The Spirit of St. Louis Airport (SUS) is currently in the process of updating its master plan. The master plan document is a comprehensive guide for development throughout the next twenty years. It allows the airport to analyze existing conditions and use those to define the future needs of the airport and its role in the surrounding community. Over the past three years, SUS has experienced a tremendous level of growth in aircraft operations and overall demand. Therefore, its needs are quickly beginning to change. The master plan will take influence from numerous areas and seek to guide the airport in an efficient, cost-effective way that considers environmental and socioeconomic impacts.

Other than being a crucial tool for the airport, the master plan is a Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) requirement. To justify future airport development and securing project funding, the FAA requires an up-to-date master plan that properly reflects the current and forecasted needs of the airport and its surrounding community. For more information on FAA master plan requirements, please see the following link (add link here).

Spirit of St. Louis has a rich history that is characterized by determination, passion, and resilience. In the early 1960s, Paul D. Haglin overcame countless obstacles to develop, fund, and construct his dream airport on a plot of land just outside of St. Louis. Seeking to create an airport that would cater to the flying community and promote economic development, Haglin opened Spirit of St. Louis Airport to the public in 1964. The airport soon grew in popularity, as aviators quickly took note of its convenient location outside of the crowded St. Louis Lambert area. As the airport continued to expand throughout the next few decades, it was eventually hit by another significant challenge. In 1993, a massive flood swept through the St. Louis area, forcing evacuation of the airport. In an incredible feat of operational effectiveness, a vast majority of aircraft on the field were evacuated just in time. Following what initially seemed like a total loss of facilities, SUS was not deterred and returned to its normal status after only 13 months . Today, the airport continues to drive much of the economic development in the region and helps to support its local community. Maintaining its defining traits of dedication and perseverance, this master plan aims to provide the airport with a comprehensive plan to strategically navigate the airport throughout its short, medium, and long-term future.