Introduction
The Seattle-Tacoma International Airport (SEA) ranks 8th in the United States in terms of passenger traffic, while its air cargo position is 21st (Leavitt, 2018). Regional aviation activity and economic powerhouse are centered in the city. SEA Airport serves as a hub for both domestic and international flights, with 31 airlines operating in and out of the airport. The airport is only a short distance from Seattle’s downtown and main distribution centers. Boeing Field and McCord Field were taken over by the military during World War II, but the airport has since grown to be the ninth busiest in the United States (Diana, 2018). As a whole, the airport occupies only about four square miles.
The principal commercial airport serving the Seattle metropolitan region in the US state of Washington, Sea-Tac is known as SEA Airport. Just south of Seattle’s downtown area, it is approximately 14 miles (23 kilometers) from SeaTac and 18 miles north of Tacoma’s downtown area (Manuela Jr, 2019). The Port of Seattle owns Seattle-Tacoma International Airport, the largest in the Pacific Northwest region of North America. It is situated midway between Portland, Oregon, and Vancouver, British Columbia.
Company Overview
History
After the US Army seized possession of Boeing Field in World War II, an airport was created near the Port of Seattle in 1944. Construction of the airport was funded in part by a $1 million grant from the Civil Aeronautics Administration and a $100,000 grant from the City of Tacoma (Chatterjee, 2021). Northwest and Trans-Canada were the first scheduled airlines to use Boeing Field in 1947; Western and United followed a few years later, and Pan Am followed in 1952–53; however, West Coast and its successors Air West and Hughes Airwest remained at Boeing Field until 1971 (Anderson, 2005). Herman A. Moldenhour was the architect behind the original terminal’s design. A gathering of 30,000 people attended the grand inauguration on July 9, 1947 (Anderson, 2005). This can be seen as the grand opening of the airport, and the starting point for all future development.
Considerable work has been put into the project, expanding the location and making it more suitable for its primary purposes. A total of four runways, each measuring between 1,500 and 1,900 feet (500 to 1,900 m) in length, had been constructed by June 1951, two of which crossed slightly west of the current Runway 34R, which ran northeast to southwest and northwest to southeast (Anderson, 2005). During the 1950s and 1960s, Runway 34 was extended to 7,500 ft, 8,500 ft, and 11,900 ft respectively (Diana, 2018). For South 188th Street, the addition necessitated the construction of an automobile tunnel, which opened in July 1961. In 1962, Runway 34L replaced Runway 9702, which had been in use since the 1940s (Greer, 2022). In 2000, (Bay, 2000), More than 200 weekly departures were listed in the OAG in April 1957 for United Airlines, 80 Northwest, 35 Western and 21 Trans-Canada flights. In late 1959, a Pan Am Boeing 707 flew from Portland (OR) to Honolulu (HNL) via Portland (OR) (Pan Am schedule for September 27 shows a weekly jet).
For the first time ever, Scandinavian Airlines flew directly from the airport to European countries in 1966 (non-stop Pan Am flights to London began around 1961). The first concourse was unveiled in July of that year. New wing 600 feet (180 meters) long and 30 feet (9.1 meters wide) were constructed to the North Concourse (later renamed Concourse D). 1961 saw the opening of the single-story South Concourse (today known as Concourse A), which added an additional 688 feet (210 m). In December 1964, the B Concourse’s 800-foot (240-meter) length was inaugurated (McNerney, 2020). International arrivals and offices for US Customs and Immigration, Public Health, and the Department of Agriculture now occupy 12,000 square feet (1,100 m2).
Ownership
Public airports like SEA are governed by FAA regulations and can apply for grants to help pay for aviation-related improvements like new runways. The FAA’s revenue usage policy mandates that all airport receipts be used there (Leavitt, 2018). The airport reinvests whatever money that is left over after annual expenses and debt obligations are satisfied. The port is a “special purpose government” that is authorized by the state of Washington to administer the airport and is responsible for the efficient financial administration of the facility for the benefit of the public, which is what the port is called. There are no stockholders or dividends for the Port because it is a government agency.
