Work is underway on a significant infrastructure project at Jacqueline Cochran Regional Airport (KTRM) in Thermal, where a new Air Traffic Control Tower (ATCT) will enhance the airport’s capabilities and safety measures, marking an essential step for continued growth and economic development in the region.
Currently in its design phase, the proposed ATCT aims to significantly improve communication among aircraft and reduce the risk of incidents, particularly during the airport’s busy season, which extends from November through April. During this peak period, the airport experiences approximately 150 takeoffs and landings daily, underlining the importance of enhanced aircraft separation provided by a control tower.
Angela Jamison, Director of Airports for Riverside County, emphasized, “Let me be very clear that the airport is not unsafe [but] having a tower helps to separate traffic and increase safety. There is a need for aircraft separation at the Jacqueline Cochran Regional Airport, and an air traffic control tower is the very best way to do that.”
The FAA has approved the tower plan, and the project has successfully navigated through the California Environmental Quality Act (CEQA) process. Additionally, the siting study for the tower has received approval, and a required National Environmental Policy Act (NEPA) study was submitted in February this year.
Riverside County Supervisor V. Manuel Perez has championed the project, highlighting its critical need for regional aviation infrastructure. “Supervisor Perez has pushed for an air traffic control tower for Thermal, an infrastructure need that we have had for decades for the Jacqueline Cochran Regional Airport,” stated a representative from Perez’s office. The county is actively pursuing the estimated $24 million required for construction, with Perez committing to securing the necessary funding.
The new ATCT will be constructed on an existing disturbed area east of the airport’s runway, encompassing a modest footprint of just 448 square feet in an octagonal design. The project includes essential support structures, such as an emergency generator and associated infrastructure, serviced by existing utilities. Construction is anticipated to commence in late 2026, with the FAA committed to staffing the tower upon its completion, projected for 2027 but potentially extending to 2029.
Jacqueline Cochran Regional Airport plays a pivotal role in Eastern Riverside County, serving general aviation, pilot training, charter flights, and private aviation operations.
The airport currently hosts Fixed Base Operators (FBOs) and numerous private aviation entities. Recent increased interest from corporate entities seeking private hangar spaces has emphasized the airport’s potential as a hub for business aviation. There are ongoing discussions about expanding to include commercial and cargo services, necessitating additional infrastructure such as terminal facilities and possibly a customs office.
While summer months are relatively quiet, the need for an ATCT is unquestionable during the peak season. Airport management and local aviation enthusiasts agree that this facility will greatly benefit aviators in the eastern Coachella Valley.
This new tower signifies not only a significant safety enhancement but also a strategic development to attract further corporate aviation activity and potentially commercial air services, solidifying Jacqueline Cochran Regional Airport’s role as an essential component of regional economic infrastructure.
