A First Class Airport

Paine Field is legendary among aviation buffs. Fifty years ago, the first 747 was built at Paine Field in the Boeing assembly plant, the largest building on the planet (by volume). Today aerospace manufacturing and museums flank the terminal. The industry has made the region famous and bolstered the local economy. No matter where you are in the world, if you’re buying a wide-body aircraft, you’re flying to Everett.

Brett Smith, CEO of Propeller Airports and a licensed pilot, founded Propeller in 2008 with two tenants in mind, to build smaller private airports for public commercial use and to return civility back to airline travel.

He chose Paine Field for its location, history, and collaborative public-private partnerships. Snohomish County, Washington is quickly growing with newcomers. The influx in population is driven by the region’s impressive quality of life and proximity to Seattle—giving companies a key advantage in attracting high-level talent.

The new Propeller Airport at Paine Field now offers a relaxed and refined alternative when flying into the greater Seattle area.

A Design-forward Approach

Paine Field is ideally situated next to the coast of the Salish Sea, on a 600-foot hill above the fog line. It’s easy for airplanes to access and ground control has great visibility (not to mention stunning views of the snowy Olympic Mountains).

The beauty of Paine Field isn’t only in its natural surroundings; it’s also in the design, flow, fit and finish of the details. Bose speakers play classical music in a vaulted wooden ceiling designed by Swiss sound engineering firm Topakustik. A modern electronic Solari readerboard, showing arriving and departing flights, greets travelers as they approach ticketing. These details are“reflective of the sophistication of Snohomish County,” says Smith.

Looking Ahead

PAE will bring a new wave of passengers to the foothills of the Cascades, the beaches of the Salish Sea, and the doorstep of Seattle. Locals will appreciate it for the terminal’s connectivity to regional fly markets and international destinations. All travelers will love the growing regional mass transit options, with the arrival of light rail to the county in 2024. The influx of visitors will boost the local economy as business travelers and adventure-seekers alike fly into this new portal to the true PNW.