Safety, quieter skies, cleaner air
Airport Modernization
public engagement
Reflecting the Common Ground Recommendations
The Aspen/Pitkin County Airport (ASE) Modernization project is one of the most significant community initiatives in our region’s history. With decades of conversation and planning leading to this moment, we are committed to ensuring that every step forward reflects the values and priorities of our community.
Following voter approval in November 2024, the ASE Modernization Program is moving into the design phase. The project’s centerpiece is a new passenger terminal to better serve travelers, locals and airport staff. Over the next 18 months, a new terminal will be designed to reflect the community-led and values-driven “Common Ground Recommendations” adopted by the Pitkin County Board of County Commissioners (BOCC) in December 2020.
Community Engagement | Upcoming Open Houses:
The ASE Modernization effort is built on the foundation of collaboration. We invite residents, visitors, and stakeholders to take part in shaping the future of the airport. This page will be regularly updated with news, upcoming events, and ways to get involved—please check back often to stay informed and connected to the process.
- Upcoming Open Houses:
- Thursday, December 4th, Time & Location TBD
- Thank you to all who joined our first open house on October 15. To view the display boards, Click Here>>
-
Latest News>> Get the latest project updates
-
Get Involved>> Learn about upcoming meetings, request a presentation and sign up for updates
-
FAQs>> Get the project facts and answers to frequently asked questions
Why Engagement Matters
Your voice ensures the airport of the future reflects our shared values—from sustainability and safety to connectivity and community character. This is not just a project about an airport terminal; it’s about building an asset that will serve generations to come.
Sign Up
Aspen / Pitkin County Airport Newsletter
The Aspen/Pitkin County Airport newsletter features important information for airport users, airport staff success stories, updates from our Airport Advisory Board, and much more. Each edition is released at the beginning of the month, delivered directly to your inbox. Sign up now
Contact the Project Team or Request a Modernization Project Presentation
Please submit your contact information if you would like to ask the project team a question or to present a project overview and update to your organization.
Project Background
What is modernization?
Improvements related to safety, noise reduction, and emissions are at the core of the airport’s modernization goals. To meet those goals, our facilities and systems must adapt to and meet a changing world.
While modernization started with a community visioning process, it must also become part of an Airport Layout Plan (ALP), a technical document used by the Federal Aviation Administration to program funding for the airport. In 2020, the Pitkin County Commissioners directed the airport to update its existing ALP to include community goals and aspirations.
Project Background
Why do we need modernization?
While airports across the globe have implemented innovations to critical infrastructure like passenger terminals, Aspen’s terminal hasn’t been renovated in almost 40 years. Not only has the community expressed a desire for updates, the FAA is requiring the airport to update the airfield to comply with safety standards.
Project Background
What led up to modernization?
Contemporary modernization efforts kicked off in 2019 and 2020 when a community-led process to improve the airport began in conjunction with stipulations from the Federal Aviation Administration to meet safety standards. Since opening in 1946, ASE has prioritized innovation. The terminal, constructed in 1976, was the first commercial building in the country to use passive solar heating. ASE has always been driven by a spirit of modernization and today’s plans aim to continue to improve the airport for the traveling public of the future.