The Alexandria International Airport Master Plan Update (2024) is a comprehensive, 20-year facility and operations planning document commissioned by the England Economic and Industrial Development District (the England Authority) to guide the airport’s future development, operations, and regulatory compliance. The plan, developed through FAA guidelines and including public and stakeholder input, establishes a strategic framework for infrastructure, capital improvements, environmental stewardship, and aviation demand at Alexandria International Airport (AEX). Key elements include:

• Purpose and Scope: The plan addresses short-term (0–5 years), intermediate-term (6–10 years), and long-term (11–20 years) needs, aiming to maintain safety, efficiency, and sustainability. It builds on the previous plan (2009–2012) and is tailored to align with evolving FAA standards and local, state, and federal requirements.

• Process: Major components of the planning process include an inventory of existing facilities; forecasts of aviation activity; capacity assessments; identification of facility requirements; alternatives analysis; preferred development plans; and a capital improvement and implementation program.

• Governance and Stakeholder Engagement: The England Authority, comprised of a board appointed by local government, leads the plan, with input from a Stakeholder Advisory Committee representing airlines, the military, state agencies, and community partners. The planning process is publicly transparent, with opportunities for community input and agency reviews.

• Airport Background: AEX transitioned from the former England Air Force Base to a public commercial and military-use airport. It is uniquely designated as a Power Projection Platform by the Department of Defense, significantly serving military airlift operations and related charters in addition to civilian air service.

• Current Facilities and Operations: AEX spans nearly 4,000 acres, has the region’s longest runway, and features modern airside and landside infrastructure. It supports regional commercial passenger service, significant military activity, charter and cargo flights, and general aviation.

• Forecast and Capacity: Activity forecasts, updated in 2022–2023 to account for COVID-19 impacts, project growth in operations, passenger enplanements, and based aircraft through 2041. The plan includes peaking activity forecasts to ensure facilities can handle demand surges. Both visual and instrument operations, as well as the critical aircraft that drive design standards, are considered.

• Development and Capital Program: The Capital Improvement Program details prioritized airport projects in phased increments, including runway/taxiway improvements, terminal upgrades, cargo and MRO (maintenance, repair, overhaul) expansions, apron and hangar additions, and safety/security enhancements. Funding sources include the federal Airport Improvement Program (AIP), Military Airport Program (MAP), state and local contributions, and public-private partnerships, typically based on a 90/10% federal/local split.

• Environmental and Land Use Considerations: Environmental compliance and mitigation, land acquisition, noise compatibility, and coordination with city and parish land use plans are integral to ongoing and new development.

• Public Involvement: A series of public meetings, committee sessions, agency briefings, and England Authority presentations were held to gather input and ensure transparency.

In summary, the Master Plan Update is designed to position Alexandria International Airport for continued growth, resilience, and economic impact, addressing both civilian and military aviation requirements for Central Louisiana through 2044.