Meadows Field Airport
Encyclopedia
Meadows Field is the primary airport serving the Greater Bakersfield metropolitan area
, and one of two international airports in the San Joaquin Valley
. Also known as Kern County Airport #1, it is located in Oildale
, California
, approximately 3 miles (4.8 km) northwest of Downtown Bakersfield
. The airport is owned and operated by Kern County
.
The airport covers 1357 acres (549.2 ha) and has two runways. The main runway, 12L-30R, is the longest in the San Joaquin Valley. It is 10855 by 150 ft (3,308.6 by 45.7 ), and is classified as a commercial D-IV runway, but is capable of serving Boeing 747 aircraft. The other parallel runway, 12R-30L, is 7703 by 100 ft (2,347.9 by 30.5 ). It is classified as a general aviation B-II runway. Although only 75 feet width is required for this classification, the runway is 25 feet wider to allow it to serve as an alternate runway for turboprop and small regional jet aircraft.
At the time, Bakersfield was served directly by two airfields. The more prominent field was located at the intersection of Sacramento and Monterey Streets, in East Bakersfield
(at the time was primarily empty fields). It was named Bernard Field and was run by the Pacific Aero Club. The field would serve as a stop for US Air Mail between 1923 to 1926 (it was moved to Meadows Field in 1926). Another airfield was located on the Panorama Bluffs in Northeast Bakersfield
, where Greenlawn Mortuary is located today.
With the development of commercial air service, it became evident that Bakersfield needed a purpose built commercial airport. In 1926, the Kern County Chamber of Commerce constructed and operated a new airport called Kern County Airport No. 1. Originally located at the intersection of U.S. Route 99
and Norris Road, the following year it was moved one mile east to its current location. The original facility would consist of one runway, one terminal building, and a few hangars and other aircraft related buildings. In 1935, Kern County would purchase the airport from the Chamber of Commerce. It would be the first county owned airport in the nation.
In late 1943, The United States Army Air Forces
acquired usage rights to Meadows Field. It was placed under the jurisdiction of the IV Fighter Command. The 481st Night Fighter Operational Training Group (NFOTG) used the faciity as part of the Army Air Forces Night Fighter School which had transferred from Florida to Hammer Field, California. Meadows Field was used as an auxiliary training airfield and the school operated a combination of modified Douglas A-20 Havocs for night fighter operations, designated P-70, and brand-new prototype YP-61 Black Widow purpose-built night fighters.
Between 1 May and 12 July 1944, the 427th Night Fighter Squadron trained at Meadows Field; the 549th Night Fighter Squadron
between July and October 1944. In addition, flights of P-61s from the 426th, 547th, 548th and 550th Night Fighter Squadrons moved in and out of Meadows Field during 1944 as part of their training prior to being deployed to combat units, primarily in the Pacific and CBI theaters.
In December 1944, the 481st NFOTG was inactivated as part of an AAF reorganization. Meadows Field was placed on standby status and the airport was only used for emergency purposes, being under the control of Hammer Field.
With the end of the war, the base was declared excess to requirements and returned to civil control.
(approximately 120 miles (193.1 km) south). The City of Bakersfield and the County of Kern attempted to prevent a reduction in service by filing a joint lawsuit; however, the court sided with the federal government. Within three years, annual emplanements would fall 59%, from 147,866 in 1978 to 60,958 in 1981 (although the next year it would rebound to 90,000). Air service would eventually average 120,000 enplanements between 1980 and 2000.
Service was expensive compared to nearby airports, and normally ran during inconvenient times. Service was also inconsistent, with airlines frequently starting and ending routes. During the same time period, the region also saw a large growth in population. While the City of Bakersfield grew 134%, and the County of Kern grew 64%, the airport did not see an increase in service to match. Except for the lengthening of the main runway to accommodate wide body jets in 1987, few improvements were done at Meadows Field during that time period.
