Jackson Hole Airport

Jackson Hole Airport was established in the 30s, with commercial service beginning in 1941 via Western Airlines. In 1943 the airport and surrounding area were declared a National Monument, and they were later merged with Grand Teton National Park (in 1950). In 1955 a Special Use Permit was granted by the National Park Service to the Town of Jackson and Teton County (in conjunction) for the operation of the airport for 20 years. This was renewed in 1969. The agreement was reconfigured in 1979, reducing the land area from 760 to 533 acres but allowing the runway to extend to 8,000 feet (the extension still needs to be approved, as the National Park Service opposes it). In 1982, the Secretary of the Interior recognized the Airport Board as the sole "proprietor" of the airport, stating that it was necessary for the proper performance and functioning of the Department of the Interior. As such, the Airport Board, a new Use Agreement, was signed in 1983 and was set to expire in 2033 (although it was extended in 2013 to expire in 2053). This agreement ensured the airport's long-term existence and placed strict noise limitations (the Jackson Hole Airport Noise Abatement Plan) on respecting the National Park. These limitations require continued monitoring and updating to keep up with the newest and quietest technologies. These have included the banning of Stage II aircraft in 2007 (through Congressional Action) and a new NextGen approach which reduced flight time over noise-sensitive areas in the park in 2013. In 2001 the airport completed the Transportation Security Administration's screening pilot program, which allowed it to opt out of federal security screening and employ private security (although in 2005, the Airport Board again contracted with TSA to provide security screening services). In June 2009, a major terminal expansion commenced. It included 52,000 square feet of new space and 48,000 square feet of renovations, effectively doubling the size of the terminal building. In May 2013, the second phase of construction began, adding a new baggage claim and an administrative support building, adding 19,440 square feet to the terminal building and 11,000 square feet of space to the administration building. Improvements were funded by the TSA, FAA, Wyoming Business Council, and WAC, at the cost of approximately $50 million. 

 

The airport is located seven miles north of Jackson. 

• JAC is the only commercial airport in the US to reside entirely within a national park. 
• The airport exists at a high altitude and features a short runway; therefore, the largest plane able to take off is a Boeing 757-200. 
• The airport's original terminal building resembled a pioneer log cabin. 
• The National Park Service limits the terminal building height to 18 feet. The new terminal design has won multiple awards, including a 2011 LEED Silver Certification from the US Green Building Council and a 2014 American Institute of Architects Honor Award. 
• The airport is a popular mating ground for the rare sage grouse.