GEORGETOWN, Del.- Sussex County officials have named a new manager of Delaware Coastal Airport.

Eric A. Littleton, of Bridgeville, will take over as manager of the airport and business park operations in October when current manager Jim Hickin retires, county officials announced Tuesday.

Littleton was selected from a field of five candidates for the job. He comes to Sussex County after having worked in various roles since 2006 at the Virginia Commercial Space Flight Authority and NASA's Wallops Flight Facility.

"I look forward to working with the County and FAA while maintaining the legacy of this local asset, and bolstering the facility infrastructure to prepare us for an evolving industry," Littleton said in a release.

County Administrator Todd F. Larson said Littleton's familiarity with unmanned aerial systems will be an asset in efforts to modernize the airport and attract employers to the business park.

"We're confident he will help take our Delaware Coastal facilities to new heights in the years ahead," Larson said.

Littleton, who holds certifications from the Community College of the Air Force, the American Association of Airport Executives, the Airport Councils International and the FAA, began his work with Sussex County on July 15. He is expected to work closely with Hickin for the next few months before taking over as manager full-time.

Hickin will retire after 12 years of service at the airport.

"Jim has been a great asset to the County, and has really helped to propel the airport forward," County Council President Michael H. Vincent said. "We wish him all the best as we turn to Eric Littleton to continue the mission."





