Posted on October 17th, 2023
Centennial Airport, located in Arapahoe County, Colorado, near Denver, is a bustling hub for general aviation, serving as a key reliever for Denver International Airport. It is owned and operated by the Arapahoe County Public Airport Authority. Established in 1968, Centennial Airport has become one of the leading general aviation airports in the United States.
While Centennial Airport primarily caters to general aviation, it is also home to several commercial operations. Key Lime Air, known for its air taxi and cargo services, operates out of Centennial Airport, providing vital connections and services. A leading air medical service provider operates from APA and provides medical care air transports.
Centennial Airport is an excellent option for those who prefer to travel by private jet to or from Denver. This airport is comparatively smaller and less congested than Denver International, but it still has four FBOs onsite that provide the comfort and luxury of a large airport.
Centennial Airport is home to several businesses that employ 7,000 full-time and part-time workers. Recently, the airport underwent remodeling and expansions to enhance its state-of-the-art terminals, which now feature numerous passenger lounges and a VIP area. While Centennial Airport does not serve as a base for major commercial airlines, its facilities are utilized by private and corporate aircraft, making it a pivotal point for business aviation in the region.
Centennial Airport (APA) is a premier general aviation airport in Englewood, Colorado. It is located in the Denver Tech Center, surrounded by 23 business centers and over 5,000 businesses, making it one of the top business airports in the country. The airport is equipped with continuous FAA control tower and air traffic control services, and it has a U.S. Customs onsite, making it an international facility.
Centennial Airport, originally known as Arapahoe County Airport, commenced operations on May 12, 1968. It underwent a name change on July 13, 1984, to commemorate Colorado joining the Union as the 38th state in 1876, marking 100 years since the Declaration of Independence was signed.
The Arapahoe County Public Airport Authority owns and operates the airport, which serves the Denver-Aurora metropolitan area. It is located in Dove Valley, 15 miles southwest of downtown Aurora and 17 miles southeast of Denver. Despite its small size, the airport is bustling with activity due to its day-long arrival/departure traffic.
Apart from serving the aviation industry, Centennial Airport also has a remarkable history of supporting philanthropic causes. The airport’s foundation offers aerospace education, mathematics, and science programs to schools, colleges, and museums in the Denver area. Additionally, volunteers lead airport tours at least once a week.
There are 4 Fixed-Base Operator (FBOs) at Centennial Airport. They are:
They offer services and amenities such as rental car and ground transportation, private passenger terminals, aircraft fueling, hangar space, deicing, and personal jet services. Other services include:
Centennial Airport has three runways, the longest of which is 10,001 feet. It has been awarded the General Aviation Airport Safety Award, an Aeronautics Commission, and the Aviation Association’s Airport of the Year awards.
The runways are:
Centennial Airport is fully accessible to incoming flights and offers three asphalt runways, instrument landing systems, and a control tower to ensure safe and efficient operations.
Centennial Airport is committed to minimizing the impact of aircraft noise on the surrounding communities. To achieve this, the airport has implemented an innovative online system known as WebTrak™ Flight Tracking and Noise Information System. This platform enables residents and other interested parties to monitor flight activities and air traffic patterns and get detailed information about flights arriving at or departing Centennial Airport.
The Airport Authority is responsible for addressing noise complaints and can be contacted through the noise complaint hotline at (303) 790-4709. Callers are encouraged to follow the guidelines when submitting a complaint to ensure it is considered.
To further mitigate noise impact, Centennial Airport has introduced several voluntary noise abatement procedures, including Visual Flight Rules (VFR) Procedures and general guidelines such as maintaining a traffic pattern altitude of 6,885 ft. MSL (1,000 ft. AGL), optimizing takeoff and climb procedures, reducing prop RPM when possible, and avoiding noise-sensitive areas.
The Fly Quiet Program, developed in collaboration with the Centennial Airport Community Noise Roundtable, is a voluntary initiative to reduce airport and aircraft noise through pilot education and adopting quiet flight and operating procedures. The program emphasizes routing aircraft over less populated areas and adheres to preferred runways and flight tracks. While participation in the Fly Quiet Program is voluntary, safety and Air Traffic Control (ATC) instructions always take precedence.
The airports closest to Centennial Airport are:
| Origin | Destination | Flight Time[Approx] | Private Jet Category | Passenger Capacity |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Centennial | Chicago | 1.75 Hours | Light Jet | 4-6 |
| Centennial | New York | 3 Hours | Super-Mid | 8-9 |
| Los Angeles | Centennial | 2 Hours | Midsize Jet | 6-8 |
| Miami | Centennial | 4 Hours | Heavy Jet | 10-18 |
You can explore our diverse fleet at JetOptions and choose the one that best fits your travel needs. For instance, our clients prefer to fly in various jet categories ranging from light jets, midsize, and super-midsize, to heavy jets. Some prominent jets in these categories are:
Colorado, situated in the western region of the United States, has much to offer to visitors. Here are some top attractions to visit if you have time to relax and explore.
Looking for a high-quality private jet charter service that can take you to Denver’s Centennial Airport (APA, KAPA) and other preferred private airports worldwide? Look no further than JetOptions. Our services are designed to provide you with the best possible travel experience, free from long security lines, cancellations, and connecting flights.
Our clients have access to the best facilities for chartered aircraft through private terminals. Enjoy a seamless travel experience from arrival to departure, including smooth landings and takeoffs.
Whether you’re traveling to or from Denver, our exclusive services are not to be missed. Book with us today and enjoy the style and comfort you deserve on your private jet.
Why us?
Our highly respected flight choices include many pricing options, from one-way to round-trip rates, from cities around the globe. Be it vacation or corporate travel, let’s plan your next trip, today!
Centennial Airport is operational 24 hours a day, every day of the year. The office hours are from 8 AM to 5 PM, Monday through Friday, excluding holidays.
There are 3 runways at Centennial Airport. The longest one, 17L/35R, is 10,001 ft. long.
The airport closest to Centennial Airport is Denver International Airport, 30 miles away.
The airport codes for Centennial are FAA: APA, ICAO: KAPA, and IATA: APA
