New Air Cargo Facility Celebrated at Southwest Oregon Regional Airport
29 May 2026
The Coos County Airport District celebrated the completion of its new Air Cargo Facility on May 28, marking a significant milestone in the continued growth and modernization of the Southwest Oregon Regional Airport.
The approximately $4.5 million facility is directly connected to the Airport Apron Expansion completed in 2024. Together, the two projects represent more than $11 million in investment into transportation, commerce, and aviation infrastructure on Oregon’s South Coast.
“This project represents much more than a new building,” said Executive Director Rodger Craddock during the ribbon-cutting ceremony. “It reflects years of planning, partnership, and investment that transformed opportunity into lasting infrastructure for the future of our region.”
The project’s roots can be traced back nearly 15 years when the large wooden hangar, that was built to store blimps during the airport's years as a military base, was destroyed by fire. Combined with the eventual removal of several aging World War II-era buildings, including the former FedEx receiving facility, the airport was able to reimagine and redevelop a key portion of its property for future growth.
Construction on the Air Cargo Facility began in April 2025 and was completed in April 2026. Funding was provided through Connect Oregon, the Federal Aviation Administration, and the Airport Improvement Program (AIP).
The facility connects directly to the expanded apron system, creating additional capacity for cargo operations, aircraft parking, business aviation, medical transport, military operations, and other airside activities. FedEx and Coos Aviation will lease two portions of the facility, while additional space is being marketed to aviation and logistics-related businesses through partnerships with regional economic development organizations.
Airport officials noted that air cargo is critical to rural communities, supporting healthcare logistics, emergency supplies, business shipments, e-commerce deliveries, and future opportunities for regional products to reach broader markets.
“Airports are more than places where passengers board airplanes,” Craddock said. “They are centers for commerce, connectivity, emergency response, and economic opportunity.”
The Airport District recognized the contributions of Ardurra Group, Knife River Materials, Project Consultant Rick Skinner, airport staff, funding partners, and community stakeholders whose efforts helped bring the project to completion.
The new Air Cargo Facility is expected to strengthen the airport’s role as a transportation and economic asset while laying the groundwork for future aviation and logistics opportunities on Oregon’s South Coast.