Management Staff
With the expansion of the airport, and the changes that came with it, the airport required both capable leadership and a considerable workforce to keep it in operation. In the time since its initial construction, many more workers have been hired to keep it in operation. (Oja, 2021). Phrase airport service worker is a broad description for a wide variety of workers that are working in support vocations at airports. Many of these individuals contact directly with the public in sales- and service-based industries. Others offer behind-the-scenes maintenance and cleaning services to keep public and private portions of airports clean and working smoothly.
Budget
Maintaining new airport infrastructure, developing customer service programs, and promoting economic development and sustainability are all included in the 2022 operating budget. After depreciation: $267.7 million; $74.1 million, whereby, the total operating revenues for the year were $766.9 million; $44.8 million, while the total operating expenses for the year were $499 (Afzalzada, 2020). Since the Metruck executive launched it in October, a number of new initiatives have been added to the operating budget, including Funding for the Youth Opportunity Initiative is set at $1 million through 2022, with an additional $1 million in support expected from additional partners in 2019 (Afzalzada, 2020). These investments make it possible for the location to be further improved and maintained, in addition to funding all of the future initiatives.
For the purpose of implementing the Workforce Development Strategic Plan, the Office of Equity, Diversity and Inclusion has received an additional $250,000 to help fund four internal apprenticeship positions, new initiatives, and additional assistance for airport job recruitment from local nonprofits and community groups. Maritime High School: $250,000 for programs that expose young people to the ocean, establish curricula, and raise awareness of maritime jobs (McNerney M. T., 2021). The South King County Fund is providing $200,000 in economic development help for small businesses in the region.
Additional funding for Human Trafficking Training has been added to the Aviation Division’s annual budget of $100,000. The scope and design of a planned permanent exhibit in New Ocean Pavilion on how the Port’s past, present and projected projects and programs encourage sustainability and conservation in our environment (Mahseredjian, 2021). The port would sign a five-year agreement with the aquarium, pledging $5 million. The Marine Environment and Sustainability budget has been increased by $70,000 to support kelp restoration, carbon sequestration, and green jobs. It is $50,000 for a collaborative study with the Port of Tacoma, contingent on matching funding from the Port.
Financial Status
The Seattle–Tacoma International Airport can be considered financially viable and profitable, similar to many other large airports. Together with work profits and investments from its partners, the location is capable of sustaining itself and continuously introducing change. Its annual revenue for 2018 was $548 million, which indicates a stable financial status as the airport can effectively pay its debts (Diana, 2018). There are 19,100 employments at the airport and a total of 151,400 jobs directly or indirectly supported by the airport’s $22.5 billion in economic activity (Diana, 2018). The overall number of on-site jobs at Sea-Tac Airport makes it King County’s fifth largest employer when all 350 airport employers are included.
Airside Operations
To accommodate all planes, the airport is equipped with three parallel runways: 16L/34R is 11,900 feet (3,627 m) long, followed by 16C/34C at 9,425 feet (2,873 m) and 16R/34L at 8,500 feet (2,591 m). Last but not least, the $1.1 billion 16R/34L runway was inaugurated on November 20, 2008. Superior support is provided to FBOs by the Seattle team, which has a wealth of experience in this area (Shekhar, 2022). The safety of customers and their private jets is always the top priority, so passengers can expect a warm and welcoming customer care experience from the airport. Towing and parking, 24-hour security and a team of professionals who can anticipate your needs are just a few of the Boeing Field FBO services you’ll have access to when passengers use the facility. You’ll have a great time and feel safe all the time because of the high-quality amenities, three-person towing, and round-the-clock security. No surprise we’re frequently rated as the top FBO in the Pacific Northwest.
The passenger terminal is located west of three parallel runways, each measuring between 2,600 and 3,600 meters in length. At the end of 2018, the airport handled a total of 1,233 planes a day, 99 percent of which were commercial flights and 1% of which were air taxis. Starting in 2001, construction began on a new control tower that opened in November 2004 at a total cost of $26 million. With antennas, the new tower rises to 269 feet, with the floor of the control cabin rising to a height of 233 feet (71 meters) (82 m). There is a total of 850 square feet (79 m2) of space in the cabin, which was meant to accommodate ten control units, with the possibility of expanding to 15.
