Salem, Oregon: Airport Or Not?

Salem, Oregon, has an airport called the Salem-Willamette Valley Airport, also known as McNary Field. The airport is located two miles southeast of downtown Salem, Oregon's capital city. It offers convenient access to Oregon's Willamette Valley, known for its scenic beauty and vineyards. The airport has a control tower, a restaurant, a general aviation centre, and a small terminal. Avelo Airlines operates from the airport and offers flights to destinations such as Burbank, Las Vegas, and Santa Rosa.

Salem-Willamette Valley Airport

Salem, Oregon, does have an airport: the Salem-Willamette Valley Airport, formerly known as Salem Municipal Airport. The airport is located two miles southeast of downtown Salem, Oregon's capital, in the heart of the Willamette Valley. It is also known as McNary Field, named after U.S. Senator Charles (or Charles L.) McNary of Oregon, who died in 1944, a couple of years after the airport became operational.

The airport has a rich history of aviation services. United Airlines was the first airline to serve Salem, beginning in 1941-42 with a round-trip route connecting San Francisco, Medford, Salem, and Portland. This service was discontinued in 1980, and all passenger airline service into McNary Field ended in 1993. However, the city of Salem campaigned to bring back scheduled passenger service, and in 2007, Delta Connection, operated by SkyWest Airlines, began serving Salem with daily flights to Salt Lake City until October 2008.

In recent years, there have been efforts to reinstate and grow commercial air service in Salem. In 2023, the Salem City Council approved an agreement with an undisclosed airline to begin service to the Los Angeles area and Las Vegas, with potential future destinations including Phoenix and the San Francisco Bay Area. Avelo Airlines also initiated scheduled passenger service to Burbank, California, and Las Vegas, Nevada, in October 2023, with additional flights to Santa Rosa, California, announced for May 2024. Avelo Airlines offers direct flights from Salem to Burbank, Las Vegas, and Santa Rosa, with plans to resume flights to Las Vegas in April 2025.

The Salem-Willamette Valley Airport is conveniently located at the junction of Interstate 5 and State Highway 22, providing easy access for travellers. The airport is home to various businesses, including an on-site museum, an airfield view restaurant, a full-service Fixed Base Operator, and over 130 aircraft hangars. It also houses the Oregon National Guard's Army Aviation Support Facility.

Avelo Airlines

Salem, Oregon, does have an airport, known as Salem-Willamette Valley Airport (SLE). SLE is located two miles southeast of downtown Salem, Oregon's capital city, with direct access to Interstate 5. The airport is also known as McNary Field, named after U.S. Senator Charles McNary.

SLE is an excellent choice for travellers seeking easy access to Portland and Salem attractions. Compared to larger airports like Portland International Airport (PDX), SLE offers a smoother travel experience with fewer crowds and shorter lines. The airport also provides convenient onsite rental car services, saving travellers from the hassle of shuttles and long walks. Additionally, parking at SLE is significantly more affordable than at PDX, with rates as low as $10 per day.

Airport location and transport

Salem, Oregon, has an airport, the Salem-Willamette Valley Airport (SLE), which is located two miles southeast of downtown Salem, Oregon's capital city. The airport is also known as McNary Field, named after U.S. Senator Charles (or Charles L.) McNary. It is owned and operated by the City of Salem and is located at the juncture of Interstate 5 and State Highway 22. The airport is 751 acres and is home to more than 130 aircraft hangars, as well as the Oregon National Guard's Army Aviation Support Facility.

The airport offers direct flights to destinations such as Burbank, Las Vegas, Santa Rosa, Phoenix, and the San Francisco Bay Area. Avelo Airlines is the primary carrier, offering ultra-low-cost flights with no change or cancellation fees. The airport also has on-site car rental services from companies like Avis, Budget, Enterprise, and Hertz, and parking is available for $10/day.

