Business View Magazine - Dec 2023

governed by a budget approved by a seven member commission representing Chippewa and Eau Claire counties. The airport remains a critical hub for not only general aviation, but for business aviation including Menards®, an Eau Claire-based company, and Mayo Clinic Ambulance Service which bases its air ambulance helicopter at EAU. It also serves as an alternative landing site for flights heading to Minneapolis-Saint Paul International Airport (MSP). As of December 2022, Sun Country Airlines was the designated essential air service (EAS) provider offering weekly service to MSP as well as a seasonal rotation of destinations such as Las Vegas, Fort Myers, and Orlando. This unique EAS offering is the first in the country and has helped to expand the passenger reach of the airport. The airport’s rich history dates back to 1923. Officially opening in 1940 with the arrival of a Northwest Airlines DC-3, the airport has undergone various upgrades over the years, including terminal expansions, the addition of a new control tower in 2006, and various other facility improvements. Now spanning over 1,100 acres at an elevation of 913 feet, the airport features two runways and accommodates various aircraft operations. Through November 2023, it reported 23, 088 aircraft operations, predominantly in general aviation, air taxi, military, and a small fraction of scheduled commercial flights. The airport is also home to almost 100 based aircraft, including single-engine, multi-engine, jet, helicopter, and military aircraft. The Federal Aviation Administration includes the Airport in its National Plan of Integrated Airport Systems for 2023–2027, categorizing it as a non-hub primary commercial service facility. It ranks as Wisconsin’s seventh busiest of eight commercial airports in terms of revenue passenger enplanements and 5th busiest in terms of total aircraft operations, but that does not tell the whole story. ENHANCED SERVICES AT CHIPPEWA VALLEY REGIONAL AIRPORT In the ever-evolving aviation landscape, the Chippewa Valley Regional Airport distinguishes itself not only by its location and history but also by the breadth and quality of its services and relationships with its business partners. This becomes evident as CharityZich,theAirport Director sheds light on the significant developments and operations at the airport. Regarding the airport’s Fixed Base Operator (FBO), she highlights Hawthorne Aviation’s significant role. “Hawthorne Aviation, a growing aviation services company, provides FBO services in Eau Claire, and through its subsidiary, Heartland Aviation, also provides maintenance and charter services,” Zich explains.The collaboration between the airport and its FBO has recently culminated in the construction of a new hangar. “This 25,000 square foot hangar, a product of our partnership with Hawthorne, equips us to accommodate all large cabin business jet aircraft,” Zich notes, emphasizing the airport’s enhanced capacity for diverse needs. Addressing the operational dynamics of the FBO, Zich clarifies,“We don’t have self-serve fuel; instead our FBO focuses on the customer experience by providing service to all fuel customers.” This service is part of the comprehensive support provided to pilots and aviation staff. As she specifies, the airport’s operational hours are tailored to meet varying demands. “While the airport is accessible around the clock, our staff and FBO target hours to meet peak demand from early morning to late evening. However, they are flexible and also available for after-hours services as needed,” she adds, underscoring both the airport and FBOs commitment to accommodating varied schedules and requirements. THE BACKBONE OF CHIPPEWA VALLEY REGIONAL AIRPORT Behind the seamless operation of Chippewa Valley Regional Airport lies a team of dedicated professionals, each playing a crucial role in maintaining the facility’s efficiency. This human element keeps the airport running smoothly, from daily operations to strategic planning. Zich shares insights into the team dynamics at the airport. “We have a small, very dedicated team,” she 331 BUSINESS VIEW MAGAZINE VOLUME 10, ISSUE 12 CHI PPEWA VALLEY REGIONAL AI RPORT