Catalina Island Airport in the Sky

Catalina Island's Airport in the Sky (AVX) was brought into being by P.K. Wrigley, the son of William Wrigley, Jr. Work on its 3,200 foot runway started in 1940. The airstrip was first called Buffalo Springs Airport, and it was close to completion when Pearl Harbor was bombed in 1941. The project then stopped. During WWII, the full island was leased to the United States Government and tourism was suspended. Over the course of the war, Catalina Island supported the Merchant Marines, the U.S. Army, the U.S. Navy, the U.S. Coast Guard, the Office of Strategic Services, the precursor of the Central Intelligence Agency, and the United States Army Air Forces, the precursor to the U.S. Air Force. Debris was placed across the runway to prevent enemy aircraft from using it as a base.

When the war ended, the island went back to the Wrigley Family. The runway was finished, and work moved forward on the air traffic control tower and terminal building. Airport in the Sky opened officially in 1946.

Following nearly 80 years of aircraft landings, the airport’s asphalt runway badly needed reconstruction. The Catalina Island Conservancy, which operates the airport while also protecting 88 percent of the island, was informed that the airport would have to shut down unless a runway rebuild plan was put in place.

The Marines and the Navy stepped in to help. Constructing a concrete airport in such a remote setting aligned well with military training goals. Over a 3 month period, 200 Marines and Seabees worked steadily to provide Airport in the Sky with a renewed airfield.

Materials were paid for through private donations, including a $1.5 million gift from aerospace manufacturer ACE Clearwater Enterprises. In recognition of that generosity, the airstrip was named Ace Clearwater Airfield. The airport and its rebuilt runway opened again on May 3, 2019.

Airport in the Sky is located 1,602 feet above sea level. It lies 10 miles from Avalon and 14 miles from Two Harbors. General aviation may use the runway. Airport in the Sky is privately owned and operated by the Catalina Island Conservancy. The public can visit, including stops at the Nature Center or Airport in the Sky Restaurant. Visitors can reach the airport on the Conservancy's Wildlands Express, join a guided tour, or include it as a stop while hiking or biking through the island’s interior.