Centennial Airport Receives Colorado Airport of the Year Award

Watkins – Centennial Airport was distinguished as the 2022 Colorado Airport of the Year by the Colorado Department of Transportation Division of Aeronautics. The award was presented on Thursday, June 9, 2022 during a meeting of the Colorado Aeronautical Board held in conjunction with the Colorado Airport Operators Association Spring Conference held in Grand Junction.

The Colorado Airport of the Year Award is presented annually by the Colorado Division of Aeronautics to recognize Colorado public-use airports that exhibit outstanding contributions to the Colorado Aviation System. Airports distinguished with this recognition demonstrate values that fall in line with the CDOT Division of Aeronautics mission to advance a safe, efficient, and an effective statewide aviation system through collaboration, investment, and advocacy.

Since May 12, 1968, Centennial Airport - APA (formerly known as Arapahoe County Airport) has been Denver’s south metro air connection. Today, Centennial airport continues to hold the rank as the United States’ second busiest general aviation airport, providing airport users a safe and efficiently-operated airfield that provides access to all reaches of the world. Centennial Airport’s robust infrastructure and prime location has attracted an incredible amount of aviation-related businesses to the airport to thrive in the economic synergy that can be felt throughout the airport. The future vision of Centennial Airport is now led by 23-year APA veteran Mike Fronapfel.

"It is an honor to receive this award on behalf of everyone at Centennial Airport. We could not have earned this award without the hard work and dedication of our staff and the support of our aviation community. Receiving this recognition from our peers makes this honor even greater," said Centennial Airport Director Mike Fronapfel.

According to the 2020 Economic Impact Study of Colorado Airports, Centennial Airport is responsible for supporting 10,341 jobs, producing over $593 million in annual payroll, while generating $2.1 billion in overall business revenue.

The Colorado Airport System consists of 76 public use airports that support over 345,000 jobs, provide $16.2 billion in annual payroll, and $48.6 billion in total business revenue for the State of Colorado. More information can be found at Colorado-Aeronautics.org.