Written by Paul Kim

A HUB FOR AVIATION

At the February City Club event, local community members and industry professionals provided an overview of aviation’s past and future in Central Oregon. Moderator Steve Curley, REDI Director for EDCO (Economic Development for Central Oregon), opened the forum with a quick review of key statistics. Central Oregon has six public-use airports with more than 211,000 takeoffs and landings each year. The Bend Municipal Airport alone sees approximately 141,000 aircraft arrivals and departures annually.

LOOKING BACK

Kelly Cannon-Miller, Executive Director of the Deschutes Historical Museum, began the forum by exploring how aviation developed in our region. She noted that the history of aviation mirrors the history of the 20th century itself. In Central Oregon, the first aircraft appeared in 1912 at the Crook County Fair, paving the way for commercial clubs to bring paid flights to the area in the early 1920s.

J.R. Roberts—namesake of Roberts Field—was a leading advocate for establishing an airport in Redmond. He understood the importance of partnerships and community involvement in making an airport possible. During World War II, the Redmond airport became a critical piece of infrastructure for the war effort and served as a training ground for Army pilots. After extensive improvements by the military, United Airlines began commercial flights there in 1946, setting the stage for continued upgrades through today.

ADDITIONS AND UPGRADES AT REDMOND

Zach Bass, Airport Director for the Redmond Municipal Airport, outlined the airport’s ongoing expansion and provided an overview of its business operations.

The terminal is currently undergoing a major renovation. In addition, the main runway is being extended, and a third runway is planned for future use.

The airport projects $26.4 million in revenue for the fiscal year, with 80% generated by commercial passenger traffic. Bass highlighted that all revenue remains within the airport—citing parking fees as one example, which directly help fund the expansion.

The terminal expansion is expected to create 207 new jobs and generate $39 million in economic activity. When completed in fall 2027, travelers will see a new concourse featuring more than 6,000 square feet of new food and retail space and a total of 80,000 square feet of added terminal space. The improvements will include expanded seating areas, wider walkways, new escalators and elevators, seven new sky bridges, and 24 additional restroom stalls.

PLANNING FOR THE FUTURE

Tracy Williams, Airport Director for the Bend Municipal Airport, gave an overview of current upgrades and explained what makes the Bend airport unique within Central Oregon’s aviation ecosystem.

A new air traffic control tower is nearing completion. Additional improvements—including a redesigned main entrance, upgraded lighting and signage, and a full rehabilitation of airport pavement—are also underway.

The Bend airport is classified as a Class II urban general aviation facility and supports a broad variety of operations, including corporate jets, air taxis, medical emergency services, and sky crane activity. The airport supports 860 jobs and contributes a total of $32 million in payroll to the local economy.

FUTURE PERSPECTIVE

To close the forum, Steve Curley noted that Lancair’s relocation from California to Central Oregon served as the spark that helped aviation manufacturing flourish in the region. Today, more than 30 aviation-related companies operate in Central Oregon, generating more than $250 million in economic output. The region continues to attract skilled workers and innovative companies focused on the future of flight.