New airport director for Redmond’s Roberts Field Municipal Airport Jeffrey Tripp says “the sky’s the limit” for future growth at the regional transportation hub.
Tripp, generally recognized as a rising star in the aviation industry, met with business and community leaders at a recent outreach event following his summer appointment which saw him move from a similar position in Prescott, Arizona.
He told attendees, “I am very happy to be here, especially as I know I was up against a number of high-caliber candidates.
“I have been very impressed by the level of commitment and investment the community has made in the airport and am looking forward to continuing enhancing the airport’s role as an economic engine for the region.
“My predecessor Carrie Novak did a great job and I aim to continue developing air services and promoting the interests and revenues of the airport. I also have an open door policy as far as engaging in dialog, and am looking forward to getting about in the community.
“One area I think we can improve on is our capture rate relative to competing airport options and think we can be on track to reach the 250,000 plane passenger milestone. There are strong foundations to build on and really the sky’s the limit as far as what we can aspire to.”
After one audience member asked if a connection to Phoenix may be pursued, Tripp indicated a series of meeting were anticipated with major airlines and regional carriers to identify potential opportunities, including exploration of regaining services via Allegiant Air.
Tripp has some 23 years of aviation experience and earned a master of aeronautical science in aviation and aerospace safety systems and a bachelor’s in aviation business administration from Embry-Riddle Aeronautical University.
Redmond City Manager Keith Witcosky commented, “We wanted a leader who eats, sleeps and drinks airports and understands the details, and Jeff Tripp is that guy.
“We are very fortunate to have found someone with such passion for airports matched with the experience to support and develop the airport team and he has already hit the ground running.”
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 Air, American Airlines, Delta Air Lines and United with 15 daily direct flights to Denver, Los Angeles, Portland, San Francisco, Salt Lake City and Seattle. For more information, visit www.flyrdm.com.
