40th Anniversary

Colorado Air and Space Port Entrance Sign

History

In 1974, the Denver Regional Council of Governments (DRCOG) adopted the Denver Regional Airport System Plan (RASP) that projected aviation facilities required to meet existing and future aviation demand within the region through the year 2000. When incorporating the diminishing role of Denver Stapleton Airport for general aviation usage, the RASP’s forecasted growth in aviation activity for the region exceeded those existing public and private airport facilities that were available at the time. The RASP concluded even if the region’s existing public airports were expanded to their maximum development potential, four new general aviation airports would be required by the year 2000.
	The 1980 National Airport System Plan recommended the construction of two new general aviation reliever airports in the Denver Metropolitan Region; one of these airports was Adams County Airport, which later became Front Range Airport.
On Sept. 27, 1982, Adams County Commissioners Robert Briggs, Leo Younger, and Steven Cramer created an Authority pursuant to the provisions of the Public Airport Authority Act of the State of Colorado. The Front Range Airport Authority was created to develop an “Economic Engine” for eastern Adams County. Construction of the airport began in 1983, and Runway 8/26 opened for service in 1984, followed by Runway 17/35 in 1985.
Front Range Airport was identified as a candidate for development as a spaceport in 2011, and Federal Aviation Administration licensing began shortly after. In 2014, the Front Range Airport Authority was dissolved by Adams County, and the county assumed direct management of the facility.
On Aug. 17, 2018, Adams County was issued a license to operate a launch site (LSOL) at Front Range Airport. It was the 11th commercial LSOL issued and the seventh at an airport. Adams County renamed the airport Colorado Air and Space Port (CASP) and changed the FAA identifier from FTG to CFO. As one of the largest general aviation airports in the country, CFO is a public-use, general aviation airport owned and operated by Adams County and one of three reliever airports in the Denver area. CFO is located along the Interstate 70 corridor near the town of Watkins, 26 miles east of downtown Denver and seven miles southeast of Denver International Airport (DEN). The dual-use facility is also one of 14 FAA commercial spaceports in the U.S. that can support horizontal launch operations. As Colorado's first spaceport, CFO aims to serve as one of America’s hubs for commercial space transportation, research, and development. CFO helps drive Adams County’s economy through its spaceport activities and its support of a variety of general aviation activities such as flight training, aircraft maintenance, corporate travel, and recreational flying. CASP is home to more than two dozen businesses including international aerospace manufacturers, research and development companies, and a fixed-base operator managed by the airport. Users of CFO have access to two 8,000-foot-long runways, three full precision instrument landing systems, and ramps on the east side and west side of the airport. With these facilities and ample room to grow, CFO is expected to continue to expand its general aviation and aerospace operations in the coming years.

Celebrating 40 Years of Excellence: Colorado Air and Space Port

As we mark the 40th anniversary of FTG to now CFO, it’s a moment to reflect on four decades of innovation, exploration, and commitment to the skies and beyond. Since its inception, Colorado Air and Space Port has evolved from a visionary idea into a cornerstone of aerospace advancement and a beacon of progress in the industry. We extend our heartfelt gratitude to the visionary leaders, dedicated employees, and supportive community members who have contributed to our success over the past 40 years. Your unwavering commitment and hard work have made this milestone possible and have paved the way for a bright future. To celebrate the past 40 years, we are hosting two celebratory events in September.