2025 Year End Wrap Up

Project takes Major Strides Towards 2026 Opening

The Planes of Fame Air Museum made significant progress in 2025 on our new campus project at the Santa Maria Public Airport (SMX) on California's Central Coast. The multi-phase project on a 23-acre site promises to bring educational exhibits, aircraft restoration facilities, special events, and warbird flights to a region rich in aviation history. After years of planning, 2025 marked the shift from vision to visible construction. Here's a look at the key milestones that advanced the project throughout the year.

Construction Timeline and Progress

February 2025: Groundbreaking Ceremony

A groundbreaking ceremony held on February 20, 2025 marked the official start of construction, with community leaders, stakeholders, and partners in attendance. On-site work followed shortly after on February 24, beginning with road demolition, grading, and excavation.

Spring/Summer 2025: Grading and Excavation

Site work progressed with rough grading, while off-site steel fabrication reached 90% completion and components began staging on-site. Foundation excavation was completed, building pads were certified, forms were finished, rough utilities were installed, and installation of the TSA-approved fencing began.

Fall 2025: Foundation

Full foundation poured (spanning nearly the size of a football field) marking a major milestone. TSA-compliant fencing fully installed, with the aircraft gate is nearing completion for seamless museum-airport access. 

December 2025: Steel Assembly

Vertical construction has commenced, with steel structure assembly now underway. 

Next Steps

• Continue steel assembly and building enclosure for Building Alpha

• Refine exhibits, select aircraft for displays, and ramp up educational programming

Looking Ahead

As 2025 concluded, the Santa Maria campus had moved steadily from groundbreaking to a site with completed foundations and steel assembly underway. The museum anticipates opening in 2026. The expansion will complement the original Chino, California location while bringing dozens of aircraft to the Central Coast. Future phases will add more hangars and capabilities to Santa Maria, solidifying Planes of Fame's presence as a premier aviation destination.

We are deeply grateful to everyone who has supported this project and helped bring the Central Coast Campus one step closer to completion. Stay tuned for future construction updates and thank you for being part of this journey.

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