Initial response was favorable. Four new airlines would start service at the airport, including international service to Mexico. One airline (ExpressJet) would use the airport as its hub, with direct service to several cities. This would also increase emplanements above the levels set in 1978. However, high gas prices and the subsequent recession of 2008 would reduce service to 2002 levels, including the loss of its international carrier. However, the US Customs house would remain open. In addition to serving international charter and unscheduled flights, it would process international cargo. Both the Tejon Industrial Complex (south of Bakersfield) and the International Trade and Transportation Center (in Shafter, west of Bakersfield) would lease warehouse space at the airport for use by their clients.
and US Airways Express
. It serves all domestic flights at the airport. The terminal also contains an Omni Goods gift shop and a Blimpie
restaurant. Features of the terminal include a rotunda with compass point floor design and a scaled model of Spaceship One (which flew out of Mojave about 50 miles (80.5 km) east of Bakersfield). It is also constructed on a hill, which allows for all passenger services to be on the second level, while airport services are on the first. The terminal was constructed in 2006 at a cost of $33.8 million. It was initially occupied by United Express, US Airways Express, Delta Connection
, and ExpressJet.
The terminal was constructed in 1957, and originally served all domestic flights. A variety of carrier would operate out of the terminal, as companies started and ended service at the airport. In 2006, the terminal was served by United Express
and US Airways Express
. That same year, they would move to the new Domestic Terminal. The Kern County Air Terminal would undergo a $1 million renovation and an adjacent $7 million US Customs house would be constructed. The number of gates would also be reduced from 5 to 3. The terminal would reopen in 2007, and was initially occupied by Mexicana.
(Golden State Freeway). Drivers traveling north exit at Porterville Highway (SR 65
) while drivers traveling south exit at 7th Standard Road/Merle Haggard Drive. In both cases, drivers then turn east on Merle Haggard Drive, which leads to the airport. There is an alternate signed route via Golden State Highway (SR 204 Freeway
). Drivers exit at Airport Drive, and travel north to the airport.
The Domestic Terminal provides fee parking for both short term, and long term parking. People can also park for free in the short term parking for a limited amount of time. The International Terminal provides free parking for both short term, and long term parking.
(GET). Travel to/from the International Terminal is provided by Route 3 (Downtown), which runs between the Downtown Transit Center and North Bakersfield. The bus will only stop at the terminal when requested. There are no scheduled bus routes to the Domestic Terminal. Special express service is provided between the terminal and the Downtown Transit Center, if requested 24 hours in advance.
Taxi stands
are located outside the north entrance to the terminal, across the street. Taxis are typically available when flights are arriving at the airport. Meadows Field also list two taxi companies on their website, which provide 24 hour pickup, if no taxis are available.
Other facilities are planned to expand with these future changes to the terminal. The existing parking lot will grow both east and west. The rental car parking lots will be consolidated and relocated east of the terminal. Wings Way, the road that connects to the airport, will be extend to Airport Drive, and connect to Day Avenue.
) and Merle Haggard Drive (at Wings Way). Other aviation-related structures are planned in the area.
In addition, there is a long term plan to construct a third parallel runway. Designated 13-31, it will be located north of the cargo facilities, as well as Merle Haggard Drive. The runway is planned to be 8000 feet (2,438.4 m) long and 150 feet (45.7 m) wide. It will be widely spaced, which will allow for simultaneous Instrument Flight Rule
(IFR).
Bakersfield, California
Bakersfield is a city near the southern end of the San Joaquin Valley in Kern County, California. It is roughly equidistant between Fresno and Los Angeles, to the north and south respectively....
, and one of two international airports in the San Joaquin Valley
San Joaquin Valley
The San Joaquin Valley is the area of the Central Valley of California that lies south of the Sacramento – San Joaquin River Delta in Stockton...
. Also known as Kern County Airport #1, it is located in Oildale
Oildale, California
Oildale is a census-designated place in Kern County, California, United States. Oildale is located north-northwest of downtown Bakersfield, at an elevation of 469 feet . The population was 32,684 at the 2010 census, up from 27,885 at the 2000 census...
, California
California
California is a state located on the West Coast of the United States. It is by far the most populous U.S. state, and the third-largest by land area...
, approximately 3 miles (4.8 km) northwest of Downtown Bakersfield
Downtown Bakersfield
Downtown in the central business district for Bakersfield, California. Located in the heart of the city, it is easily accessible from all its other parts. It is also reemerging as the center of Bakersfield’s arts, culture and entertainment sectors...
