History
Learn more about Sacramento’s Executive Airport.
Sacramento Executive Airport, a general aviation airport, is operated by the Sacramento County Airport System. Executive Airport provides a wide array of facilities and services including an FAA tower, instrument approaches, three paved runways (two lighted) and rental of tie-downs and hangar space.
Businesses based at Executive offer aviation services including full-service FBO, charters, aircraft sales, rentals and repairs, flight training, pilot supplies, computer-based testing and car rentals.
Located just 10 minutes from downtown Sacramento, Executive Airport is close to tourist attractions such as Old Sacramento, the State Capitol, Cal Expo State Fairgrounds and Raley Field, home of the Sacramento River Cats, the San Francisco Giants AAA baseball team. The airport is also close to three public golf courses and major shopping areas.
Executive Airport was originally known as Sutterville Aerodrome when it opened in 1930. The city-owned facility steadily expanded and, by 1941, construction was underway to pave and extend the airport’s three runways.
The U.S. Army Corps took over the airport during World War II. Following the war, control was returned to the city and the facility was officially renamed Sacramento Municipal Airport . During the late 1940’s and early 1950’s, improvement projects included parking and taxiway paving, water and sewer systems, and runway/taxiway lighting. The terminal building was constructed in 1955 along with some navigational aids and T-hangars.
In October 1967, commercial airline operations were moved to the newly-opened Sacramento Metropolitan Airport and Sacramento Municipal Airport was renamed Sacramento Executive Airport. The County of Sacramento also became the operator of both airports at that time. Since then, Executive Airport has become Northern California’s primary general aviation airport, offering a wide range of general aviation services.
Executive Airport has always been an important asset to the greater Sacramento area. Executive is self-supporting; receiving no city, county, or tax money. All operating expenses are paid for with income derived from businesses and individuals who use the airport’s facilities.