b'16 FAT TERMINALSSisneros points out that early engagement can goPutting together capital programs is really challenging. both ways, with airport leadership initiating some capitalRecognizing that these are complex problems to solve, giving improvements and airline tenants driving others. Gone are theyourself the time to solve them [is key], he says. Ultimately the days, he says, when carriers routinely rejected any large-scalegoal is to get a deal.capital expenditure due to concerns about associated increases to fees or rental rates. The Next HarvestAirlines, by and large, are willing to make those investments,Almonds and raisins arent the only things growing in San Joaquin especially if it improves operational continuity or customerValley. experience, Sisneros contends. He acknowledges there mayPartida says more travelers living in nearby counties are be disagreements along the way, but believes mutually beneficialchoosing FAT, some from as far north as Stockton and Modesto conclusions are likely if there has been honest engagement.to as far south as Bakersfield. Doing so allows them to escape the frequent congestion on highways leading to larger airports in the Bay Area or greater Los Angeles. With further growth in mind, FAT Forward rolls on. Two additional gates are already in design for Concourse B, and Kimley-Horn is at work on designs for a planned $130 million rehabilitation of the airports 9,000-foot primary runway. Bids were released last year though a construction contractor has not yet been selected to replace the asphalt surfaces of 11L-29R with sturdier concrete.An upgraded $100 million air traffic control tower complex is also in the works to better serve travelers flying through whats quietly become one of Californias fastest growing regions. In early January, FAA released a Finding of No Significant Impact on the environment and Record of Decision, clearing the way for the city to proceed with a new 150-foot-tall tower and supporting infrastructure. Shortcomings of the existing 1960s tower include temperature issues, leaky ceilings and elevators that can be down for weeks while awaiting custom replacement parts.We owe it to the National Airspace System and our local controllers and radar approach [personnel] to give them a better place to work, Partida says.City and airport leaders are optimistic that recent upgrades may soon lead new or existing airline partners to add service after more guests have experienced the latest iteration of FAT. Weve unlocked a lot of possibilities, Partida says. Take that chance and skip the hubthats whats next. March | April 2026AirportImprovement.com'