Components & Process

The following describes in greater detail the study that will be completed to assess and make recommendations for the airport's physical and operational needs. Throughout the study process, community input is encouraged and valued. Opportunities for formal involvement will be announced by email, the news media and this website.

What are the major components of the Airport Master Plan Update (MPU)?

  • Airside, Terminal and Landside Planning
    With the increasing growth in passengers and flights, ORF is evaluating opportunities and challenges within all three airport operational areas: airfield, terminal, and landside (parking and roadways).
    • Focus on the runway/taxiway system to meet the long-term needs of ORF's users; airfield safety and standards, such as Runway Safety Areas, Runway Protection Zones, and more.
    • Key terminal building planning issues, such as functionality, capacity, and economic feasibility.
    • Land use/economic development issues, such as infrastructure, access, and use.
    • Surface access/parking considerations; environmental considerations, including air quality, stormwater management, and sustainability.
  • Sustainability Planning
    ORF has long been incorporating sustainable practices in the operation of the airport and airport facilities. This is the first time, however, that Sustainability will be included as a key component of its master planning effort. This includes reducing environmental impacts, ensuring economic performance, and working collaboratively with local communities. As this planning process develops, sustainability criteria will be used to evaluate and develop future alternatives for growth.
    • Major airport capital improvements recommended in an Airport Master Plan will be evaluated in terms of the potential impact they may cause on the environment.
    • A key objective in this process is to identify development options that improve airport operations with minimal impacts on the surrounding environment.
    • To meet federal and Commonwealth environmental regulations, major construction projects at the Airport must undergo stringent environmental review prior to receiving the necessary environmental approvals. As such, all projects recommended in the Master Plan will be analyzed to determine their potential impacts on noise, air quality, and the physical Airport environment.
  • Capital Improvement Program and Financial Considerations
    The Airport is fully self-sufficient financially through the imposition of various user fees. The local communities provide no financial assistance for the operation, maintenance, or development of the Airport. As part of this process, financial analyses and cost estimates will determine the Authority's ability to fund and implement the Recommended Development Plan described in the MPU. Individual project costs will be estimated, potential funding sources identified, and a project phasing plan will be developed taking into account the future costs of labor and goods as they change/increase over time.

What is the Master Plan Update Process?

During the study, the team will be performing inventories and data analysis concurrently with the final result being a plan for future development based on findings along with the financial plan to pay for development. Throughout this process, study committees, airport providers, tenants and the community will be involved to build a plan that works for everyone.

  • Review of existing studies and reports.
  • Inventories will be taken of airport facilities, operations data, socioeconomic, land use and community data; noise and other environmental conditions; and, financial data.
  • Forecasts of aviation demand will be developed for ORF passengers, general aviation, military and air cargo.
  • Demand and capacity analysis and facility requirements will be analyzed to determine requirements for the airfield, terminal space, support facilities and surface transportation and parking.
  • Airport Development Concepts will be proposed for improvements to the airfield, passenger terminal, general aviation, support facilities, ground access and parking. An environmental analysis will be performed.
  • A Sustainability Management Plan will be included for the first time as part of the Master Plan Update. Analyses include assessing energy efficiency, current recycling programs and sustainability initiatives.
  • An Airport Use Development Plan will include analysis of on-airport development opportunities.
  • A Financial Plan will be developed for the Recommended Development Program.
  • Airport Plans will be updated to reflect the new data. These include the Airport Layout Plan, Terminal Area Plans, Runway Approach and RPZ Plans, Airspace Alan, On-airport and Off-airport Development Plans.
  • Documentation in the form of the Sustainable Master Plan Update will be produced including a Master Plan Technical Report, an Executive Summary and a Public Information Brochure.