(Photo | by Pixabay)
The aviation industry in Central Oregon is still going strong and isn’t showing any clear signs of stopping. The general growth has been spurred by a number of factors, including the overall population growth of the region, the growing popularity of Central Oregon as a tourist destination, the increased operational capacity of airports like RDM that connect to more regions than ever, and the success and growth of other local industries, such as the local manufacturing industry, which helps keep certain key players as successful as they are.
In the last year, who were those key players who helped take the aviation industry to new heights? According to EDCO, “The aviation industry is still anchored by long-established companies,” said Ellen Wayte, EDCO’s director of marketing and communications. “Epic Aircraft is a main driver of growth, and they have reached a significant milestone with the delivery of their 100th certified aircraft. Electronics International has been performing well in manufacturing, and CIES, Inc. has expanded its market and product through research and development investments.”
She also mentioned the broader ecosystem staying busy, including the Erickson Aircraft Collection, the Madras Municipal Airport’s very own aviation museum, set to open back up after closing their doors this year to use their space for repairs, maintenance and restoration of their historic fleet of bombers, bi-planes, fighter jets and more. This could help renew interest in the industry and among the public.
This last year, there have been some major updates in the industry. Epic Aircraft, a major player and mainstay of the Central Oregon aviation industry, recently delivered their 100th certified airplane. It has only been five years since Epic delivered its first certified plane, the E1000, in 2020. In just five years, the company has introduced and certified two next-generation models, the E1000 GX and the E1000 AX.
The 100th certified airplane, an E1000 AX, features a special commemorative logo on its exterior as well as its interior seats. “From our first to our 100th aircraft, each certified Epic reflects the innovation, passion, and commitment of our employees—and the belief of our owner community,” said Epic Aircraft CEO Doug King. “Each delivery is more than an aircraft. It’s the beginning of a new adventure. Achieving this delivery milestone underscores the strength of demand for our aircraft. We reached our 100th certified aircraft faster than anyone imagined.”
Notably in the local industry, there are some major infrastructure upgrades on their way. The air control tower at the Bend Airport (BDN) is nearing completion. The City of Bend said, “Bend’s airport is one of the busiest in Oregon, but has no air traffic control tower. The addition of a control tower is a vital improvement for the safety and efficiency of airport operations.”
Additionally, the terminal expansion at the Redmond Airport (RDM) is on its way. When it opens in 2028, it will feature a host of new upgrades and space, designed to increase accessibility and comfort, elevate the passenger experience, reduce operational costs and allow for both larger planes and crowds to use the airport.
These improvements to the Bend and Redmond airports denote the fact that the local aviation industry is still growing, and the need for bigger and better infrastructure is ongoing. However, when we look at national trends, the aviation industry is, in general, not doing so well. The local Central Oregon industry seems to be separated by a number of factors that have helped maintain our growth while other markets stagnate or even shrink.
Despite national trends, EDCO says that the Central Oregon aviation industry has “no significant external headwinds,” and the overall industry continues
to thrive.
Nationally, the industry struggles with workforce shortages and supply chain issues, but Central Oregon’s unique makeup, combined with population and tourism growth, seems to be spurring growth. According to EDCO, we are poised to continue that growth for the near future. Aviation companies are still growing locally, and as long as our operational capacity can keep up with the demand of travelers and local population, our aviation industry should stay healthy, innovative and resilient.
