The U.S. Department of Transportation (USDOT) awarded Redmond Municipal Airport (RDM) a grant of $500,000 to attract commercial air service between RDM and Phoenix Sky Harbor International Airport (PHX). The grant is designated to serve as a revenue guarantee and marketing of the new air service route. RDM was 1 of 49 communities competing for the grant. Only 11 applicants were awarded the USDOT Small Community Air Service Development Program (SCASP) grant.
RDM will work with its airline consult Mead & Hunt as well as the Central Oregon Air Service Team (COAST) to recruit an air carrier to provide service between RDM and PHX. “This is an exciting first step towards securing PHX air service and increasing the passenger options at RDM” stated Redmond Mayor George Endicott.
“With the award of the SCASDP grant, the Redmond Airport and the Central Oregon Air Service Team are well-positioned to be successful in efforts to move ahead to secure non-stop, daily commercial air service between RDM and Phoenix as the next step in air service development for the region,” said Alana Hughson, CEO for the Central Oregon Visitors Association and COAST member. “RDM has a proven track record in fulfilling the SCASDP grant deliverables and COVA is proud to commit our marketing and advertising support to help establish the inbound, destination demand for this vital new service.”
Marc Henegar, chair of the Airport Committee remarks “The grant will greatly enhance our chances of adding service to Phoenix Sky Harbor International Airport out of Redmond. Following the airport’s success in securing additional service to San Francisco and Denver over the summer and bringing back service to Los Angeles just in time for the holidays, the future looks very bright for air service to central Oregon.”
RDM most recently leveraged a SCASDP grant in September 2012 for the Los Angeles International Airport (LAX) service which is provided by American Airlines.
The Redmond Municipal Airport (Roberts Field – RDM) is the aviation gateway to Central Oregon. Owned and operated by the City of Redmond, the airport offers a full range of general and commercial aviation services. RDM is served by four air carriers; Alaska Airlines, American Airlines, Delta Air Lines, and United with 16 daily direct flights to Denver, Los Angeles, Portland, San Francisco, Salt Lake City, and Seattle. For more information please visit us online at www.flyrdm.com
