JACQUELINE COCHRAN REGIONAL AIRPORT – MAIN PASSENGER TERMINAL

JZMK Partners designed the first Commercial Passenger Terminal at “Jacqueline Cochran Regional Airport”, establishing a new gateway for regional, national, and international travelers visiting the Coachella Valley. The project introduces a purpose-built passenger facility that enhances accessibility to the southeastern Valley while positioning the airport for long-term commercial growth.

Planned as a four-gate facility, including one international gate with customs capability, the terminal supports expanded air service and responds to peak seasonal demand during major events such as the “Coachella Valley Music and Arts Festival” and the “Stagecoach Festival”. By providing a more direct arrival point, the project enhances regional connectivity and helps relieve congestion at “Palm Springs International Airport”.

The architecture draws inspiration from the Coachella Valley’s celebrated Mid-Century Modern legacy, expressed through clean lines, strong structural rhythm, expansive overhangs, and seamless indoor-outdoor continuity. Glass walls maximize daylight while minimizing heat gain, while deep shade canopies create comfort within the desert climate. Native landscaping and water-conscious site strategies reinforce a sustainable, regionally responsive approach.

Beyond infrastructure, the terminal honors the legacy of pioneering aviator Jacqueline Cochran, the first woman to break the sound barrier and a leader of the Women Airforce Service Pilots (WASP). The design reflects her spirit of innovation, delivering a contemporary, high-performance passenger experience rooted in aviation history and desert identity.

As a transformative transportation investment, the new terminal strengthens connectivity, supports tourism and economic growth, and positions the Coachella Valley as a modern global destination.

“JZMK’s design beautifully captured the vibe of the Coachella music festivals and Palm Desert without compromising functionality. We couldn’t be more delighted” stated Todd Corbett, Founder of Coachella Airports, LLC