport. Previous carriers that have served the airport include US Airways Express, operated by Air Midwest and Chautauqua Airlines, and Southern Airways Express. The presence of Spirit Airlines, attracted by the long runway and favorable operating costs, has provided the region with low-fare access to popular vacation markets in the Southeastern United States and along the Atlantic coast.

Statistics

In recent years, it has consistently ranked among the busiest commercial airports in Pennsylvania by passenger count, outside of the major hubs in Philadelphia and Pittsburgh. For the 12-month period ending in 2023, the airport enplaned over 300,000 passengers. The top domestic destinations from the airport are typically Orlando, Fort Lauderdale, and Myrtle Beach. Cargo operations are limited, with the primary activity being commercial passenger service. The airport's economic impact on the region, including Westmoreland County and the Laurel Highlands, is estimated in the hundreds of millions of dollars annually, supporting tourism and business travel.

Accidents and incidents

The airport has maintained a strong safety record with no major fatal accidents involving commercial scheduled flights. A notable incident occurred in 2007 when a Beechcraft King Air corporate aircraft overran Runway 23 during landing; the aircraft was substantially damaged but there were no serious injuries. In 2018, a Piper PA-28 Cherokee experienced a landing gear failure on landing, resulting in a runway excursion but no injuries. The airport's safety protocols are overseen by the Federal Aviation Administration and the Westmoreland County Airport Authority, with regular inspections and participation in national safety programs like the FAA Airport Safety Data Program.