. The airport is owned and operated by Kern County
Kern County, California
Spreading across the southern end of the California Central Valley, Kern County is the fifth-largest county by population in California. Its economy is heavily linked to agriculture and to petroleum extraction, and there is a strong aviation and space presence. Politically, it has generally...
.
The airport covers 1357 acres (549.2 ha) and has two runways. The main runway, 12L-30R, is the longest in the San Joaquin Valley. It is 10855 by 150 ft (3,308.6 by 45.7 ), and is classified as a commercial D-IV runway, but is capable of serving Boeing 747 aircraft. The other parallel runway, 12R-30L, is 7703 by 100 ft (2,347.9 by 30.5 ). It is classified as a general aviation B-II runway. Although only 75 feet width is required for this classification, the runway is 25 feet wider to allow it to serve as an alternate runway for turboprop and small regional jet aircraft.
Early history
Aviation has been linked to Kern County almost as long as the existence of the industry. In 1891, Charles Howard ascended in a hot air balloon to 1000 feet (304.8 m). He then proceeded to jump and landed safely with a parachute he designed and constructed. By 1910, only seven years after the Wright Brothers first airplane flight, aircraft began arriving in the county. They were brought in by Glenn Curtiss (in conjunction with the Kern County Board of Trade). The first flight in the area was flown by Charles Hamilton.At the time, Bakersfield was served directly by two airfields. The more prominent field was located at the intersection of Sacramento and Monterey Streets, in East Bakersfield
East Bakersfield
East Bakersfield is a region in Bakersfield, California directly east of downtown. The region was the former town of Sumner, which was later incorporated and renamed Kern City. It is primarily a mixture of residential and commercial developments...
(at the time was primarily empty fields). It was named Bernard Field and was run by the Pacific Aero Club. The field would serve as a stop for US Air Mail between 1923 to 1926 (it was moved to Meadows Field in 1926). Another airfield was located on the Panorama Bluffs in Northeast Bakersfield
Northeast Bakersfield
Northeast Bakersfield is the northeast region of Bakersfield, California. Starting south and traveling clockwise, it is roughly bounded by East Brundage Ld, Mt. Vernon Ave, Columbus Ave, Union Ave, and the Kern River. Other boundaries are the city limits.-Overview:Growth in the northeast started...
, where Greenlawn Mortuary is located today.
With the development of commercial air service, it became evident that Bakersfield needed a purpose built commercial airport. In 1926, the Kern County Chamber of Commerce constructed and operated a new airport called Kern County Airport No. 1. Originally located at the intersection of U.S. Route 99
U.S. Route 99
U.S. Route 99 was the main north–south highway on the West Coast of the United States until 1964, running from Calexico, California, on the U.S.-Mexico border to Blaine, Washington, on the U.S.-Canada border. It was a route of the United States Numbered Highways, assigned in 1926 and existing...
and Norris Road, the following year it was moved one mile east to its current location. The original facility would consist of one runway, one terminal building, and a few hangars and other aircraft related buildings. In 1935, Kern County would purchase the airport from the Chamber of Commerce. It would be the first county owned airport in the nation.
United States Army Air Force use
In September 1939, war broke out in Europe, prompting Congress to appropriate $40 million for Development of Landing Areas for National Defense (DLAND). Under DLAND, the Secretaries of War, Commerce, and the Navy approved expenditures for airports. By 1941, the Army Air Corps had begun directing aid to Meadows Field for improvements to include operation of airport towers.In late 1943, The United States Army Air Forces
United States Army Air Forces
The United States Army Air Forces was the military aviation arm of the United States of America during and immediately after World War II, and the direct predecessor of the United States Air Force....
acquired usage rights to Meadows Field. It was placed under the jurisdiction of the IV Fighter Command. The 481st Night Fighter Operational Training Group (NFOTG) used the faciity as part of the Army Air Forces Night Fighter School which had transferred from Florida to Hammer Field, California. Meadows Field was used as an auxiliary training airfield and the school operated a combination of modified Douglas A-20 Havocs for night fighter operations, designated P-70, and brand-new prototype YP-61 Black Widow purpose-built night fighters.
