DICKINSON - Amid the challenges of the pandemic, Dickinson's Theodore Roosevelt Regional Airport managed to soar to new heights with its exceptional community outreach, state-of-the-art facility management and successful development projects. Now, the North Dakota Aeronautics Commission has recognized the airport's efforts by awarding it the 2022 Commercial Service Airport of the Year, cementing its position as a beacon of excellence in the aviation industry.
The award is presented to airports that excel in a variety of categories including community outreach, facility management, construction and beautification projects, and participation and hosting of special events.
The North Dakota Aeronautics Commission, in partnership with the Airport Association of North Dakota, announced the award which was presented at a banquet during the annual North Dakota Aviation Associations FLY-ND Conference on Tuesday, March 7th.
"We are excited to honor the Theodore Roosevelt Regional Airport for this award," Kyle Wanner, Executive Director of the ND Aeronautics Commission said.
From giving student tours to having students visit and shadow airport employees for a day, the airport has found a variety of ways to build a relationship with the community and invite them to see the world of aviation.
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The airport was even able to provide a memorable experience for two families through the Make-A-Wish Foundation providing the full V.I.P. treatment that included curbside check-in, full-service aircraft boarding, and a water cannon salute courtesy of Airport Rescue.
"The airport has accomplished much over the last few years in both community engagement and in completing multiple major airport development projects,” Wagner said.
The airport has confirmed another 2-year contract with United Airlines to ensure travelers continue to be provided with two daily flights to Denver, CO.
With a 24% increase from last year, the airport ended 2022 with a total of 21,606 outbound and 22,394 inbound passengers, numbers that have brought the airport close to a full recovery from pre-pandemic levels.
As for construction, the Dickinson airport completed a four-year project for the reconstruction and expansion of its new primary runway.
The purpose of the project was to ensure that current and future commercial aircrafts will have a runway that meets the current FAA requirements.
The expansion added 900ft to the runway for a total length of 7,300ft and an increased weight-bearing capacity, allowing for larger aircraft to now operate without a waiver process.
Included in the construction were a full-length taxiway and the installation of a new ILS system.
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Despite the multi-year construction, the airport managed to stay fully operational for the duration of the construction.
“Due to the hard work and perseverance of the airport management and the airport authority board; the airport has been able to greatly enhance their facility and ensure that it will continue to accommodate the growing air service needs of Dickinson and Southwestern North Dakota,” Wagner said.
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