Palomar Airport grand opening set

CARLSBAD — McClellan-Palomar Airport will unveil its new look during grand opening ceremonies at 11 a.m. on January 29. The address is 2198 Palomar Airport Road, Carlsbad.

The airport renovation required 13 months to complete and includes an 18,000-square-foot, state-of-the-art terminal; new parking lots; and a new aircraft ramp.

The terminal features high-tech passenger and baggage screening areas, a spacious lobby and boarding lounge and easy passenger access via a new elevator and walkway from three new parking lots.

Other terminal services include car rental agencies, easy taxicab access and a Landings restaurant scheduled to open in the spring.

The $24 million construction cost was paid for by the FAA and Airport Enterprise funding.

The new design features a sea and sky motif with shell-encrusted floors that form sweeping conch shell patterns and overhead canopies that mimic sailboats.

The terminal also incorporates numerous “green” elements, such as full accordion-opening windows to take advantage of the area’s moderate climate and cut down on heating and air conditioning costs; low-flow water valves in restrooms; high-efficiency, low-energy lighting fixtures; and large windows to maximize use of natural light.

Recycled construction materials include refinished reclaimed barn lumber for internal walls; Trex, from recycled plastic, for outside decking; and reclaimed water for landscaping.

Other green technology includes solar-powered emergency barriers and highly efficient runway and taxiway lighting.

Fifth District Supervisor Bill Horn, who will be at the ceremony, said, “I’m proud of what our county team has done to make McClellan-Palomar Airport a key in our regional transportation system. Its role in our economy is substantial.”

McClellan-Palomar Airport is one of eight county airports and is designated as a public use, commercial airport.