The Salem-Willamette Valley Airport continues efforts to recruit new commercial air service, supported by a $1.5 million Minimum Revenue Guarantee (MRG) fund. The MRG, largely supported by local community members, includes a City commitment of $100,000 for each of three years. Two airlines have expressed interest, citing strong community support, though no commitments have been made.

Challenges

In December 2025, the Transportation Security Administration (TSA) began defederalizing the airport after 90 days without commercial service. TSA staff have been reassigned, and the airport’s security program is now managed locally. Screening equipment remains on-site but is listed as available for reassignment. If commercial service resumes, re-federalization could take 60–120 days, depending on equipment availability.

Industry-wide issues such as limited aircraft availability and rising operating costs are citied as chief recruitment challenges.

Planned Improvements

The Airport remains eligible for $1.3 million in annual FAA funding through 2027, based on passenger enplanements in 2025. Planned projects include taxiway improvements in 2026 and 2027. The Airport Master Plan, which will guide development over the next decade, is nearing completion. Public input opportunities will be available this spring.

Business and Property

The Airport is expanding its business offerings with the recent addition of two aircraft maintenance and repair stations specializing in services ranging from airframe overhauls to corporate jet maintenance. Established organizations at the airport already provide avionics repair, aircraft fueling, air ambulance transport, air cargo and aviation-focused education through the Salem-Keizer Public Schools Career and Technical Education Center Aviation Program, which is nearing completion of its third year.

Staff aim to enhance airport facilities and attract even more aeronautical industries while continuing efforts to restore commercial air service.