Santa Maria, Calif. – The Santa Maria Public Airport District is moving forward on several high‑profile projects that will improve the airport experience for travelers, support private and international flights, and enrich the local cultural scene.
New Delta Hotels by Marriott Opens Adjacent to the Airport
The former Radisson Hotel property at 3455 Skyway Drive has been rebranded as Delta Hotels by Marriott Santa Maria. After an acquisition in 2022, the 191‑room hotel completed a multi‑year renovation that modernized guest rooms, refreshed the grand atrium, and upgraded meeting spaces, including the Concorde Ballroom. A new tarmac‑facing restaurant, Runway 43, now serves passengers and locals alike.
Federal Grants Fund Security and Customs Enhancements
More than $9.5 million in federal grants awarded in 2025 and 2026 is earmarked for long‑term capital projects at the airport. A key focus is upgrading security facilities to accommodate a U.S. Customs office, a move intended to stimulate private aviation and attract international business to the region.
Planes of Fame Air Museum Expands to a 23‑Acre Campus
Construction is underway on a new 23‑acre campus for the Planes of Fame Air Museum, following its groundbreaking in early 2025. The first phase, featuring the primary display building at Hangar Alpha, is slated to open early next year, offering residents and visitors a larger venue to celebrate aviation history.
Impact on the Community and Local Economy
These coordinated upgrades reflect the district’s commitment to strengthening Santa Maria’s role as a regional transportation hub. The hotel’s opening creates hospitality jobs, while the customs facility promises to draw private‑flight operators and international commerce. The museum expansion adds a cultural attraction that can boost tourism and support nearby businesses.
Local officials have praised the projects as a “balancing act” that simultaneously upgrades ground infrastructure and invests in the airport’s future air‑side capabilities. The district plans to continue seeking federal and private funding to further enhance the airport’s facilities and services.
Original reporting: KEYT (Ventura/Santa Barbara) — read the source article.
