(Photo courtesy of Leading Edge Aviation)
As of Wednesday, July 1, 2015 Leading Edge Jet Center is approved by the Redmond City Council to conduct Fixed Base Operator (FBO) services at the Redmond Airport (RDM).
Beginning July 30, 2015, Leading Edge Jet Center, a subsidiary of Leading Edge Aviation of Bend will provide general FBO services including fueling and maintenance, as well as aircraft avionics repair and installation and on demand charter services to Redmond, Oregon.
Leading Edge Jet Center will lease a total of 3.74 acres on the north side of the Roberts field. Leased space includes an FBO office, Maintenance and Storage hangar, and fuel farm.
Leading Edge Jet Center LLC (LEJC) and the City entered into a five-year operating agreement for 3.74 acres on the north side of the airfield. The facilities include an FBO office building, maintenance hangar, the historic World War II hangar and the City-owned fuel farm.
“Airports are successful through partnerships and relationships. LEJC is an asset to the region and we look forward to the economic opportunities generated through their aviation services,” remarks Keith Witcosky, Redmond city manager.
While the initial lease term will bring tenant improvements to the current FBO facility, LEJC projects a more long-term plan which includes a complete rebuild of the facility to meet the amenities and stature of the RDM terminal.
“Leading Edge Jet Center will continue to grow and expand to support local aviation needs, as well as attract new transient traffic to the Redmond Airport,” said Brad Fraley, President, LEJC.
Beginning as Leading Edge Avionics in 1989 and later changing ownership and company name in 2005, Leading Edge Aviation (LEA) has grown to more than 75 employees and hosts six different business segments including FBO services, Part 141 airplane and helicopter flight instruction, Part 145 certified repair station/service center, Robinson helicopter overhaul, helicopter charter and avionics service and installation.
Fraley stated, “LEA is excited about forming a long-term partnership with the City of Redmond. By leveraging our FBO experience, reputable first-class service, and future development capabilities we are confident we will succeed in growing the general aviation and corporate market at the Redmond Municipal Airport.”
With aspiration to grow and further meet the needs of local aviators, Leading Edge Aviation formed the 100 percent wholly owned subsidiary Leading Edge Jet Center LLC (LEJC) to provide FBO services with plans to expand into other regions.
“Redmond provides us with an opportunity to expand our current business regionally as well as work with a well-run community that reflects the same business values as our own,” remarks Keith Watson, Leading Edge Aviation chief executive officer.
