A Look Back Before We Move Forward
Holiday decorations have been put away for another year and the first few weeks of 2022 are flying by. It’s important to reflect on 2021, which is now in our rear-view mirror, before we begin strategizing for the year ahead.
In 2021, SBD International Airport marked significant milestones while remaining committed to its roots. The airport reached new heights in flight, continued to support airport tenants and partners, and remained engaged with and supportive of our community. Some notable events from last year included:
2021 Full-Scale Emergency Exercise at SBD International Airport
In the spring, SBD completed a full-scale test of our Airport Emergency Plan, which is required by the FAA every three years. With pandemic social-distancing restrictions still a factor, airport staff and mutual aid partners successfully executed the exercise while keeping all participants safe. Also in spring, Amazon Air began service at SBD, and continues to directly support our community through creating jobs and meeting our region’s needs for online orders.
Fire tanker activity at San Bernardino Airtanker Base
Summer brought a shorter firefighting season compared to 2020, which was the most destructive in California history. The airport team, including air traffic controllers and maintenance providers, supported the US Forest Service and their aerial tanker base at SBD. Their flight operations in our region and beyond were made possible by ensuring a safe and secure airfield, airworthy aircraft, and operational readiness when timing was critical.
Luxivair SBD staff with finisher medals from the 2021 SB Turkey Trot. Photo courtesy of Bianca Gonzalez, Luxivair SBD
The fall was an active time for SBD in supporting our community when outdoor activities were more permissible. We sponsored the Redlands Veterans Day Celebration & Parade and hosted the 7th Annual San Bernardino Turkey Trot on Thanksgiving Day. SBD also joined our aviation community in saying goodbye and mourning the passing of Robert “Bob” Edwards, our beloved director of the Norton Air Force Base Museum. Through his work, Bob was instrumental in creating an on-airport museum experience that our community is proud of.
Air Cargo activity at SBD International Airport
Finally, winter and the year-end holidays brought an increase in aircraft operations. SBD supported more general aviation activity with aviators visiting Southern California. Also, UPS Airlines, FedEx Express and Amazon Air increased their operations to deliver essential goods, and home and office supplies to our residential and business neighbors.
SBD will continue to focus on airport safety and security, preparing for seasonal cycles in aircraft activity, and sharing up-to-date activities with our community. We look forward to being a part of what is important to you in 2022.
