The Rock Springs-Sweetwater County Airport is making many improvements so residents can enjoy the benefits of using our local airport rather than dealing with the hassle of driving to another one. One of those changes was a switch to jet service.

Great Employees and Board

As the new airport manager, Devon Brubaker took a deeper look at the airport. The dedication and drive of the airport employees was the first thing he noticed. There are nine employees total at the airport who handle everything from fueling planes, maintenance and firefighting. “It wouldn’t be what it is today without them,” Brubaker said of the employees. “I am happy to say there are no personnel challenges. The airport has quality employees.”

Excited about such a great group of employees, Brubaker saw one challenge. Many employees have been at the airport for many years and are used to doing things a specific way. He wants to challenge them to try new things they may not be accustomed to doing.

Another positive was the airport board. “The board is phenomenal,” he said. They are very supportive and understand how important moving the airport into the future is.

Passenger Leakage

When deciding whether or not to take the manager job at the airport, Brubaker was inspired by the community itself. As the airport moves into the future, community support will be key. Great customer service will increase community support and involvement.

One of the biggest challenges facing the airport is passenger leakage. Currently, about 50% of people drive to another airport rather than use the local one. “That is disturbing,” he said. It will take several changes to get people utilizing the airport again. One change has already been made—a change to jet service. This provides better service and more comfort for passengers.

Change to Jet Service

The change to jet service also means more consistent departure and arrival times at the Rock Springs-Sweetwater County Airport. With the previously used smaller planes, Brubaker said maintenance, weather, and the airport’s elevation caused many travel headaches for passengers.

Since the introduction of jet service, 98.5% of all scheduled flights have flown–a very high reliability rate in the industry.

Coupled with free parking and easy to navigate facilities, the new jet service propels the airport towards meeting the community’s travel needs. While parking may be free, the airport has donation boxes set up in the terminal. The money goes toward airport parking improvements and provides assistance to the Sweetwater County Boys and Girls Club.

This change, coupled with getting more people to use to airport, will ultimately lead to cheaper prices. To be successful and get people back to using the airport relies on being active in the community and customer service Brubaker said.