New Bend Airport tower marks major safety upgrade

BEND, Ore. (KTVZ) -- Bend Municipal Airport is getting ready to show off a major upgrade: its new air traffic control tower.

The airport is one of the busiest in Oregon, with more than 140,000 takeoffs and landings each year, but it has operated without a control tower. City officials say the new tower is meant to improve safety and efficiency as airport traffic continues to grow.

The roughly 115-foot tower includes controller workstations, weather equipment, antennas, a rotating beacon, and backup systems. The project also includes new access, parking, utilities, and security fencing.

KTVZ's Claire Elmer is getting a closer look inside the tower and learning what it could mean for pilots, airport staff, and Central Oregon’s growing aviation industry. Tune in for the full report Tuesday on KTVZ News at 6:00p.m.