Between 1 May and 12 July 1944, the 427th Night Fighter Squadron trained at Meadows Field; the 549th Night Fighter Squadron
549th Night Fighter Squadron
The 549th Combat Training Squadron is a non-flying United States Air Force unit. It is assigned to the 57th Operations Group, and is stationed at Nellis AFB, Nevada.-Overview:...
between July and October 1944. In addition, flights of P-61s from the 426th, 547th, 548th and 550th Night Fighter Squadrons moved in and out of Meadows Field during 1944 as part of their training prior to being deployed to combat units, primarily in the Pacific and CBI theaters.
In December 1944, the 481st NFOTG was inactivated as part of an AAF reorganization. Meadows Field was placed on standby status and the airport was only used for emergency purposes, being under the control of Hammer Field.
With the end of the war, the base was declared excess to requirements and returned to civil control.
Return to civil control and expansion
After the war, Meadows Field would return to its previous role as a commercial airport. Air service would increase as the industry continued to develop. In the mid 1950's, with the advent of the jet age, Kern County would modernize the airport. Additional land was purchased, and new facilities were constructed. In 1957, a new terminal would be constructed east of the runway, and would replace the original terminal. The new building would also house the control tower. That same year, the county would rename the airport to Meadows Field (by a board of minute order on August 6, 1957), after Cecil Meadows. He was the county's Director of Airports from 1935–1957, except during World War II, when he served as a pilot in the armed forces. He was also responsible for the county purchasing the airport and the subsequent modernization efforts.Deregulation and decline
The airport would see a continued increase in air service throughout the 1950's and 1960's. By 1975, annual emplanements would reach 97,000. The expansion of growth would end with airline deregulation in 1978. While other major cities saw a decrease of prices and increase in service, almost all air service was eliminated from Meadows Field in favor of other airports such as Los Angeles International AirportLos Angeles International Airport
Los Angeles International Airport is the primary airport serving the Greater Los Angeles Area, the second-most populated metropolitan area in the United States. It is most often referred to by its IATA airport code LAX, with the letters pronounced individually...
(approximately 120 miles (193.1 km) south). The City of Bakersfield and the County of Kern attempted to prevent a reduction in service by filing a joint lawsuit; however, the court sided with the federal government. Within three years, annual emplanements would fall 59%, from 147,866 in 1978 to 60,958 in 1981 (although the next year it would rebound to 90,000). Air service would eventually average 120,000 enplanements between 1980 and 2000.
Service was expensive compared to nearby airports, and normally ran during inconvenient times. Service was also inconsistent, with airlines frequently starting and ending routes. During the same time period, the region also saw a large growth in population. While the City of Bakersfield grew 134%, and the County of Kern grew 64%, the airport did not see an increase in service to match. Except for the lengthening of the main runway to accommodate wide body jets in 1987, few improvements were done at Meadows Field during that time period.
Rebirth and rise to international airport
In the early 2000's, the county started an initiative to address the problems in air service. In 2002, it was estimated that about 400,000 people who lived in the service area of the airport chose to fly from a different location, 25% of those flew to destinations in Mexico. Kern County started multiple projects to address the reluctance of airlines to use the airport. They included: installing centerline landing lights on the main runway, extending the second runway to 7,700 feet (the length most airplanes that use the airport would need), construction of a new terminal with sky bridges and inside baggage claim, and remodeling the existing terminal to accommodate international flights. Most improvements were completed by 2006, with the international terminal completed in 2007.Initial response was favorable. Four new airlines would start service at the airport, including international service to Mexico. One airline (ExpressJet) would use the airport as its hub, with direct service to several cities. This would also increase emplanements above the levels set in 1978. However, high gas prices and the subsequent recession of 2008 would reduce service to 2002 levels, including the loss of its international carrier. However, the US Customs house would remain open. In addition to serving international charter and unscheduled flights, it would process international cargo. Both the Tejon Industrial Complex (south of Bakersfield) and the International Trade and Transportation Center (in Shafter, west of Bakersfield) would lease warehouse space at the airport for use by their clients.
