Santa Ana Airport: A Compact Aviation Hub

John Wayne Airport (SNA) in Santa Ana, Orange County, California, is the only commercial airport in the county. The airport spans more than 510 acres and has two runways. The airport is located 35 miles south of Los Angeles and is around 20 minutes from Anaheim. John Wayne Airport is owned and operated by the County of Orange and has been serving the aviation industry for more than 100 years.

John Wayne Airport (JWA) is the only commercial airport in Orange County, California

The airport is owned and operated by the County of Orange and has been a cornerstone of the county for over 100 years. It was originally named Orange County Airport but was renamed in 1979 in honour of actor John Wayne, who lived in neighbouring Newport Beach and died that year. A statue of John Wayne was installed at the airline terminal in 1982. The airport is surrounded by the cities of Irvine, Newport Beach, and Costa Mesa, although its IATA airport code is registered to Santa Ana, the county seat.

Spanning more than 510 acres, the airport operates two runways. The 2,887-foot runway serves general aviation, while the 5,700-foot main runway serves both commercial and general aviation aircraft. The airport is served by eleven commercial airlines and two air cargo airlines, with flights to over 40 non-stop destinations in the U.S., Mexico, and Canada. It serves approximately 11.7 million annual passengers, with a peak of 884,884 passengers in January 2024.

The unique takeoff procedure at John Wayne Airport is due to local noise restrictions and a short runway. This has led to some passengers rating the airport as one of the nation's scariest. The airport has also been rated the highest in customer satisfaction among large airports in North America for two years in a row, with a focus on providing a convenient and stress-free travel experience.

The airport spans more than 510 acres and operates two runways

John Wayne Airport (SNA) in Santa Ana, Orange County, California, is a large airport that spans more than 510 acres and operates two runways. The airport is a cornerstone of Orange County and has been serving the area for more than 100 years. It is located in Southern California, approximately 35 miles south of Los Angeles, and is easily accessible to over three million people in 34 cities and unincorporated areas of Orange County.

The two runways at John Wayne Airport include a 2,887-foot runway for general aviation and a 5,700-foot main runway that accommodates both commercial and general aviation aircraft. The longer runway is just long enough to handle jet airliners, and a unique takeoff procedure is required due to local noise restrictions and the relatively short runway. Commercial airliners must cycle to full power while holding at the end of the runway and then release the brakes once engines are fully spooled up. Pilots then make a steep 25-degree climb to 500 to 700 feet, where they reduce engine power to minimise noise.

The airport is the only commercial airport in Orange County and serves a significant number of passengers, with estimates ranging from 813,483 passengers in January 2025 to approximately 9 million or even 11.7 million passengers annually. It offers flights to more than 40 non-stop destinations in the U.S., Mexico, and Canada and is served by eleven commercial airlines and two air cargo airlines. The airport is also home to nearly 500 general aviation (private, non-commercial) aircraft, which represent 60% of total operations.

John Wayne Airport has a unique history, originally named Orange County Airport and then renamed in 1979 to honour actor John Wayne, who lived in neighbouring Newport Beach. The airport even features a statue of John Wayne installed at the airline terminal in 1982. The airport has received awards and recognition for its customer satisfaction, convenience, and stress-free travel experience, making it a popular choice for travellers to Southern California.

The airport is located 20 minutes from Anaheim and 35 miles south of Los Angeles

John Wayne Airport (SNA) is located in Santa Ana, Orange County, California, United States. The airport is 20 minutes from Anaheim and 35 miles south of Los Angeles. It is conveniently located for those travelling to Anaheim, California, whether they are going to Disneyland, the beach, or an event at the Anaheim Convention Centre.

John Wayne Airport is the closest airport to Anaheim, California, and is rated the highest in customer satisfaction among large airports in North America for two years in a row. The airport prides itself on providing a convenient and easy travel experience, with four adjacent parking structures, valet parking, and self-service ticketing kiosks to expedite the travel process. The Thomas F. Riley Terminal includes Terminals A, B, and C, each with its own ticket counters, security checkpoints, and baggage claim areas.

