Moore County Regional Airport Manager Proof that Hard Work Pays Off
By Chris Sasser
Texas A&M Transportation Institute
Brandon Cox with his wife Andrea, son Cade and daughter Kamryn at the 2014 Texas Aviation Conference.
When Moore County Regional Airport (KDUX) Manager Brandon Cox was sitting in the audience during the 2014 Texas Aviation Conference awards banquet, he had little notion of what was to come.
“I was listening to Mr. Fulton talk about the airport manager of the year award winner and started to think it might be me,” said Cox. “Then my name was announced and my family appeared on stage. It was definitely an emotional moment as I had no idea they were there and it meant so much to share that moment with them.”
For Cox, the award represented years of hard work and dedication to the Moore County Regional Airport, an airport that holds a special place to this local man who was born and raised in Dumas, TX.
“I began working here about 15 years ago,” said Cox. “But I’ve been involved with aviation ever since I can remember. My grandfather had a Mooney that used to fly out of this airport.”
When Cox began working at the airport as an assistant, he developed a sterling reputation as having a strong work ethic and taking care of the needs of the customers who used the airport.
After being promoted to airport manager, he was involved with a major runway extension project that extended and widened the runway from 5,469 ft × 75 ft to 6,001 ft × 100 ft. His management during the complicated project was noted by many local officials and representatives from Valero and the TxDOT Aviation, with whom he still enjoys a close relationship. The runway reconstruction helped boost the airport’s traffic.
“Since we extended our runway, we’ve noticed an increase in our transient traffic. A lot of jets that fly coast-to-coast stop in to refuel,” said Cox.
In addition to the runway extension, other improvements include landscaping improvements around the terminal building with the planting of trees and grass, electrical and new flooring in hangars and the addition of new courtesy cars.
Along with Valero, the airport’s other clients include Tiger Aviation and Venables Construction, which is building a large hangar at the airport.
Though Cox notes that many folks in the community may not be aware of the typical day-to-day operations of the airport, the community leaders do and recognize the asset of their airport.
In his nominating letter remarks, Executive Director for the Dumas Economic Development Corporation remarked, “Thanks to the foresight and energy that Brandon Cox possesses, we are now embarking on something grander than simply attracting a new business. Through his knowledge, expertise, and connections, we are confident that we will have one of the most active airports in the region.”
For Cox and Dumas, their partnership is a win-win for the city he is proud to call home.
“I worked at Tradwind in Amarillo for a few years until this job came open,” said Cox. “My wife is a teacher here so I was excited to return. This is a great community and place to raise a family.”
For more information about the Moore County Regional Airport, visit their website at http://www.airnav.com/airport/KDUX.