YELLOWSTONE REGIONAL AIRPORT
Advertorial PAID FOR BY YELLOWSTONE REGIONAL AIRPORT
Cody, Wyoming
The late Wyoming Senator Hank Coe, who passed away in 2021, was a true pioneer and a relentless advocate when it came to air travel for the state. For over three decades, he fought diligently, taking his ideas to major airlines and the Wyoming Legislature to improve airports and travel service. Senator Coe’s tenacity expanded the development of commercial airline service throughout the state of Wyoming.
In 2020 when Covid Relief Funding was being issued to airports across the country, Yellowstone Regional Airport in Cody received $18 million. This source funding awarded $2 million to the terminal expansion project whose final cost totaled $6 million. The 9000 square foot building addition was officially named the “Senator Hank Coe Terminal” to commemorate Coe’s dedication to commercial air travel advocating Yellowstone Regional Airport, the City of Cody, and the State of Wyoming.
H.R. Coe unveils WY Senator Coe's statue. Photo by Zac Taylor, Powell Tribune
In June, a life-size bronze of Senator Hank Coe was unveiled before a full house of supporters which included dignitaries from across the state who each spoke about their relationship with Senator Coe and his service to elected office.
“Hank set the standard for aviation in rural America,” retired Wyoming Senator Alan Simpson said. “Long before anyone else realized how important air travel would become, Hank saw the importance in connecting rural aviation to global travel.”
“He was giving in all matters of Wyoming,” State Senator Tony Ross added. “He was a man of purpose and the heart and soul of air transportation in Wyoming.”
Expansive windows in the new terminal frame the Wyoming skyline with Cody’s iconic Heart Mountain as the backdrop. The additional seating is both welcoming and comfortable. The design of this common space is dual purpose, servicing the airline passenger traffic, as well as benefiting the local community by providing a spacious location to host multiple venues.
The bronze of the senator, sculpted by Wyoming native artist, Gerald Shippen, was cast at the famed Caleco Foundry in Cody. Just weeks before the dedication, a devastating fire destroyed the foundry and millions of dollars’ worth of art. But in the aftermath of the inferno, amongst the state of ruin remained the bronze of the senator.
“It’s a testament to his life,” Wyoming Governor Mark Gordon said, “like a phoenix rising from the ashes.”
The completion of the master plan for expansion comes just in time for the upcoming tourist season elevating Yellowstone Regional Airport’s service for travelers, airlines, and Northwest Wyoming and bordering Montana municipalities.
Senator Coe’s dedication and vision contributed to this growth, and the naming of the terminal befits the standard that he exemplified.
Facts:
Yellowstone Regional Airport serves residents and travelers throughout Northwest Wyoming and bordering Montana municipalities
Served by United Airlines, which connects people from WY to 150 international destinations
Closest airport to the East Entrance of Yellowstone National Park
3rd Largest Airport in Wyoming
Enplanements approaching 40,000 passengers per year
$65 million in economic impact to area
Heart Mountain Bar & Grill - Full service restaurant and bar
Yellowstone Regional Airport
2101 Roger Sedam Drive, Suite 1
Cody, Wyoming
307.587.5096
