TagPort Of Seattle(1845)

Seattle-Tacoma International Airport (Sea-Tac), operated by the Port of Seattle, is the eighth busiest U.S. airport, serving 49.8 million passengers and handling over 432,315 metric tons of air cargo in 2018, with 32 airlines offering 91 domestic and 29 international non-stop destinations. The document also profiles Jason Schwartz, an aviation professional with over 25 years of experience specializing in airport noise management, UAS operations, and airside planning, currently serving in dual roles at the Port of Portland and his own consulting firm, Aviation Compatibility Consulting. Schwartz's background includes noise program management, community engagement, and relevant certifications in airport environmental management and business operations.

Seattle-Tacoma International Airport handled 49.8 million passengers and 438,391 aircraft operations in 2018, ranking 8th in the U.S. by passenger volume. A noise compatibility study forecasted total annual aircraft operations to grow from approximately 301,870 in 2009 to 399,200 by 2021, driven by increases in both domestic and international air carrier activity. The airport operates three category IIIb certified runways and is dominated by Alaska Airlines, which carries over 50% of its passengers.

The Highline Forum held a meeting on May 22, 2019, at SeaTac City Hall, focusing on a South King County Fund Update and a StART (Sea-Tac Airport Roundtable) progress report presented by Port of Seattle officials. The agenda included public comments, a host city update from SeaTac, and a discussion of emerging issues related to airport noise and community impacts. Upcoming 2019 meetings were scheduled for July 31 at Highline College, September 25 in Tukwila, and November 20 in Des Moines.

The Sea-Tac Stakeholder Advisory Round Table (StART) Aviation Noise Working Group outlined five near-term action items in 2019 aimed at reducing aircraft noise for communities surrounding Seattle-Tacoma International Airport. These actions include a Late Night Noise Limitation Program to discourage loud flights between midnight and 5 AM, revisions to the Runway Use Plan to limit 3rd Runway use at night, raising the glideslope on Runway 34R to reduce approach noise, a comprehensive ground noise analysis, and a study of 'distant' noise abatement departure profiles. The Port of Seattle, FAA, airlines, and cargo operators share responsibility for implementing these measures, with most initiatives targeted for mid-to-late 2019 completion.

In an April 2019 letter to the Port of Seattle's Executive Director, Alaska Airlines expressed support for SeaTac airport expansion but raised serious concerns about the Sustainable Airport Master Plan (SAMP), arguing that the proposed 19-gate north terminal is disconnected from the main terminal, more gates than needed, and would leave 80% of travelers underserved. Alaska's independent consultants concluded that only 10 additional gates are necessary to meet projected 2027 passenger demand, and the airline proposed a phased 10-gate alternative as a less costly and less environmentally impactful solution. The letter urged the Port to include Alaska's alternative in the formal NEPA environmental review process to ensure a more legally defensible and balanced approach to airport development.

The Highline Forum held a meeting on March 27, 2019, at Federal Way City Hall, focused on the StART (Sea-Tac Airport Roundtable) First-Year Report and a SAMP (Sustainable Airport Master Plan) Update, with presentations from Port of Seattle representatives and local officials. The forum serves as a regional body addressing airport-related concerns for communities near Seattle-Tacoma International Airport, including Federal Way, SeaTac, Tukwila, and Des Moines. Additional 2019 meetings were scheduled bimonthly through November at rotating locations across the Highline area.