Westover Metropolitan Airport / Westover Air Reserve Base (CEF)

Westover Metropolitan Airport (CEF), also known by its ICAO code KCEF, is a significant joint-use aviation facility located in Chicopee, Massachusetts, serving the Springfield metropolitan area and the broader Pioneer Valley. As a unique dual-purpose airfield, it shares its massive infrastructure with Westover Air Reserve Base, the largest Air Force Reserve installation in the United States. The airport is managed by the Westover Metropolitan Development Corporation and acts as a critical hub for regional commerce, general aviation, and national defense logistics. The civilian operations are centered around a dedicated passenger terminal that was originally constructed in 1989 to handle commuter airline traffic. Today, the terminal provides a high level of service for corporate charters and private pilots through Westover Metro Air Services, the primary Fixed Base Operator (FBO). Amenities within the terminal area are well-appointed, featuring a comfortable lounge with Starbucks coffee, complimentary snacks, high-speed Wi-Fi, and a large-screen television area. For business travelers, the terminal includes a professional conference room with capacity for up to 30 people and a fully equipped kitchen, providing a seamless 'office-in-the-sky' experience. A standout feature of Westover is its exceptionally robust airfield infrastructure, which includes a primary runway (05/23) that measures 11,598 feet in length—one of the longest in the Northeastern United States. This massive runway allows the airport to accommodate almost any aircraft in the global inventory, including heavy military transports like the C-5 Galaxy and wide-body commercial jets. The airport offers 24-hour aircraft handling, de-icing services, and secure parking. While it does not currently host scheduled commercial passenger flights, it is a bustling center for air taxi operations and corporate travel. Ground transportation is well-served by on-site rental car services from major brands like Hertz and Enterprise, ensuring easy access to the nearby business centers of Springfield and Holyoke.