The airport is located approximately 35 miles south of Los Angeles, with a service area that includes more than three million people within 34 cities and unincorporated areas of Orange County. The airport is served by eleven commercial airlines and two air cargo airlines. It is home to nearly 500 general aviation (private, non-commercial) aircraft, representing 60% of total operations, and includes two full-service fixed-base operators and one limited-use general aviation facility.

John Wayne Airport has a unique takeoff procedure due to local noise restrictions and a short runway. Commercial airliners must cycle to full power while holding at the end of the runway and then release the brakes when engines are fully spooled up. Pilots must make a steep 25-degree climb to 500 to 700 feet, where engine power is reduced to reduce noise. These procedures have led passengers to rate the airport as one of the nation's scariest.

JWA is rated highly for customer satisfaction and convenience

John Wayne Airport (JWA) in Santa Ana, Orange County, California, is rated highly for customer satisfaction and convenience. JWA is an international airport that serves approximately 11.7 million annual passengers and provides flights to more than 40 non-stop destinations in the US, Mexico, and Canada.

JWA is committed to providing a superior guest experience, ensuring that travel is convenient and stress-free. The airport has been recognised for its exceptional guest experience, ranking #1 in Customer Satisfaction among Large Airports in the J.D. Power 2024 North America Airport Satisfaction Study. This ranking reflects JWA's dedication to creating a positive travel experience for its guests.

JWA offers a range of services and amenities to enhance customer satisfaction and convenience. The airport is home to nearly 500 general aviation aircraft and includes two full-service fixed-base operators and a limited-use general aviation facility. Additionally, JWA provides convenient self-service options, such as smartphone applications that allow passengers to check-in, access boarding passes, and track their flights, reducing wait times and improving the overall journey experience.

The airport also features an art exhibition, "Main Character Energy," showcasing illustrations, character development, and storytelling. JWA's commitment to customer satisfaction extends beyond efficient travel experiences, as they strive to engage and entertain their guests through art and culture.

JWA's unique takeoff procedure, influenced by local noise restrictions and a short runway, has led to mixed reviews from passengers. While some may find it exciting, others have rated JWA as one of the nation's scariest airports due to the steep climb and left turn required during takeoff. However, these noise abatement procedures prioritise the comfort of the surrounding community, demonstrating JWA's commitment to being a conscientious member of its neighbourhood.

The airport's unique takeoff procedure involves a steep climb to reduce noise

John Wayne Airport (SNA) in Santa Ana, Orange County, California, is unique among airports for its takeoff procedure, which involves a steep climb to reduce noise. The airport is located in a densely populated area, with Newport Beach to its west and several residential communities surrounding it. Due to its proximity to these communities, John Wayne Airport has strict noise restrictions in place to mitigate the impact of aircraft operations on the neighbouring residents.

The takeoff procedure at John Wayne Airport is specifically designed to address these noise concerns. When using the typical traffic pattern, departing aircraft from runway 20R cycle to full power (95-97%) while holding at the end of the runway. They then release the brakes when the engines are fully spooled up, resulting in a fast, full-throttle takeoff. To comply with noise abatement requirements, pilots must execute a steep climb of approximately 25 degrees to a height of 500 to 700 feet (150-210 m). During this climb, engine power is reduced, leading to a noticeable decrease in noise levels.

The steep climb is not the only unusual aspect of the takeoff procedure at John Wayne Airport. After reaching the required altitude, pilots must also make a left turn to enter a designated corridor over Newport Beach. This left turn is part of a carefully planned route designed to minimise noise disruption for residents. The entire departure procedure prioritises noise reduction over the efficiency and convenience of a traditional takeoff profile.

The short runway at John Wayne Airport further contributes to the uniqueness of its takeoff procedure. At only 5,701 feet (1,738 m) in length, it is one of the shortest runways in the nation accommodating large commercial aircraft. This runway length necessitates the full-power takeoff and steep climb, ensuring that aircraft can achieve the required altitude and speed within a limited distance.

The combination of a short runway and strict noise restrictions makes the takeoff procedure at John Wayne Airport a memorable experience for passengers. The abrupt pushover after liftoff can cause a rollercoaster-like sensation, and the subsequent reduction in engine power leads to a noticeable quietness in the cabin. These factors contribute to John Wayne Airport being rated as one of the nation's scariest airports for departures.

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