Savannah/Hilton Head International Airport: Size And Significance

Savannah/Hilton Head International Airport in Savannah, Georgia, is a relatively small airport that offers a delightful travel experience. With its southern charm, friendly staff, and efficient operations, it has become a favourite among travellers. The airport covers an area of 3,650 acres (1,477 hectares) and is located 8 miles (13 km) northwest of the Savannah Historic District. It has a two-level, single-passenger terminal building with a built-up area of 275,000 square feet and is equipped with various amenities, including dining options and retail shops. The airport has two concrete runways and handles a significant volume of aircraft operations, serving approximately 1.64 million passengers and managing nearly 85,000 aircraft movements in 2013.

Savannah/Hilton Head International Airport covers 3,650 acres

Savannah/Hilton Head International Airport is a commercial and military-use airport in Savannah, Georgia, United States. It covers a total area of 3,650 acres or 1,477 hectares and is located 8 miles (13 km) northwest of the Savannah Historic District. The airport is owned and managed by the Savannah Airport Commission.

The airport has a rich history, dating back to 1918 when the first aircraft landing field in Savannah began operations on the south side of Daffin Park. Over the years, it has undergone various name changes, including Chatham Field, Travis Field, and Savannah International Airport, before finally becoming known as Savannah/Hilton Head International Airport.

The airport's elevation is 50 feet or 15 meters above mean sea level. It features two concrete runways: Runway 10/28 with a length of 2,850 meters and Runway 1/19 with a length of 2,134 meters. The airport also has a two-level, single passenger terminal building with a built-up area of 275,000 square feet. The terminal includes ten airline gates, an aircraft taxiway, a parking apron, stormwater ponds, roads, and landscaping.

Savannah/Hilton Head International Airport has seen continuous development and expansion to accommodate the rapid growth in passenger traffic. Terminal expansion projects have added new gates, concession spaces, and parking facilities. The airport is easily accessible, located just a short drive from downtown Savannah and Hilton Head Island, and offers a range of amenities, including dining options and retail shops. Its embodiment of Southern hospitality, efficiency, and charm has made it a favourite among travellers.

The airport has two runways

Savannah/Hilton Head International Airport has two runways, designated 10/28 and 1/19. The first runway has a length of 2,850 metres, while the second runway is 2,134 metres long. The runways have concrete surfaces.

The airport's history dates back to 1918 when the first aircraft landing field in Savannah began operations on the south side of Daffin Park. This original east-west strip was about 2,500 feet long and 450 feet wide, accommodating aircraft until 1930. In 1948, the Chatham Army Airfield was transferred to the Georgia Air National Guard and renamed Travis Field in honour of Brigadier General Robert F. Travis and his brother, Colonel William Travis.

Over the years, the airport has undergone various expansion and development projects. In 1958, work commenced on a new airline terminal, and by 1962, the east-west runway had been extended to 9,000 feet in length. The introduction of Delta Air Lines' Douglas DC-9-10 flights in 1965 marked the beginning of the jet age at the airport.

Today, Savannah/Hilton Head International Airport spans 3,650 acres, with a two-level passenger terminal building that opened in 1994. The terminal offers a range of amenities, including dining options, retail shops, and free Wi-Fi. The airport has been recognised for its charm and efficiency, providing travellers with a delightful and hassle-free experience.

It is owned by the City of Savannah

Savannah/Hilton Head International Airport is owned by the City of Savannah and managed by the Savannah Airport Commission. The airport covers an area of 3,650 acres (1,477 ha) at an elevation of 50 ft. (15 m) above mean sea level. It is located seven nautical miles (8 miles or 13 km) northwest of the Savannah Historic District. The airport's passenger terminal is directly accessible to Interstate 95 between Savannah and the suburban city of Pooler.

The airport's previous names include Savannah International Airport, Travis Field, and Chatham Field. The latter was previously known as Chatham Army Airfield, which was turned over to the Georgia Air National Guard in 1948 and renamed in honour of Savannah native Brigadier General Robert F. Travis, who was killed in a plane crash along with his brother, Colonel William Travis.

Savannah/Hilton Head International Airport has two runways with concrete surfaces and 150 aircraft based at the airport. In the 12-month period ending July 31, 2023, the airport had 112,822 aircraft operations, averaging 309 per day. To accommodate the rapid growth in passengers, construction is underway to expand the TSA security lanes, with six lanes expected to be completed by fall 2024.

The airport has undergone various expansion and improvement projects over the years, including terminal expansions in 2007 and 2013, adding new gates and concession spaces. A $35 million parking garage was completed in October 2007, adding 1,700 parking spaces and an electronic system to alert drivers of available spaces. The airport has also received awards for its facilities and services, being named the #1 Best Domestic Airport in Travel+Leisure World's Best Awards for two consecutive years.

The airport is located 8 miles from the Savannah Historic District

Savannah/Hilton Head International Airport is located just eight miles from the Savannah Historic District. The airport is owned by the City of Savannah and managed by the Savannah Airport Commission. It covers an area of 3,650 acres, with two runways and a total of 3,690 parking spaces. The airport's passenger terminal is easily accessible from Interstate 95, which runs between Savannah and the city of Pooler.

The airport's proximity to downtown Savannah and Hilton Head Island makes it a convenient option for locals and tourists alike. Despite its relatively small size, Savannah Airport offers a delightful travel experience, with its Southern hospitality, efficient operations, and charming ambiance. The staff are known for their friendliness and professionalism, ensuring that passengers have a pleasant and stress-free journey.

The terminal building at Savannah Airport features a bright and airy atrium, with colourful shopfronts reminiscent of those in the Historic District. The airport provides a variety of dining options, ranging from quick bites to sit-down meals, and travellers can find a range of retail options offering travel essentials and local souvenirs. Free Wi-Fi is available throughout the terminal, adding to the convenience of passengers.

Savannah/Hilton Head International Airport has undergone several expansion projects over the years to accommodate its growing number of passengers. In 2007, a Terminal Expansion project added five new gates and 10,000 square feet of concession space, enhancing the airport's capacity and services. The airport also boasts an award-winning parking garage, completed in 2007, which provides 1,700 parking spaces and utilises a unique electronic system to guide drivers to available spaces.

A $35 million parking garage was added in 2007

Savannah/Hilton Head International Airport (SAV) in Georgia is a charming airport that offers a delightful travel experience. Despite its small size, it has a lot to offer, including efficient operations and friendly staff.

To accommodate the rapid growth in passengers travelling through the airport, various construction projects have been undertaken over the years to expand and improve its facilities. One significant addition was the $35 million parking garage, completed in October 2007.

The new parking garage added 1,690 to 1,700 much-needed parking spaces, providing convenience and ease for travellers. The garage is located across from the terminal and is connected by covered walkways from the first and third levels, making it easily accessible for passengers.

One unique feature of the garage is the Signal Park system, also known as the electronic program, which informs drivers of the number of available spaces on each of the four levels. This technology enhances the parking experience by guiding drivers to the available spaces, reducing parking congestion and making the process more efficient.

The construction of the new parking garage is part of the airport's ongoing efforts to enhance the travel experience for its passengers, ensuring that despite its small size, it continues to be a favourite among travellers for its convenience, efficiency, and Southern charm.

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