William M. Thomas Terminal (Domestic)
William M. Thomas Terminal has three gates and houses United ExpressUnited Express
United Express is a brand name under which eight regional airlines operate feeder flights for United Airlines. They primarily connect smaller cities with United's domestic hub airports and “focus cities,” although they offer some point-to-point service such as Sacramento to Eureka.As of Sept...
and US Airways Express
US Airways Express
US Airways Express is an airline brand name, rather than a fully certified airline, and as such, the US Airways Express name is used by several individually owned airlines or airline holding companies which provide regional airline and commuter service for US Airways.Operations are conducted from...
. It serves all domestic flights at the airport. The terminal also contains an Omni Goods gift shop and a Blimpie
Blimpie
Blimpie is a submarine sandwich chain in the United States. The company is based in Scottsdale, Arizona.The first Blimpie store was opened in Hoboken, New Jersey, in 1964. . By mid-2002, there were about 2,000 Blimpie outlets in operation, located in 47 U.S...
restaurant. Features of the terminal include a rotunda with compass point floor design and a scaled model of Spaceship One (which flew out of Mojave about 50 miles (80.5 km) east of Bakersfield). It is also constructed on a hill, which allows for all passenger services to be on the second level, while airport services are on the first. The terminal was constructed in 2006 at a cost of $33.8 million. It was initially occupied by United Express, US Airways Express, Delta Connection
Delta Connection
Delta Connection is the name under which a number of individually owned regional airlines and one wholly owned regional carrier operate short and medium haul routes in association with Delta Air Lines Inc...
, and ExpressJet.
Kern County Air Terminal (International)
Kern County Air Terminal has three open air gates, and is currently closed. The terminal was closed in 2008, when the only carrier, Mexicana, ended scheduled international flights. The adjacent US Customs house remains open, and processes both international charter flights and international cargo. If the terminal was opened, it would serve all international flights.The terminal was constructed in 1957, and originally served all domestic flights. A variety of carrier would operate out of the terminal, as companies started and ended service at the airport. In 2006, the terminal was served by United Express
United Express
United Express is a brand name under which eight regional airlines operate feeder flights for United Airlines. They primarily connect smaller cities with United's domestic hub airports and “focus cities,” although they offer some point-to-point service such as Sacramento to Eureka.As of Sept...
and US Airways Express
US Airways Express
US Airways Express is an airline brand name, rather than a fully certified airline, and as such, the US Airways Express name is used by several individually owned airlines or airline holding companies which provide regional airline and commuter service for US Airways.Operations are conducted from...
. That same year, they would move to the new Domestic Terminal. The Kern County Air Terminal would undergo a $1 million renovation and an adjacent $7 million US Customs house would be constructed. The number of gates would also be reduced from 5 to 3. The terminal would reopen in 2007, and was initially occupied by Mexicana.
Scheduled passenger services
Scheduled cargo services
Traffic and statistics
| Rank | Airport | PassengersList includes both non-stop and multiple stops to a given destination. Destinations with less than 1,000 passengers are listed in the same order as the Bureau of Transportation Statistics list. | CarriersCarriers list only include non-stop service to a given destination. |
|---|---|---|---|
| 1 |  Phoenix, ArizonaPhoenix Sky Harbor International Airport Phoenix Sky Harbor International Airport is a joint civil-military public airport located southeast of the central business district of the city of Phoenix, in Maricopa County, Arizona, United States... |
55,000 | US Airways Express |
| 2 |  San Fransico, CaliforniaSan Francisco International Airport San Francisco International Airport is a major international airport located south of downtown San Francisco, California, United States, near the cities of Millbrae and San Bruno in unincorporated San Mateo County. It is often referred to as SFO... |
19,000 | United Express |
| 3 |  Denver, ColoradoDenver International Airport Denver International Airport , often referred to as DIA, is an airport in Denver, Colorado. By land size, at , it is the largest international airport in the United States, and the third largest international airport in the world after King Fahd International Airport and Montréal-Mirabel... |
