Planning for the Future: Airport Master Plan
Pierce County Airport – Thun Field (PLU) situated in South Hill community serves the general aviation needs of Tacoma, Puyallup, and the larger area of Pierce County Washington. In the Master Plan report’s base year of 2018, PLU accommodated an estimated 106,300 aircraft takeoffs and landings and had 253 based aircraft, with that number expected to increase to 137,200 and 312 respectively in 2037. The airport is owned and operated by Pierce County and is classified as a regional general aviation airport by the Federal Aviation Administration (FAA).
Pierce County initiated the Pierce County Airport – Thun Field Master Plan to identify 20-year improvements for the airport. The master plan identifies long-term needs for facilities, equipment and services to position Pierce County Airport-Thun Field to accommodate community growth.
The master plan began in October 2017 and focuses on these areas:
- Positioning the airport to meet community growth and interests
- Accommodate existing and future aviation demands as envisioned by Pierce County
- Align recommendations with Pierce County revenue and return benefit
- Meet Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) safety standards and grant assurances
Pierce County now has a year-by year facility improvement plan which brings projects, people, and funding resources together in a coordinated manner.
Master Plan Development Timeline