YAKIMA, Wash. – The Yakima Airport has appointed Christopher Hopkins as its new director. Hopkins started his role at the Yakima Air Terminal just yesterday, following a nationwide search after the resignation of former director Robert Hodgman.
Hopkins brings experience from his previous role as a consultant developing Aerospace Center of Excellence locations at U.S. airports. He is no stranger to both large and small airports and understands how to scale operations based on the airport’s size.
“I find that this airport just has so much room to grow,” Hopkins said about Yakima Airport.
On his first day, Hopkins was already in communication with the FAA regarding ongoing projects at the airport. He shared updates on the current roof project.
“My understanding is the roof project is almost completed,” he said. “Should be wrapping up that project here in the next couple of weeks. Then we’re excited to start the carousel baggage project and really making that a better system for our traveling guests.”
Hopkins is also focused on expanding the airport’s destinations.
“We’re working on retaining an air service development group, an outside group that will help us in that venture,” he said.
He is looking to enhance services with existing carriers like Horizon under Alaska Airlines to offer more frequent flights and serve other markets.
Regarding flight costs, Hopkins expressed his concern.
“[I] don’t want travelers paying twice the price to fly out of here.” He aims to address this through improved load factor percentages and partnerships.
Hopkins sees significant potential in Yakima and is eager to contribute to the community’s story.
“There’s just so much phenomenal potential in the area. And that was one of the biggest reasons that I wanted to come up here,” he said.
