The Future of Flight: Washington State To Modernize Skies with New WASP Initiative

OLYMPIA — For the first time since 2017, Washington has a new playbook for the skies. A recently completed, comprehensive roadmap called the Washington Aviation System Plan (WASP) guides how the state will invest in, protect, and modernize its 134 public-use airports over the coming decade.

According to state aviation officials, the update “arrives at a pivotal moment, as Washington’s aviation system has faced growing demand and rapid change.”

Since the last WASP was completed, the industry has transformed with the emergence of electric vertical takeoff and landing (eVTOL) aircraft, sustainable aviation fuels, a widening pilot and mechanic workforce gap, and pressure on airport land from incompatible development, officials noted.

“Aviation is evolving quickly and planning needs to keep pace,” said David Ison, Ph.D., WSDOT Aviation Emerging Aviation Technology and Airport Land Use Planner. “This plan helps ensure Washington is ready for the next generation of aviation while continuing to meet today’s needs.”

The updated plan includes several new and expanded elements:

• A statewide aviation sustainability framework to help airports improve efficiency, reduce environmental impacts, and support long-term viability
• Analysis of advanced air mobility and infrastructure needs, including the role of Grant County International Airport as a testing and research hub
• Updated forecasts for aviation demand, airport capacity, and system performance
• Identification of airports most at risk from development pressure, climate impacts, and deferred maintenance
• Refined performance measures to guide state investment decisions

Washington’s public-use airports support an estimated $107 billion in annual economic activity and serve as essential links for rural and tribal communities, emergency response, and the state’s aerospace industry, state aviation officials said.

WSDOT Aviation will use the updated plan to:

• Guide state and federal investment in airport infrastructure
• Support airport sponsors applying for Airport Aid grants and FAA funding
• Inform statewide aviation initiatives, including sustainability and system planning efforts
• Help protect airports through land-use compatibility planning

The WASP update was funded through an FAA planning grant, with a 10% match provided by WSDOT Aviation.

For more information: WSDOT.WA.gov