In order to enhance the visibility and performance of the radar systems, the position and construction method of the tower were carefully considered. In 2001, the 2001 Nisqually earthquake damaged the airport’s original control tower, which was erected in the 1950s and currently serves as a ramp control tower within the passenger terminal. Companies and airlines that offer air cargo services to Seattle-Tacoma International Airport can be found all over the world (SEA). Concourse A and the terminal extension were finished in June 2004. During the airport’s ten-year construction plan, a whopping US$4.2 billion was invested.
Terminal Operations
Four concourses and two satellite buildings in Seattle-airport Tacoma’s house 103 gates. The SEA Underground, a three-lane automated people-moving system, connects the satellite terminal’s two buildings, the North and South Satellites, to four concourses in the main terminal. The four concourses of the central terminal and the two satellite terminals can be quickly accessed by an underground transit system. Regardless of the boarding location or destination, all international passengers arriving without an advance boarding pass must check in at the South Satellite Terminal. There are 16 gates in Hall A; 17 in Hall B; 27 in Hall C; 17 in Hall D; 20 in the North Satellite; and 14 in the South Satellite.
The airport’s layout has an “X” shape, making it visually striking and unique. With the main terminal in the middle and four departure halls extending out from it. In between the concourses and the airport’s road system, the two satellite terminals and parking are situated on the east side of the main terminal. Passengers can only access the departure halls and the Satellite Transit System after passing through the main terminal’s security checkpoints” (STS). At the southern end of the semi-circle-shaped ticketing area of the central terminal, international airlines can be found. On the ticketing level, there are five security checkpoints. Passengers can pass through any security checkpoint if they have a valid boarding pass, despite the fact that each checkpoint provides convenient access to a specific hall or departure area.
Landside Operations
SEATAC’s International Arrivals Facility is getting a covered walkway as part of the airport’s ongoing expansion. An 85-foot vertical clearance above the tarmac is provided by a pedestrian bridge that connects two airport buildings. Because Sea-Tac is one of the top ten busiest airports in the United States, significant consideration was given to the construction process during the development. Terminal Direct parking is located on the garage’s fourth floor. In keeping with its name, the fourth-floor bridges provide direct access to the main terminal (Greer, 2022). Passengers can store their cars here for as little as one day or as long as passengers need. There are seven floors in the SEA garage that can be used for general parking: floors 1to 6 Short and long-term parking is available at General Parking.
Both Terminal Direct Parking on the fourth floor and General Parking on the fifth floor have parking places dedicated for people with disabilities. Those who have a valid disability parking permit can park in these spots. Standard and direct parking at the terminal are both subject to the prices indicated above. In order to enter the airport garage, cars must be no taller than 6’10”. A car park for over-height vehicles is available for those who exceed this restriction. A limited number of spaces are made available for Over-Height Parking on a first come, first served basis (Chatterjee, 2021). Only 78 parking spaces are available at any given time in this parking lot (4 stalls designated for ADA use only). If a passenger is coming from the north or south, passengers can access this parking lot through Highway 99 / International Blvd. To get to the airport from the highway, look for “Over-Height Parking” signs. Take a ticket from the machine at the entrance square and utilize the open lane to the right. Passengers can drive in and park in one of the outside parking spaces after the gate is opened. Walking distance from the terminal, the property is accessible.
General and Terminal Direct parking charges motorcycles the same fees as vehicles for hourly, daily, and weekly parking. All 48 EV parking places are first come, first served, and customers can charge their electric vehicles at no charge. With a green bar denoting “Electric car charging only,” the spots can be identified. Electricity at 120 volts is compatible with our stands. Because there isn’t one in the garage, customers are required to bring their own charging cables.
