HISTORY
Pangborn Memorial Airport has been in operation since 1941. It is named for Clyde Pangborn, who along with co-pilot Hugh Herndon, completed the first nonstop flight across the Pacific Ocean in 1931. Their epic journey began in Misawa Japan, and ended 41 hours later in East Wenatchee, Washington. Northwest Airlines began the first commercial air service to and from Pangborn Airport in 1945. Commercial air service is now provided by Horizon Air, a regional carrier that is a subsidiary of Alaska Airlines.
The airport was originally operated under the ownership of the City of Wenatchee, which, in recognition of the regional importance and benefit of the airport, transferred ownership to the Port of Chelan County in 1965. In furtherance of the regional vision for the airport, the Port of Chelan County gave the neighboring Port of Douglas County half interest in the airport in 1974. Working together, the Ports completed a new terminal building in 1992, and with the major support and assistance of Senator Patty Murray, obtained federal funds for the installation of an instrument landing system which became operational in 2006.
ABOUT
Pangborn Memorial Airport is jointly owned and operated by the Ports of Chelan and Douglas Counties. Under a joint operating agreement, the Port of Douglas County is responsible for the management of the airport’s business park. The Port of Chelan County is responsible for aviation operations and per an MOU, the Port of Chelan County has the authority of the governing board under the JOA.
The airport plays a vital role in connecting the North Central Washington region to the national and international air transport systems. The daily scheduled service to Seattle-Tacoma International Airport provides the region with one-stop connecting service to 20 major international and 75 domestic destinations.
In addition to commercial passenger and freight service, Pangborn is also the home base of approximately 120 aircraft, an active USFS Rappel Base, and many other businesses. A visitor to the airport might see a variety of aircraft ranging from gliders to experimental aircraft, to business jets to the current mainstay commercial aircraft, Alaska Airline’s DeHavilland Dash 8 Q-400.