Pendleton Airport celebrates grand opening of new terminal
Pendleton Airport to host a ribbon cutting, open house on July 6 to celebrate reopening
After almost a year of renovations, the Eastern Oregon Regional Airport is excited to announce the reopening of its terminal facility. The airport will celebrate this momentous occasion with a ribbon cutting and open house on July 6th.
Built more than 70 years ago, the Pendleton Airport Terminal underwent a significant upgrade to both the inside and the outside of the building. The $3.9 million Terminal Remodel Project involved taking the building down to its bones and rebuilding, including a new paint job inside and outside, new VAC system, new flooring and carpeting, new windows and completely remodeled restroom facilities. The kitchen at Elvis’ Bar and Grill was also completely renovated.
In continuing the commitment to preserving its rich heritage, the Pendleton Airport Terminal also pays tribute to the Pendleton Round-Up, the “Triple Nickles” 555th Parachute Infantry Battalion and the Doolittle Raiders.
Airport Manager Dan Bandel commented on the two historic aviation groups:
“The Doolittle Raiders and the Triple Nickle Smokejumpers were two remarkable groups of soldiers who had a historical connection to Pendleton, Oregon,” Bandel said. “The Doolittle Raiders were a team of 80 airmen who carried out the first bombing raid on Japan in 1942, after training at the Pendleton Army Airfield (now the Pendleton Airport). The Triple Nickle Smokejumpers were the nation’s first black paratroopers, who were assigned to Pendleton in 1945 to combat Japanese balloon bombs and forest fires. Both groups demonstrated courage, skill and patriotism in their wartime missions, and left a lasting legacy in Oregon and beyond.”
Attendees to the open house can experience the new renovations as well as enjoy drinks and food during the event. The event begins with the ribbon cutting at 12 p.m.
“As the largest public airport in Northeast Oregon, we are dedicated to providing the best possible experience for our valued customers and supporting business growth in our region,” Bandel said. “We extend a warm invitation to our community and business members to join us on July 6th, starting at 12 p.m., as we unveil the new Pendleton Airport.”
- June 13, 2023