The Salem-Willamette Valley Airport provides a convenient and hassle-free travel experience compared to larger airports. It has a control tower, a restaurant, a general aviation centre, and a small terminal with one departure gate and an arrival gate. The terminal has ticket counters, car rental counters, a baggage area, and a waiting area. The airport recommends arriving at least 90 minutes before departure, and ticket counters are open for approximately two hours before each scheduled departure.

The Fly Salem Steering Committee, formed in 2018, has been working to maintain and grow commercial air service in Salem. They have conducted studies, developed marketing plans, and secured funding to attract airlines and improve airport facilities.

Airport history

Salem, Oregon, is served by the Salem-Willamette Valley Airport, also known as McNary Field. The airport is located two miles southeast of downtown Salem, the state capital, and is owned by the city. The airport is named after U.S. Senator Charles L. McNary of Oregon, who died in February 1944, a couple of years after the airport became operational.

The airport covers 751 acres of land and is situated at an elevation of 213 feet. It has two asphalt runways and one helipad. The airport features a control tower, a restaurant, a general aviation centre offering limited flight training, and a small terminal. The terminal building, which was expanded in 2010, includes ticket counters, car rental counters, a baggage area, and a waiting area. It has one departure gate behind security and a general gate for arriving passengers in front of security. The control tower, built in 1973, stands at a height of 44 feet and consists of a square tower with a hexagonal cab.

Salem-Willamette Valley Airport was previously known as Salem Municipal Airport. On June 10, 2024, the Salem City Council voted to change the name to better reflect the airport's location in the heart of the Willamette Valley. The airport code, SLE, is derived from its former name.

The history of commercial airline service at the airport has been characterised by periods of service followed by interruptions. United Airlines was the first airline to serve Salem, operating a roundtrip San Francisco (SFO) - Medford (MFR) - Salem (SLE) - Portland (PDX) route from 1941 to 1942. This service was discontinued in 1980, and all passenger airline service into McNary Field ended in 1993. The city successfully campaigned to restore scheduled passenger service, and in 2007, Delta Connection, operated by SkyWest Airlines, began serving Salem with two daily flights to Salt Lake City. However, this service ended in October 2008.

In April 2011, SeaPort Airlines initiated service between Newport Municipal Airport, Salem, and Portland International Airport. Unfortunately, this service was short-lived, lasting only three months. After a period without scheduled passenger service, Avelo Airlines announced in July 2023 that it would commence operations from Salem-Willamette Valley Airport, offering direct flights to Burbank, California, and Las Vegas, Nevada. These flights began in October 2023, restoring commercial air service to the airport.

Airport facilities

Salem, Oregon is served by the Salem-Willamette Valley Airport, also known as McNary Field, located two miles southeast of downtown Salem. The airport is home to an array of facilities catering to the needs of travellers and pilots alike.

For travellers, the airport offers convenient on-site rental car services from well-known companies such as Avis, Budget, Enterprise, and Hertz. Airport parking is also available for those who prefer to drive their own vehicles. The airport provides essential navigation and flight status information to help travellers stay informed about their journeys. Additionally, the airport houses an ID Media Badging Office, where travellers can obtain the necessary security badges.

Dining options at the airport include an airfield view restaurant, providing patrons with a unique dining experience overlooking the aircraft. The airport also features an on-site museum, enriching the cultural experience for visitors.

For pilots, the Salem-Willamette Valley Airport offers extensive facilities. The 751-acre airport boasts over 130 aircraft hangars, providing ample space for aircraft storage and maintenance. It is also home to the Oregon National Guard's Army Aviation Support Facility, catering to the aviation needs of the military. The airport's full-service Fixed Base Operator ensures that pilots have access to the necessary support and services during their time at the facility.

The Salem-Willamette Valley Airport also accommodates a diverse range of businesses, contributing to a vibrant airport environment. The airport's advisory commission actively works towards the continued development and growth of the airport, ensuring that it remains a vital transportation hub for the region.

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