This article was originally published in the Winter 2015 edition of Briefings
Brainerd Lakes Regional Airport, which hosted the 2014 fall forum’s technical tours, was also in the spotlight during a session given by airport manager Jeff Wig.
Wig has been manager since 2013, but was previously employed with the airport throughout his teens and college years. “It was always a dream to return to aviation,” he told attendees. “As people in this room know, it has an allure.”
Although aviation came to Brainerd in 1929 at a strip near the fairgrounds, it soon outgrew that location. Land for the current site was purchased in 1945. In 1948, with Walter Wieland as chair, the newly formed airport commission received a grant of $80,000 to build the new airport.
During the airport’s grand opening, visitors were allowed to drive their cars on the three runways, Wig said. Wisconsin Central Airlines flew the inaugural flight into the airport on March 1, 1949 – an event that featured dignitaries and other fanfare. The following day, however, saw the airport’s first flight cancellation (due to weather).
In 1965, the Brainerd-Crow Wing County Municipal Airport was officially renamed Walter Wieland Field (in honor of its founder), eventually transitioning to the current name of Brainerd Lakes Regional Aiport.
The 1980s were characterized by significant airport growth and change. The main runway was lengthened and widened; the airline terminal, maintenance, and rescue and firefighting buildings were constructed; and full-time staff were hired.
In the 1990s, a 20-year comprehensive plan was developed, and the terminal building was remodeled, expanded, and connected to the GA terminal, among other changes. As part of this construction, administrative offices and a conference room were added, as well as a space for an additional air carrier. In 2012, the newly remodeled and expanded airline terminal opened and a jet bridge was added.
Wig noted that the airport has had continual air service since 1949, albeit with different carriers. Wisconsin Central became North Central Airline, which became Republic, then Republic Express, before evolving into Mesaba/NW Airlink – which were absorbed by Delta. In 2013, SkyWest Airlines, a Delta Airlines partner, began operating daily service.
Today, the 2,400-acre site hosts up to five flights daily in the summer. Brainerd Lakes has about 80 based aircraft, 2 long runways, and 12 organizations based on the field with more than 70 year-round employees. General aviation plays a major role at the airport with 80 rental hangars and 11 private hangars. Airmotive Enterprises is the airport’s fixed-base operator and offers heavy aircraft maintenance and flight instruction services. Flying lessons are also given. Additionally, Civil Air Patrol is located at the airport, as well as North Memorial Air Care, Brainerd Helicopter Service, a full-service restaurant, and a variety of other travel-related businesses.
The Brainerd Lakes Regional Airport Commission controls, operates, and manages the jointly owned city/county airport operations. The airport completed a strategic plan in 2013. Wig said, in which it set some strong goals for development, for bringing more jobs on the field, and for saving money by cutting energy cost. The five-month process, co-facilitated by Wig and a consultant from a local retired executive program, included participants from the Brainerd Lakes chamber, airport commission, consultant Short Elliot Hendrickson, airport staff, and frequent fliers.