17,000 | United Express |
| 4 | Los Angeles, California Los Angeles International Airport Los Angeles International Airport is the primary airport serving the Greater Los Angeles Area, the second-most populated metropolitan area in the United States. It is most often referred to by its IATA airport code LAX, with the letters pronounced individually... |
11,000 | United Express |
| 5 |  Las Vegas, NevadaMcCarran International Airport McCarran International Airport is the principal commercial airport serving Las Vegas and Clark County, Nevada, United States. The airport is located five miles south of the central business district of Las Vegas, in the unincorporated area of Paradise in Clark County. It covers an area of and... |
7,000 | Allegiant Air |
| 6 |  Houston, TexasGeorge Bush Intercontinental Airport George Bush Intercontinental Airport, is a Class B international airport in Houston, Texas, serving the Houston–Sugar Land–Baytown metropolitan area, the sixth-largest metropolitan area in the United States. Located north of Downtown Houston between Interstate 45 and U.S. Highway 59... |
4,000 | United Express |
| 7 |  Memphis, TennesseeMemphis International Airport Memphis International Airport is a joint civil-military public airport located three miles south of the central business district of Memphis, a city in Shelby County, Tennessee, United States.... |
<1,000 | |
| 8 | Tucson, Arizona Tucson International Airport Tucson International Airport is a joint civil-military public airport located six miles south of the central business district of Tucson, in Pima County, Arizona, United States, and is the second largest and busiest airport in Arizona, after Sky Harbor International Airport in Phoenix.- Overview... |
<1,000 | |
| 9 | San Antonio, Texas San Antonio International Airport San Antonio International Airport is a commercial airport in San Antonio, Texas, USA. The airport has three runways and covers . Its elevation is above sea level. SAT is a Class C airport.- Overview :... |
<1,000 | |
| 10 |  Tulsa, OklahomaTulsa International Airport Tulsa International Airport is a city-owned public-use airport located five miles northeast of downtown Tulsa, a city in Tulsa County, Oklahoma, United States. It was originally named Tulsa Municipal Airport, when the city acquired it in 1929... |
<1,000 |
| Passengers | |
|---|---|
| 2002 | 192,027 |
| 2003 | 179,860 |
| 2004 | 236,560 |
| 2005 | 291,091 |
| 2006 | 345,149 |
| 2007 | 329,699 |
| 2008 | 285,951 |
| 2009 | 208,677 |
| 2010 | 213,001 |
| Source: Meadows Field | |
Terminal connections
Although the International Terminal is currently closed (the US Customhouse remains open), when the terminal was open there was no airport transportation between it and the Domestic Terminal. There is also no road connection, or pedestrian access between the two terminals. For passengers to transfer, they would leave the airport and turn left on Airport Drive. They would then turn left on Merle Haggard Drive. Passengers would then reenter the airport at Wings Way, a distance of approximately 2.5 miles (4 km). There is a long term plan to extend Wings Way through the airport, which would provide a more direct connection, but there is no date for construction.Road
The airport is located at the intersection of Merle Haggard Drive and Airport Drive, in Oildale (also called North Bakersfield). Access to the Domestic Terminal is from Merle Haggard Drive while access to the International Terminal is from Airport Drive. The primary signed route to the airport is via SR 99California State Route 99
California State Route 99 , commonly known as Highway 99 or, simply, as 99 , is a north–south state highway in the U.S. state of California, stretching almost the entire length of the Central Valley...
(Golden State Freeway). Drivers traveling north exit at Porterville Highway (SR 65
California State Route 65
State Route 65 , commonly known as Highway 65, is a north–south state highway in the U.S. state of California composed of two segments connecting Bakersfield to Exeter and Roseville to Olivehurst...
) while drivers traveling south exit at 7th Standard Road/Merle Haggard Drive. In both cases, drivers then turn east on Merle Haggard Drive, which leads to the airport. There is an alternate signed route via Golden State Highway (SR 204 Freeway
California State Route 204
State Route 204 is a short state highway in the Bakersfield, California, United States area. It connects SR 99 and SR 58 with downtown. It also connects Bakersfield's three major freeways together . Only the north 1.4 miles has been built to freeway standards; the rest is a six-lane arterial...
). Drivers exit at Airport Drive, and travel north to the airport.
