Quarterly Airport Update

July-September, 2026

Quarter in Numbers

Aircraft Operations

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91,906

YTD: 247,274

Medevac Operations

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2,019

YTD: 5,578

Aircraft operations by day of week graph

Top airports chart for aircraft operations

Military Operations

812

YTD: 2,037

International Arrivals

142

YTD: 628

Jet A Fuel Sold

3,760,195 Gallons

YTD: 10,944,873 Gallons

100LL Fuel Sold

166,285 Gallons

YTD: 454,059 Gallons

UL94 Fuel Sold

25,787 Gallons

YTD: 84,793 Gallons

Snowfall Total

0.00"

YTD: 24.13"

Busiest Day of the Quarter

August 4, 2026

1,412 Operations

Average Operations per Day

999

Data Sources

Aircraft operations are reported by the FAA Air Traffic Control Tower. Medevac operations are provided by 1200.aero, international arrivals by the U.S. Customs office, and fuel sales by the airport's FBOs. While we make every effort to ensure these figures are as accurate as possible, minor discrepancies may occasionally occur.

Community Photo of the Quarter:

Photo by Mark Moreno, @APAaero

May contain: animal, bird, flying, aircraft, airplane, transportation, vehicle, warplane, bomber, flight, jet, and airliner

Community Photo Gallery

May contain: airport, aircraft, airliner, airplane, transportation, vehicle, airfield, flight, person, and landing

Mark Moreno, @APAaero

May contain: aircraft, airliner, airplane, transportation, vehicle, flight, animal, bird, flying, and takeoff

Barbara S Hoversten, @bsh.aviation

May contain: aircraft, airplane, transportation, vehicle, warplane, bomber, and jet

Jack O'Connor, @planephotographer_13

May contain: aircraft, airliner, airplane, transportation, vehicle, flight, animal, bird, and flying

Samuel Behmer, @SkyBoundPhotography

An aircraft parked on a wet runway under a double rainbow, with industrial buildings in the background.

Ryder Williams, @centennial_aviation

May contain: airfield, airport, aircraft, airplane, transportation, vehicle, flight, and airliner

Mike Straka, @BlueSkiesImages

@skippyscage

May contain: airport, airfield, aircraft, airplane, landing, transportation, vehicle, airliner, and flight

Keelan Doud, @kdude.photo

May contain: aircraft, airplane, jet, transportation, and vehicle

Grant Carignan, @gc.aviationphotography

May contain: airfield, airport, aircraft, airplane, transportation, and vehicle

Jonny Salbato, @MachOnePhotography

Want to share your photo in the next Quarterly Airport Update? Submit your photo, name, and social media handle (optional) to Samantha at sblymyer@centennialairport.com

Did you Know?

Centennial Airport connects travelers to over twice the amount of destinations than Denver International Airport!

According to the CDOT Division of Aeronautics’ 2025 Colorado Aviation Economic Impact Study, Centennial Airport had flights to and from 1,663 different locations over the course of one year, compared to 824 locations to and from Denver International Airport.

The image compares Denver International Airport and Centennial Airport based on places flown to/from, states, and countries.

News & Updates this Quarter

▶ Leaders in Sustainability, Gold!

We're proud to be recognized by the Colorado Green Business Network (CGBN) as a Gold Member for our ongoing commitment to sustainability in our daily operations. From pioneering initiatives like offering unleaded Avgas—the first in Colorado, transitioning our ARFF trucks to fluorine-free firefighting foam, using goats for sustainable vegetation management, and plenty more, we're continually finding innovative ways to reduce our environmental impact and lead the way in sustainable airport operations. We're grateful to work alongside fellow CGBN members to help build a more sustainable Colorado.

A group of people celebrating receiving a Gold certification from the Colorado Green Business Network.

▶ Goats! A Sustainable Approach to Vegetation Management

We welcomed 322 goats to the airfield for approximately a week as part of an innovative vegetation management effort with local grazing company Goat Bros. Their natural grazing helps control vegetation, discourage wildlife habitats, reduce wildfire risk, and minimize the need for fuel-powered maintenance equipment. Who says sustainability can't be fun?

A herd of goats standing in a grassy field at sunset, with colorful lights visible in the distance.

▶ Bye Aerospace's All Electric 'eFlyer 2' Takes Flight

Bye Aerospace's eFlyer 2, flown by Chief Test Pilot Elliot Seguin, completed its first flight at Centennial Airport, officially kicking off the aircraft's flight test program. We're proud to have been the launch point for this milestone as Bye Aerospace works toward FAA certification and the future of electric aviation.

An all-electric aircraft is in mid-air during takeoff or landing, showcasing its sleek design and modern technology.

▶ A Special Send-Off for Lorie

We sent our now-retired Assistant Airport Director Lorie Zarlengo off in unforgettable fashion! As part of her farewell, Lorie took to the skies in a P-51 Mustang, and when she returned, South Metro Fire Rescue's ARFF Strikers welcomed her back with a memorable water salute.

A vintage aircraft is receiving a water salute from two fire trucks on an airport runway, with a blue sky in the background.

▶ Welcome, Mitch!

Please join us in welcoming Mitch, our newest Aviation Management Intern! Mitch graduated from MSU Denver in 2025 with a bachelor's degree in Aviation Management and brings experience flying both helicopters and fixed-wing aircraft. We're excited to have him on the team!

