Redmond Municipal airport (RDM) and Leading Edge Jet Center (LEJC) have agreed a long-term business relationship, whereby LEJC will continue to provide fixed base operations at RDM for up to 30 years in exchange for a minimum $6 million investment.

“I am thrilled we have reached a long-term agreement with Leading Edge Jet Center,” says mayor George Endicott. “Over the past decade we have made significant investments in our airport, such as the construction of a new terminal, passenger amenities, runway reconstruction and a fuel farm. Now we are on the cusp of adding a premier general aviation facility to the list. This would not be possible without partnering with a company like Leading Edge; its reputation for excellence will lead to continued growth and revenue at the airport.”

Leading Edge has been operating general aviation (GA) services on a short-term agreement with RDM since the summer of 2015. The new 30-year operating agreement increases LEJC's north-side footprint by 52 per cent to 287,650 sq ft and commits it to a $5 million investment within three years, including the construction of a 24,000 sq ft executive airplane hangar, a new 6,000 sq ft fixed based operator office building and a $100,000 investment in the existing World War II hangar, leased by LEJC. An additional $1 million investment of 'qualified capital Improvements' after year five gives it the right to five additional years in its operating agreement through to 30 June, 2050. The annual lease payments under this new agreement begin at $129,000, an increase from its current $49,000 annual payment.

“In 2015 we chose to establish a presence at Redmond airport because we knew there was enormous potential for growth by supporting GA, corporate aviation and the airlines as we do with all of our business segments,” adds LEJC president and CEO Brad Fraley. “RDM is the front door to economic development for this region and we wanted to be part of it. The city's support and commitment to healthy growth confirms that this agreement is truly a step toward a great future for Redmond.”

In 2018 LEJC pumped more than 4.5 million gallons of Jet and aviation fuel. The airport collects $0.07 cents on every gallon pumped, generating $315,000 annually for future infrastructure funding. LEJC was also instrumental in bringing the Hillsboro Aero aviation academy to Redmond.

“Airports must seek continuous investment to maintain market share and remain competitive,” states airport director Zachary Bass. “It's very significant to have a strong fixed base operator. This service provider is a keystone for any airport.”

Within the past two years, aircraft landings and takeoffs at RDM have increased by 47 per cent from 45,000 to 95,000. The increase in corporate aviation and private jet traffic since LEJC came aboard in 2015 is noticeable and it is hoped that these investments will accelerate that trend.