AVIATION
Castle International Airport (MER) has the potential
for exceptional growth, not just in aircraft movements, but
also in air cargo. Unlike most hubs in the U.S., which face
limited air time, air congestion, and space restrictions, Castle
International Airport offers flexible future growth opportunities.
A pre-certified Part 139 and Foreign Trade Zone 226 with 24-7 operations,
Castle International Airport will soon be firmly planted in the international
cargo business.
Castle’s excellent geographic location at the heart of one of the United States largest and strongest economic and industrial centers, the airport is ideally situated to benefit from continued growth in the future. This is why FEDERAL’s corporate mission – and the focus of FEDERAL’s strategy for the years immediately ahead – is to become California’s most attractive and efficient air cargo hub airport.
Designated to be a fast growing transpacific hub for both freight and commercial traffic, Castle is a general aviation airport with exceptional qualities:
- Castle International Airport has the sixth longest runway in California
(11,800 feet long, 150 feet wide) - 24 hour, 7 day a week operations
- A year-round mild climate
- No noise restrictions
- Ability to handle a minimum of 45 movements per hour
Further information is provided in the aviation brochure. Download the PDF in the language of your choice:
FREQUENTLY ASKED QUESTIONS
Yes. Contact our office for more details.
Yes.
Highways and excellent year-round weather make automobile travel from Castle a more effective means of transportation compared to the congested roadways of SFO and LAX areas. Merced County will provide local bus transportation as required for residents who do not drive.
Direct rail access is available to the airport as well as throughout the Commerce Center. Freight operations utilize Burlington-Northern Santa Fe’s intercontinental rail system to ship goods directly to and from the airport, saving money and eliminating costly time delays. Rail transport also gives Castle customers the distinct advantage of utilizing ocean freight with ships that dock at the Stockton Port, one of the state’s largest trade ports, just 60 minutes by rail from Castle.
AMTRAK is California’s largest passenger train, with routes that run the length of the state. Nearby rail stops give travelers the option of coming to Castle for their commercial flight needs. The distance from Castle to Amtrak is 8.8 miles, which takes approximately 16 minutes.
Merced County .
Castle Airport is approximately 1,400 acres.
Two runways 13 / 31 11,802’ X 150’ (3597 x 46 m) 75’ (22.86 m) runway shoulder on each side.
Ramp parking is 352 acres.
Yes.
Castle has all kinds of aircraft from a Boeing 747 to an Airbus A350. The only aircraft unable to land at Castle is the new Airbus A-380.
Maintenance and service hangars are currently available. Hangars range in size from 2,400 to 200,000 sq. ft., Contact our office for more details.
Yes. Contact our office for more details.
Available buildings include 20,000 and 70,000 sq. ft. sorting facilities, as wells as a number of other current structures that can be adapted and divided to meet specific client needs. Contact our office for more details.
Yes, Contact our office for more details.
Yes.
Yes, a tower is in operation with FAA Part 139 Certification all requirements met as certified by FAA, ILS Cat I (Researching CAT III).
Instrument approaches ILS, GPS, VOR.
Yes.
Yes, a terminal is available for up to 120 passengers and expandable for more spaces.
750 vehicle parking spaces are available on five acres. There are more spaces available upon request.
No.
No.
Gemini Flight Support is a full service FBO provider. Fueling into-plane via fueling tank truck. Cabin Cleaning a specific duty such as removing trash, vacuuming, exchanging pillows, or restocking the galley. Baggage Pick-up Delivery Services flexible service packages for each customer's needs.
Yes, Contact our office for more details.
All ground services available by request. Please contact our offices for details.
Yes, there is a public transportation provided by the county.
Yes, in Merced County, there are many truck service providers able to move and store merchandise.
Yes, contact our office for details.
Yes, Castle has an aircraft rescue and a fire fighting truck. The truck is capable of storing 1500 gallons of water and AFFF (foam) plus 500 pounds of dry chemicals, and a second truck is to be added. There is also an onsite medical center.
Landing/Parking fees subject to signatory or use agreement
Transient commercial aircraft and helicopters pay the minimum charge or actual rate (based upon the aircraft’s maximum takeoff weight) – whichever is higher.
| Minimum charge | Actual rate (MTGW*) | |
| 2008 | $14.00 | $0.45/1000 lbs |
| 2009 | $16.00 | $0.47/1000 lbs |
| 2010 | $20.00 | $0.50/1000 lbs |
| *Maximum Takeoff Gross Weight | ||
Landing/Parking fees subject to signatory or use agreement .
Yes, contact our offices for details.
Fees subject to signatory or use agreement.