A person stands smiling in front of a helicopter, with a clear blue sky and hangars in the background.

▶ New To The Team!

Please join us in welcoming Kyler, Jacob, and Sam to our Maintenance Team! They play an important role in maintaining the airport - keeping everything from our airfield, facilities, and equiptment in top condition. When winter weather arrives, they’ll also join our Snow Team, clearing snow from runways and ramp areas to keep operations moving safely. We’re excited to have them on board!

Three men pose together outdoors, smiling in front of a modern building, wearing casual work attire and hats.

▶ Aircraft Run-Up Area Updates

We've made some important updates to our Aircraft Run-Up Areas, including: aircraft performing run-ups at the C5 and A14 Run-Up Areas must face west, no high-power turbine run-ups at C5 Run-Up Area, and high-powered run-ups are recommended to take place at A14 (compass rose) or A18. As always, please be aware of your surroundings and review the updated Aircraft Run-Up Areas PDF on our website before conducting run-ups.

The image is a map of aircraft run-up areas at Centennial Airport, detailing accessible zones and rules for different aircraft types.

▶ Giving Back: 300+ Hygiene Kits Assembled

Our team came together to assemble more than 300 hygiene kits to help local families prepare for the upcoming school year. The kits were distributed through Arapahoe County Human Services and at the Ironsharp Community Foundation Back to School Heart Reach event.

A group of people poses with colorful bags in cardboard boxes, likely for a project or event.

▶ AeroAngel Establishes Headquarters at Centennial Airport

AeroAngel, a nonprofit providing private jet flights for seriously ill children who need access to distant medical care, has officially established its headquarters at Centennial Airport. The organization has called the airport home since completing its first mission here in 2010 and provided more than $2.7 million in donated flights last year alone. Their work reflects the very best of general aviation and our airport, and we're proud to support their mission of helping families access critical medical care when they need it most.

The image features black-and-white photos of children and caregivers, possibly taken during medical transport by AeroAngel.

A Season of Charity, Community & Impact

Morgan Adams Concours d'Elegance

The 23rd annual Morgan Adams Concours d'Elegance raised nearly $1.6 million to support the Morgan Adams Foundation's mission of funding children's cancer research. Hosted by Signature Aviation, the event featured an incredible aerial demonstration with aerobatics in an Extra NG, P-51 Mustang flyovers, formation flights from the Rocky Mountain Renegades, and a drone show.

May contain: car, car show, transportation, vehicle, art, collage, person, machine, wheel, aircraft, airplane, face, and head

Douglas County Community Foundation's Heroes Gala

The Douglas County Community Foundation's Heroes Gala raised more than $315,000 to support local nonprofits and the Community Emergency Relief Fund. Hosted by Signature Aviation, the gala honors the first responders, service members, healthcare workers, teachers, and volunteers who help hold our community together. Our very own Mike Fronapfel also presented a 2026 Hero Award to Centennial Airport Board member and Air Force veteran, John Sieber.

The image shows a large outdoor gathering with people mingling at an event, alongside a presentation with award recipients.

AeroAngel's Light Up the Sky

AeroAngel's Light Up the Sky event raised more than $150,000 to help children with critical illnesses travel to lifesaving medical care. Hosted by Wings Over the Rockies, the event supports AeroAngel's mission of providing free private jet flights to children who need access to specialized medical care far from home.

May contain: art, collage, clothing, dress, formal wear, child, female, girl, person, food, lunch, meal, car, transportation, vehicle, evening dress, accessories, glasses, glove, fashion, gown, wedding, wedding gown, chair, furniture, tie, aircraft, airplane, people, alloy wheel, car wheel, machine, spoke, tire, and wheel

Challenge Air for Kids Fly Day

We were proud to support a special Fly Day hosted by Modern Aviation for Challenge Air for Kids, giving children with special needs the opportunity to experience the gift of flight. The event welcomed 90 kids, 17 aircraft, and more than 80 volunteers, creating a day filled with smiles, memories, and confidence-building experiences.

A group of four people, including two young girls, poses by a small airplane, smiling and wearing sunglasses.

Wings Over the Rockies Spreading Wings Gala

The 2026 Spreading Wings Gala brought together aviation enthusiasts, community leaders, veterans, and more for an unforgettable evening celebrating aviation. Guests enjoyed inspiring stories and exclusive experiences, including the highly anticipated unveiling of the fully restored Thunderbird F-16D.

A military jet on display, with a group of people posing for a selfie at an event in an aviation hangar.

Evening of Hope - Wings of Hope for Pancreatic Cancer Research

Our team also showed its support for Wings of Hope for Pancreatic Cancer Research by attending the Evening of Hope. All proceeds from the event went directly toward raising awareness and funding pancreatic cancer research at the University of Colorado Cancer Center at Anschutz Medical Campus.

May contain: people, person, dining table, furniture, table, indoors, restaurant, adult, female, woman, architecture, building, dining room, room, male, man, home decor, linen, crowd, audience, lecture, seminar, and interior design

Coming up!

Centennial Airport Blood Drive

Monday, Oct. 12th 10:00 am – 2:00 pm
Airport Administration Building - 7565 S Peoria St.

To schedule an appointment, scan the QR code below or follow this link donors.vitalant.org

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Want to Learn More about Centennial Airport?

Explore more about who we are, what we do, and the history behind one of the nation’s busiest general aviation airports: About Us | History

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