Richard “Rick” Crider, director of Arizona's Prescott Regional/Ernest A. Love Field Airport (KPRC) will receive the National Air Transportation Association's (NATA) Airport Executive Partnership Award. It will be presented to Crider at an awards luncheon in Nashville on November 13, which coincides with the organization’s Aviation Business Conference.
The accolade, first presented in 1994 to Loretta Scott at Tyler Pounds Regional Airport in Texas, recognizes airport managers who successfully foster relationships between airport operators and aviation businesses.
“This award is very humbling,” Crider remarked. “To be acknowledged alongside industry giants is a true honor.” Under his guidance, Prescott Regional has emerged as a key player in general aviation, supporting over 350 aircraft and housing six flight schools, a major U.S. Forest Service Fire Center, and Embry-Riddle Aeronautical University.
At Prescott, Cutter Aviation broke ground on a substantial ramp expansion earlier this year, adding 86,973 sq ft of space to its facility. This project, which will nearly double the FBO’s aircraft parking capacity, reflects the growing demand for general aviation services at the airport. Crider, chair of the American Association of Airport Executives (AAAE) board of directors, previously worked at Port San Antonio and was involved in strategic oversight of a joint-use airport.