Exploring Paine Field Airport: Tips For Easy Access

Paine Field, also known as Snohomish County Airport, is located about 25-30 miles north of Seattle, Washington. The airport is accessible by car via Airport Road, which connects to State Route 99 and Interstate 5, the region's primary north-south highways. Public transportation options include bus services provided by Community Transit and Everett Transit, as well as the Swift Green Line bus rapid transit route. Paine Field is a medium-sized multi-use airport, serving both general aviation and commercial flights. It is known for housing a large Boeing Aircraft manufacturing facility and is also a major tourist destination due to its aviation-related attractions.

Location and transport links

Paine Field, also known as Snohomish County Airport, is located in unincorporated Snohomish County, Washington, between the cities of Mukilteo and Everett. It is situated about 25 miles (40 km) north of Seattle and 25 miles from Seattle's Sea-Tac International Airport. The airport is easily accessible from the north and south via Interstate 5 and Evergreen Way.

For those travelling to the airport by car, there is a convenient self-park service. Paine Field also offers concierge services.

Public transportation options are also available, with several bus routes serving the airport. The Everett Transit Route 8 bus provides direct service to Everett Station from the departures/arrivals area of the terminal. Additionally, Community Transit operates two bus routes along Airport Road, with stops within walking distance of the terminal. These include the Swift Green Line, a bus rapid transit route that connects Paine Field to Seaway Transit Center, south Everett, Mill Creek, and northern Bothell. This route operates every 10 minutes during midday on weekdays and every 20 minutes at other times. There is also a local route, Route 105, which serves the same corridor during peak periods and extends further south into Bothell.

In the future, there are plans for a Link light rail extension to Everett by Sound Transit, the regional transit system, which is expected to be completed in 2036 and will provide an additional transport link to the airport.

History

Paine Field, also known as Seattle Paine Field International Airport, Snohomish County Airport, and Seattle Paine Field, is an airport located in unincorporated Snohomish County, Washington, between the cities of Mukilteo and Everett. It is about 25 miles (40 km) north of Seattle. The airport was built in 1936 by the Works Progress Administration and began commercial service in 1939. It was named for Topliff Olin Paine in 1941, shortly before the Army Air Corps began using the airport for military purposes.

During World War II, the airport served as a patrol, air defence, and fighter training base for the U.S. Army Air Corps, and was later controlled by the U.S. Army Air Forces. In 1946, after the war ended, the airfield began its transition back to civilian control, which was completed in 1948. However, the U.S. Air Force continued to maintain various Air Defense Command units at the airport as tenants.

In 1951, the airfield was returned to USAF control and renamed Paine Air Force Base, housing USAF personnel, units, and assets. The site featured a 9,000-foot jet runway, taxiways, permanent concrete buildings, and other support facilities. From 1951 until the mid-1960s, various regular Air Force fighter-interceptor units and Air Force Reserve troop carrier units operated at the base. During this time, the Boeing Company selected Paine Field for the site of its Everett assembly plant in 1966, contributing to the airport's growth.

In 1968, Paine Air Force Base was inactivated and returned to full civilian control as Paine Field/Snohomish County Airport. Since then, Paine Field has continued to serve as a commercial and general aviation airport, offering high-quality aviation facilities and contributing to the economic vitality of the region. The airport is known for its state-of-the-art amenities and modern design, attracting tourists with its aviation centres, museums, and tours.

Airlines and destinations

At the time of its full launch in May 2019, Paine Field Airport had 26 daily arrivals and departures on Alaska Airlines through their regional subsidiaries, as well as San Juan Airlines. The earliest departure was scheduled for 6 am and the latest for 9:05 pm. As of June 2022, the airport has 18 daily departures to nine destinations. Most Alaska Airlines flights are operated by Horizon Air, although Alaska Airlines also operates a number of mainline jets to supplement the regional carrier.

