Tim Bradshaw, a 1976 graduate of William Byrd High School, is back in town after a career in aviation that has taken him to about a half dozen airports around the country – most recently in Iowa. Bradshaw took over as executive director at the Roanoke-Blacksburg Regional Airport on November 1, replacing the retiring Jacqueline Shuck.
Hired by the recently formed Roanoke Regional Airport Commission, Jackie Shuck came to Roanoke in 1990 after working in a similar position in the Cleveland area. The one-time attorney was the airport’s only executive director until Bradshaw took over. “I think I’m leaving things in great hands,” said Shuck at the recent third annual Aviation Summit. “Tim is a really good match for the community…and the employees at the airport.”
Shuck said that when she came aboard what was then Roanoke Regional Airport was operating as “a subdivision of the city. Over a period of years [the Commission] was able to make it a fully functional governmental agency. We really are a very small government … but really don’t have to rely on anyone for day to day assistance.” Commission chairman William Gust praised Shuck’s “quiet competence,” and a video about her career and the airport’s history was screened for attendees at Hotel Roanoke.
As for the next few years and the challenges facing Bradshaw, Shuck said air service “is in a terrible state of flux right now.” Fewer seats, higher prices for tickets and an unsettled industry going through a series of mergers can make the business of attracting people to the airport “frustrating” at times.
“We’re on the small side and I think we are going to do really well long-term – but it’s not going to be easy for the next couple of years.” Shuck will keep any future plans fluid; maybe something community oriented. “I’m open to all kinds of ideas, waiting to see what comes along.” Shuck said most of all she will probably miss the interaction with employees.
At the aviation summit, sort of his coming-out party, Bradshaw said one of his main goals was pulling local and regional fliers away from other nearby airports like Greensboro. Look for larger planes with first class sections – and maybe fewer flights in the future from Roanoke, predicted Bradshaw. “It will be a better service overall for everyone.”
With physical improvements over the years leaving Roanoke-Blacksburg Regional in good shape, Bradshaw said he would focus on air service. “Promoting and pursuing additional air service. Looking for new markets.”
Bradshaw said he has talked to Allegiant Air, which now flies to several Florida cities from Roanoke, about possible seasonal service to Myrtle Beach when the warm weather rolls around again.
Bradshaw will be conducting a “leakage study” to see where people are flying from, trying to keep fares here competitive with Greensboro, Charlotte, Raleigh, Dulles or other places people in the region fly from. “We want [travelers] to fly out of their hometown airport. When you get [back] you don’t have to drive for two hours.” He also knows that economic conditions and airport traffic goes “hand in hand.”
Bradshaw said he was driving down I-81 recently, heading back to town – finding it hard to believe that after 30 years he is back home. “I’m being handed a wonderful facility …a great staff. I’m going to take the ball and run with it.”
By Gene Marrano
