Chino Airport’s strategic plan unveils 300 acres for development

A large corner building with metal, brick framing and glass windows are surrounded by cement sidewalks and paved streets.

A conceptual design illustrates possible development uses at Chino Airport.

building with metal, wood framing and glass windows are surrounded by desert landscaping with a dirt pathway.

Another conceptual design illustrates possible development uses at Chino Airport.

A building with metal, wood framing and glass windows are surrounded by desert landscaping and a cement pathway where two women walk side-by-side.

A conceptual design illustrates possible development uses.

Chino Airport, a San Bernardino County general aviation (GA) airport regulated by the Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) and operated by the Department of Airports, is known for supporting recreational flying, pilot training and even firefighter and rescue missions. However, recently, the department announced it is unlocking 300 acres of prime real estate for new innovative aeronautical and non-aeronautical development.

This transformative move, spearheaded by Director Brett J. Godown of the San Bernardino County Department of Airports, aims to attract developments that enhance both the airport’s growth and the surrounding community. The initial phase of the Request for Qualifications (RFQ) seeks proposals to develop 21 to 151 acres of land strategically located near key routes and surrounded by thriving residential, commercial and industrial zones.

“Our vision for Chino Airport is to shine as the crown jewel in the communities it serves,” said Godown.

Situated on more than 1,115 acres in the southwest portion of the city of Chino, the vacant land will be available for development through a Request for Qualifications (RFQ) phased process.
A RFQ is a formal way of requesting submissions from development entities to establish their interest and qualifications for developing land.

Fourth District Supervisor Curt Hagman, the district in which the airport resides and longtime proponent of economic development said, “By unlocking this prime land for lease, we are not only supporting the expansion of Chino Airport but also fostering job creation, attracting new businesses, and enhancing infrastructure that will benefit the surrounding community for years to come.”

One key requirement listed in the RFQ is proposals must include a development concept that will strengthen the quality of life for the immediate community.

Terry Thompson, director of San Bernardino County Real Estate Services, is leading the RFQ process and says this is the first step of many to increase the quality of the airport to benefit the stakeholders and nearby residential communities.

“There are creative ideas in development. Our plan is to involve the community throughout the process. We want to build something the community views as an asset that everybody can enjoy and be proud of,” said Thompson.

One promising approach, says Thompson, is buffer developments, designing land use that benefits both the airports and the surrounding community. For example, store fronts such as a dry cleaner or car wash along Kimball Avenue could serve as sound and visual barriers while complimenting aeronautical land use and benefit the community twofold. While the FAA has the final approval on non-aeronautical land uses outlined in the masterplan, Thompson emphasizes that creative solutions remain open for discussion.

Known for its historical contributions during WWII and location, the airport is thriving with activity, logging in more than 200,000 operations in 2024 — and is expected to soar even higher in 2025.

“This is a good time given all the confluence and improvements going on in the Inland Empire and around Chino. I think it is really a good time to embark on this,” said Thompson.

Conveniently situated 35 miles from Los Angeles and accessible via major highways, Chino Airport is uniquely positioned to thrive as similar GA airports in the region face closures. It’s not just history that sets this airport apart — from hosting WWII pilot training to being home to aviation museums and thriving businesses, Chino Airport is poised to embark on an exciting new era in aviation culture.

For more information on the RFQ process, please email San Bernardino County Real Estate Services Department, Lyle Ballard at Lyle.Ballard@res.sbcounty.gov.

Chino Airport was home to the Cal-Aero Flight Academy in the early 1940s, training more than 10,365 fighter and bomber pilots during WWII. Today, the airport is home to numerous aviation-related companies and businesses, including full-service fixed operations, aircraft management and maintenance, charters, flight training and aircraft restoration services. The airport is also home to two historic aircraft museums, Planes of Fame Air Museum and Yanks Air Museum as well as the longtime diner, Flo’s Café.

Additional County Update News – April 17, 2025