working with the Chamber of Commerce and with Big Sky Economic Development here in Billings to promote our business and commercial lease areas.” Big Sky Economic Development (BSED) is a publicprivate partnership whose mission is to sustain and grow Yellowstone County’s vibrant economy and outstanding quality of life, by providing leadership and resources for business creation, expansion, retention, new business recruitment, and community development. A new tenant at Billings is Beacon Air Group, the airport’s second full service FBO, offering aircraft fuel and maintenance, hangar space, charter brokerage, pilot services, and flight instruction. “They built their facility, which consists of two hangars and office space, but they’re also building three large and five small hangars that will be either leased or sold,” Roach relates. “So, they’re doing a significant construction effort as part of their business operation at the airport. Beacon Air Group is in an area on the west end of the airport where we have available space for future commercial/aeronautical operations and development.” AVIATION EDUCATION AND PRESENTATION In addition to Beacon Air, there are two other entities that provide aviation training at Billings: Ridgeline Aviation offers flight training to new pilots, and Rocky Mountain College in Billings offers a BS degree in aeronautical science (professional pilot) and one in aviation management.The AABI (Aviation Accreditation Board International) accredited school currently has more than 50 students in its flight training program, according to Roach. The airport, itself, offers tours to local school children during the school year, and during the summer, to area summer camps. “They learn about future job opportunities and careers related to the aviation industry,” says Roach. “It’s very well received here in our community.” Last year, Billings hosted the Yellowstone 285 BUSINESS VIEW MAGAZINE VOLUME 11, ISSUE 09 BILLINGS LOGAN INTERNATIONAL AIRPORT
RkJQdWJsaXNoZXIy MTI5MjAx