The airport's nine destinations include:

• Las Vegas
• Los Angeles
• Orange County
• Phoenix–Sky Harbor
• San Diego
• San Francisco
• Honolulu (seasonal)
• Palm Springs (seasonal)

In addition to these, there are also flights to three other locations:

• Eastsound
• Friday Harbor
• Victoria

Paine Field Airport is located about 25-30 miles north of Seattle and offers convenient access to the city, as well as Bellevue and Redmond. The airport is served by several flight schools and is also home to the Boeing Everett Factory, the world's largest building by volume. It is a unique airport that contributes significantly to the region's economy, with an estimated impact of over 158,000 jobs and an output of almost $60 billion annually.

Facilities and amenities

The facilities and amenities at Paine Field are impressive and cater to a range of aviation needs. The airport boasts a state-of-the-art, modern design and convenient self-park and concierge services. Paine Field is also unique in that it is the only medium-sized, multi-use airport in the region, serving both general aviation and Boeing aircraft manufacturing.

The airport has two runways: 16R/34L and 16L/34R. Runway 16R/34L is 9,010 feet long and suitable for most aircraft, while runway 16L/34R is smaller at 3,004 feet and caters to small aircraft only. The airport also has a full-length parallel taxiway associated with both runways, providing access to all services, terminals, and businesses located between them.

Paine Field is home to over 500 aircraft, including small, single-engine recreational planes, corporate jets, vintage warbirds, and brand-new Boeing aircraft. It also has 456 general aviation hangars, with 326 leased by the county and 130 "condominium" hangars. The wait time for a hangar ranges from 6 months to 5 years, depending on the type of aircraft.

In addition to its aviation infrastructure, Paine Field also offers high-quality industrial services and facilities. The airport is home to the Boeing Everett Factory, the world's largest building by volume, where Boeing assembles its wide-body 767 and 777 aircraft. Paine Field also houses Aviation Technical Services (ATS), one of the nation's largest aviation maintenance facilities, occupying a 950,000-square-foot space.

Paine Field is also a major tourist destination, featuring attractions such as the Future of Flight Aviation Center & Boeing Tour, the Flying Heritage & Combat Armor Museum, and the Museum of Flight Restoration Center. The airport's economic impact is significant, contributing to over 158,000 jobs and generating an output of almost $60 billion annually.

The airport provides good access to nearby cities like Seattle, Bellevue, and Redmond, and is located about 25-30 miles north of downtown Seattle. Paine Field is easily accessible via Airport Road, which connects to State Route 99 and Interstate 5, the region's primary north-south highways. Public transportation options include bus services by Community Transit and Everett Transit, as well as a planned Link light rail extension to Everett by Sound Transit in 2036.

Tourist attractions

Paine Field has become a major tourist destination with the opening of several attractions. The Future of Flight Aviation Center & Boeing Tour, located within the airport, offers visitors a glimpse into the world of aviation and aerospace. The tour includes a gallery showcasing the latest advancements in aviation technology and aircraft components from industry leaders such as Airbus and Boeing.

Adjacent to Paine Field is the Flying Heritage & Combat Armor Museum, which houses a collection of early military aircraft. The museum closed in 2020 due to the COVID-19 pandemic, and the collection was sold off, but it remains a significant attraction in the area.

The Museum of Flight Restoration Center, located at the airport's main gate, is another draw for aviation enthusiasts. This facility is dedicated to restoring and preserving historic aircraft, providing visitors with a unique insight into aviation history.

Paine Field is also home to the Boeing Everett Factory, the world's largest building by volume. This massive facility serves as the primary assembly site for Boeing's wide-body aircraft, including the 767 and 777 series. Visitors can witness the assembly process and learn about the history of aviation manufacturing.

In addition to these aviation-themed attractions, Paine Field is surrounded by natural reserves and sanctuaries. The Salmon-Safe area, certified in 2019, encompasses ponds and natural habitats, offering visitors a peaceful escape and a chance to connect with nature.

With its unique blend of aviation attractions and natural spaces, Paine Field has established itself as a sought-after destination for tourists seeking insight into the world of flight and those seeking tranquil escapes in the midst of breathtaking natural surroundings.

Frequently asked questions