Airport District Board Approves Lease with ROTAK Helicopter Services
North Bend, OR — For the first time since its construction was completed in 2014, the Southwest Oregon Regional Airport Corporate hangar will be fully leased to a single aviation operator under a long-term agreement.
The Coos County Airport District approved a lease with ROTAK Helicopter Services at its most recent board meeting last week. It marks a significant milestone for the airport, putting the entire 33,000 sq. ft. hangar to dedicated use by one tenant.
This is a big step for the airport, according to Executive Director Rodger Craddock. “For the first time since the facility opened, we will have one aviation operator leasing and utilizing the entire Corporate Hangar, a portion of dedicated apron, and parking spaces, since the building was constructed. It puts a major airport asset to full use, provides stable revenue for the district, and brings jobs and specialized aviation activity to Coos County.
The agreement provides for an initial five-year term with five optional one-year extensions. ROTAK will also lease approximately 10,000 square feet of dedicated aircraft ramp, an area for fuel tank parking, parking spaces, and a south-side loading and parking area.
ROTAK Helicopter Services, based out of Alaska, plans to establish an operation that will support maintenance and repairs of its helicopter fleet, which includes CH-47 Chinook Helicopters. The company specializes in heavy-lift and precision helicopter operations supporting wildland firefighting, powerline construction, and other operations.
It will occupy the facility year-round, support 35 or more jobs during its peak season, and utilize the area for storage, inspection, scheduled maintenance, and repair work on its helicopters. In addition, the company will purchase fuel through Coos Aviation, the airport's Fixed Base Operator (FBO). ROTAK is scheduled to begin operations on October first, with the first of its helicopters arriving for storage.
The corporate hangar was completed in 2014 to replace the former World War II wooden hangar that was destroyed by a massive fire in 2012. Since its completion, the hangar has been occupied by multiple aviation-related tenants on month-to-month arrangements. The board has approved an incentive program to assist displaced tenants with the development of new hangar space while encouraging additional hangar development for aircraft owners interested in locating to the Southwest Oregon Regional Airport.
Under the agreement, ROTAK Helicopter Services will lease the space for $153,048 annually, with annual increases based on the Consumer Price Index. The company will also be responsible for utilities. Craddock says “Having ROTAK perform maintenance and repair work here brings aviation activity to the airport while putting the entire facility to productive use. Meanwhile, the hangar incentive program encourages private investment and storage capacity at the airport.”
The Southwest Oregon Regional Airport remains a vital asset for the region, connecting communities, supporting industry, and contributing to economic development across Oregon’s South Coast. For more information, contact Public Information Officer Stephanie Kilmer at the Coos County Airport District by email at stephanie@flyoth.gov or by phone at (541) 756-8531.