Bay City Regional Airport Strengthens Role in Communityand Disaster Response Under James Mason

Bay City Regional Airport serves as a vital asset for Bay City, Texas, supporting local economic activity, aviation access and emergency response operations. For Airport Manager James Mason, that role has evolved over nearly 13 years into a focus on readiness, collaboration and continuous improvement.

As airport manager, Mason has guided decisions on airport upgrades with an emphasis on safety, infrastructure reliability and long-term planning. Recent improvements to the runway and taxiway have strengthened operational safety and expanded the airport’s ability to support a wider range of aircraft, including those used in emergency response operations.

Bay City Regional Airport supports disaster response and recovery efforts through air medical operations, supply transport and coordination with local and regional partners. The airport also serves as a staging point for emergency activity when needed, connecting aviation resources with ground-level response efforts.

That capability was tested during the February 2021 winter storm, when the airport received 29 Black Hawk helicopters and nine Chinook helicopters carrying pallets of bottled water for community distribution. From 9:00 a.m. until late that evening, airport staff worked alongside city employees to unload, stage and warehouse supplies while also supporting visiting flight crews. Warm meals and drinks were provided to personnel throughout the operation. The following day, airport teams helped load trucks that delivered water throughout the community. The experience reinforced both strengths and limitations in the airport’s emergency response capacity.

“This highlighted several positives about our capabilities,” said Mason. “First, our emergency plan worked. Second, our collaborative approach worked with other city departments and local industries.”

Beyond major emergencies, Mason emphasizes that preparedness at the airport is built into daily operations. That includes training staff, maintaining communication systems and ensuring critical functions can continue during disruptions. Coordination with local agencies and industry partners is also part of that framework, along with mutual aid planning for emergency situations.

Looking ahead, Bay City Regional Airport continues to build on these improvements while expanding its community role through programs such as Santa’s Fly-In Storytime, which has grown over the past eight years into a signature local event.

Mason’s approach to airport management is grounded in adaptability and practicality, shaped by the belief that every airport is different and must maximize its own strengths.

“Just remember, if you’ve seen one airport, you’ve only seen one airport,” Mason said. “Think outside the box.”