Pangborn explores future role in electric aircraft network

EAST WENATCHEE — Next-generation electric aircraft carrying passengers, cargo and medical supplies could someday become a regular sight at Pangborn Memorial Airport as regional leaders position the airport to potentially join a future network of advanced air mobility corridors across Washington state.

Representatives from the emerging electric aviation industry joined the Chelan-Douglas Regional Port Authority during its May 12 meeting to discuss how Pangborn could fit into a broader system of short-range electric aircraft operations connecting communities across the Pacific Northwest.

The conversation focused on a developing category of aircraft often referred to as advanced air mobility, or AAM. The aircraft are generally designed for shorter regional trips, with some capable of vertical takeoff and landing while others operate more like traditional airplanes.

Christopher Barker of CBC Transportation Consulting told commissioners via Zoom that the technology is being explored nationwide for uses ranging from passenger transportation and freight delivery to medical response and wildfire support.

“We have probably one of the most diverse flying environments in the United States,” Barker said of Washington state’s geography and weather conditions.

According to Barker, Washington has already been selected for advanced operations and testing tied to a federal initiative intended to accelerate development of the emerging industry.

A proposed network discussed during the meeting would connect Pangborn with airports in Centralia, Bremerton, Boeing Field and the San Juan Islands as part of an initial testing and operational footprint.

Barker said the long-term concept is to create a regional transportation system capable of connecting rural and urban areas more quickly while complementing existing commercial air service rather than replacing it.

Commissioners expressed both interest and skepticism during the discussion, particularly around cost, infrastructure and whether the economics make sense for North Central Washington.

Commissioner Richard DeRock noted that earlier presentations about similar technology had focused heavily on dense urban markets such as New York and Los Angeles, where avoiding highway congestion creates a clearer economic advantage.

“The economics are an interesting question going forward,” DeRock said.

Although the aircraft are also designed for passenger transportation, commissioners appeared to view cargo delivery, emergency response and freight movement as more likely near-term applications for the technology at Pangborn.

Discussion during the meeting frequently returned to practical regional uses such as wildfire detection, medical transport, package delivery and rural connectivity rather than commuter-style passenger service.

Barker acknowledged the business model is still evolving as the aircraft move closer to wider commercial deployment, but said falling energy costs and improved regional mobility could eventually make the systems more practical.

The meeting also included discussion about charging infrastructure, aircraft compatibility standards and how future electric aircraft operations could interact with existing airport traffic.

Joe Block of BETA Technologies joined the discussion remotely and answered commissioner questions about charging systems and emerging aircraft infrastructure.

Trent Moyers, director of airports for the Chelan-Douglas Regional Port Authority, said Pangborn has already begun preparing for future technologies in smaller ways, including infrastructure planning tied to electric charging capabilities.

Barker said the 2026 FIFA World Cup could provide an opportunity to showcase some of the technology in Washington state as international visitors arrive in the region next summer.

While commercial passenger operations involving electric aircraft are still in early stages, the discussion Tuesday reflected how regional airports like Pangborn are already beginning to plan for how emerging aviation technologies could eventually reshape transportation across the Northwest.

Andrew Simpson: 509-433-7626 or andrew@ward.media