FCM Long-Term Plan
The Metropolitan Airports Commission (MAC) – the airport authority that owns and operates the Flying Cloud Airport – is in the process of updating the Flying Cloud Airport Long-Term Plan through 2040. As the airport and its surrounding community experiences growth, this process allows the MAC to plan for the future, make smart capital investments and improvements in partnership with the community, and ensure that Flying Cloud is continuing to fulfill its purpose as a reliever airport in concert with the values and needs of the community.
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About Flying Cloud Airport
Flying Cloud Airport is the busiest airport in the Metropolitan Airports Commission’s reliever airport system, with more than 100,000 takeoffs and landings per year. Located in Eden Prairie, Minnesota, just 10 miles southwest of Minneapolis, Flying Cloud Airport is a hub for recreational aircraft, corporate jets and helicopters, and is home to several businesses that offer everything from aviation lessons to custom upholstery. Flying Cloud Airport also plays an important role in the medical community, connecting medical teams with patients in need of lifesaving operations, and supporting organ, eye and tissue transplant deliveries.
About the Flying Cloud Airport Long-Term Plan
The Flying Cloud Airport (FCM) Long-Term Plan (Plan) is a forward-looking planning tool that studies facility and infrastructure needs based on projected activity at the airport.
The Long-Term Plan will provide a roadmap to guide the MAC’s development strategy and capital improvements planning for Flying Cloud Airport over the next 5-10 years by renewing aviation activity forecasts, understanding facility needs and identifying ways to meet those needs.
The planning process will evaluate when facility improvements may be needed to accommodate projected demand in a manner that is safe, efficient, orderly and cost-effective. The Plan does not authorize construction or improvements to facilities. Rather, it helps the MAC better understand and plan for future facility needs.
The MAC completes this planning process in coordination with the Metropolitan Council for each of its airports every 10 years. The planning process began mid-2021, and the plan is expected to be finalized in mid-2023.
Process
The planning process includes the following steps:
- Inventory and document existing facilities and aviation activity levels to establish baseline conditions
- Forecast Flying Cloud Airport aviation activity levels out to the planning horizon of 2040
- Determine the gap between the baseline condition and future conditions based on forecasted activity levels (also known as a “gap analysis")
- Develop and evaluate alternative means to remedy facility issues identified through the planning process and meet future forecasted demand
- Determine a proposed development program, funding plan, and implementation strategy to present to the community and the MAC board
- Prepare an overview of environmental factors that should be taken into consideration when implementing the plan
Throughout the planning process, the MAC will seek input from the community on its findings and recommendations. The MAC is also working with a stakeholder advisory panel representing airport tenants, public partners, local community leaders and city planners, regional businesses, and tourism associations to ensure the plan works for everyone.