The Domestic Terminal provides fee parking for both short term, and long term parking. People can also park for free in the short term parking for a limited amount of time. The International Terminal provides free parking for both short term, and long term parking.
Public transportation
Public transportation to the airport is provided exclusively by Golden Empire TransitGolden Empire Transit
Golden Empire Transit is the operator of mass transportation in Bakersfield, California. There are 18 routes serving Greater Bakersfield, which includes both the City of Bakersfield and adjacent unincorporated communities. It, however, does not serve Rio Bravo. Although apart of the city, the area...
(GET). Travel to/from the International Terminal is provided by Route 3 (Downtown), which runs between the Downtown Transit Center and North Bakersfield. The bus will only stop at the terminal when requested. There are no scheduled bus routes to the Domestic Terminal. Special express service is provided between the terminal and the Downtown Transit Center, if requested 24 hours in advance.
Rental car/Taxi
Rental cars are only available at the Domestic Terminal. Currently four companies are located at the airport. Rental car counter space is on the east side of the terminal, with the car lots directly outside the east exit.Taxi stands
Taxi stand
A taxicab stand is a queue area on a street or on private property where taxicabs line up to wait for passengers.-How stands work:...
are located outside the north entrance to the terminal, across the street. Taxis are typically available when flights are arriving at the airport. Meadows Field also list two taxi companies on their website, which provide 24 hour pickup, if no taxis are available.
Future
Kern County has planned several improvements to the airport over the next 20 years, all of which are based on future demand.Passenger
The domestic terminal was constructed in anticipation of future expansion. Currently it has three sky bridges to connect passengers to airplanes. Without any new construction, two additional sky bridges can be added. The existing gate area can then be extended towards the runway for an additional seven gates. After that, a new concourse can be constructed on the west side of the terminal for 12 more gates. That puts the ultimate capacity for the terminal at 24 gates.Other facilities are planned to expand with these future changes to the terminal. The existing parking lot will grow both east and west. The rental car parking lots will be consolidated and relocated east of the terminal. Wings Way, the road that connects to the airport, will be extend to Airport Drive, and connect to Day Avenue.
Cargo
Currently, all cargo operations are conducted out of a small facility, east of the international terminal. A new, expanded cargo facility is planned west of Merle Haggard Drive, north of the runway. Ultimate build out will contain 12 sortation buildings, 30000 square feet (2,787.1 m²) each. A road will connect then to trucking/warehouse/distribution facilities west of the airport. That road will terminate at Porterville Highway (SR 65California State Route 65
State Route 65 , commonly known as Highway 65, is a north–south state highway in the U.S. state of California composed of two segments connecting Bakersfield to Exeter and Roseville to Olivehurst...
) and Merle Haggard Drive (at Wings Way). Other aviation-related structures are planned in the area.
In addition, there is a long term plan to construct a third parallel runway. Designated 13-31, it will be located north of the cargo facilities, as well as Merle Haggard Drive. The runway is planned to be 8000 feet (2,438.4 m) long and 150 feet (45.7 m) wide. It will be widely spaced, which will allow for simultaneous Instrument Flight Rule
Instrument flight rules
Instrument flight rules are one of two sets of regulations governing all aspects of civil aviation aircraft operations; the other are visual flight rules ....
(IFR).
See also
- California World War II Army AirfieldsCalifornia World War II Army AirfieldsDuring World War II, the United States Army Air Forces established numerous airfields in California for training pilots and aircrews of USAAF fighters and bombers.-Overview:...
- Army Air Force School of Applied TacticsArmy Air Force School of Applied TacticsThe Army Air Forces School of Applied Tactics was a military training organization of the United States Army Air Forces during World War II...
Other sources
- Maurer, Maurer (1983). Air Force Combat Units Of World War II. Maxwell AFB, Alabama: Office of Air Force History. ISBN 0892010924.
- Mauer, Mauer (1969), Combat Squadrons of the Air Force, World War II, Air Force Historical Studies Office, Maxwell AFB, Alabama. ISBN 0892010975
- Shaw, Frederick J. (2004), Locating Air Force Base Sites History’s Legacy, Air Force History and Museums Program, United States Air Force, Washington DC, 2004.
- Meadows Field (official site)