Economic, Political, and Social Role
Seattle-Tacoma International Airport is one of the region’s most important sources of economic activity. Nearby residents, cherry producers in Central Washington, and businesses in tourist areas like Pike Place Market and Microsoft and Boeing all benefit from Sea-economic Tac’s impact. As the owner and operator of Sea-Tac Airport, the Port of Seattle hired Martin Associates to assess the airport’s economic impact using information gleaned from commercial activities in 2013. The findings suggest that Sea-Tac has a significant impact on the long-term prosperity of the region. As a result of Sea-Tac visitors’ purchases, the following things happen around the state and at the airport: $16.3 billion in company income; $6.1 billion in household income; $565 million in taxes paid by the government; and 109,924 direct jobs (Afzalzada, 2020). The most essential social contribution of the airport is the connectivity it provides, which allows the European economy and society to thrive. Air transport gives the accessibility required in a contemporary economy and culture. Globalization of the international economy is a primary driver of air traffic increase. The airport has been crucial to the rise of politics as most politicians use its environs as a set mode of travel.
Capacity Status
Capacity is an important consideration for airports, as they must be capable of supporting large populations of people at once. Servicing individuals in a timely manner, ensuring that every person has enough space to be comfortable in their stay and promoting good standards of customer service are all vital to a thriving airport.
In high-demand periods, the airport’s capacity is shown as the difference between the model’s estimated capacity and the ATC facility’s reported rate of throughput (the so-called rate). Capacity estimations for each weather scenario are based on information provided by ATC, such as arrival and departure rates, for each weather condition. This profile excludes the Marginal North Flow configuration because it is rarely utilized. Aircraft arrivals can be improved by using TBFM (Time Based Flow Management). For runways with a centerline spacing of more than 2,500 feet, a reduction in the diagonal approach distance of 1 NM increases arrival capacity. The new arrivals area provides more than terminal space, more than doubling existing processing capacity, and as part of a revitalized arrivals experience, customers will travel along a 780-foot skywalk that provides scenic views of Mount Rainer and across the airport complex.
Innovation and Improvement
For the first time ever, Seattle-Tacoma International Airport will allow travelers to pick up their luggage from claim belts before going through Customs and Border Protection processing, a first for a major U.S. airport. A reduction of 75 minutes in the airport’s international connecting flight transfer time was made possible by the installation of the new equipment. SEA has received a 4-star rating due to numerous improvements. Enhancing client information, changing seating and furniture, offering in-seat power, and dramatically improving the dining experience are some of the most important aspects of a new dining experience.
It launched the Sensory Room, a quiet place designed to lessen the stress of travel for persons with neurological or developmental problems, to provide a tranquil atmosphere for those who may feel overwhelmed and overstimulated by the airport’s variety of sights and sounds. SEA’s customer service team collaborated with ARC of King County and the Washington Autism Alliance and Advocacy to create a social tale and resource guide for neurodivergent travelers ahead of COVID-19.
The continuous expansion of Seattle Tacoma International Airport is failing to keep up with the demand for aviation freight and passenger traffic, and a 2019 Puget Sound Regional Council (PRSC) study estimates that demand would quadruple by 2050, exceeding the capacity of SeaTac’s three runways. While the Seattle Times editorial board has picked up the pace of SeaTac’s development, a large potential for the development of URT systems presents itself in locations like the Seattle Tacoma International Airport, which can be effective in addressing some of the location’s issues (Liu, 2018). Countries around the world are striving to tackle carbon emissions from flying. Similarly, the Seattle Tacoma International Airport is working tirelessly to introduce the much-needed changes and become more capable at fulfilling its objectives.
Conclusion
The Seattle Tacoma International Airport is a location with considerable history, capability and potential. Starting out during the Second World War, the location has managed to continue its sustained development into the modern age, accepting passengers from all around the world. Its management and leadership have proved themselves capable of handling the need for improvement, as the airport has considerable support from outside sources, keeping it afloat and growing. In the present day, there is a considerable need for change at the location, as it is becoming unable to house the needed amount of people. However, managers, directors and architects are all working together to resolve this issue and allow Seattle Tacoma International Airport to continue its operation into the distant future.
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