SAFFORD — Monday evening, after a nearly half-hour executive session closed to the public, the Safford City Council unanimously approved a contract with Grand Canyon Scenic Airlines for passenger air service to and from Phoenix.
“Exciting times,” said Mayor Richard Ortega. “I think it will be interesting.”
Airport Manager Cameron Atkins told the City Council that flights will start Jan. 6, 2025, and the city issued a release stating that tickets will be available for purchase starting Friday, Dec. 13.
On social media, airport officials said flights will “be priced at approximately $300 round trip.”
Tickets will be available at Grand Canyon Scenic Airlines’ website, Scenic.com, and the airport’s website, FlySafford.com.
Grand Canyon Airlines will use nine-passenger Cesna Caravan turboprop aircraft for two round-trip flights daily, seven days a week.
Under the terms of the contract, the city is pledging a guarantee against any unsold tickets not to exceed $172,800. To help offset some of those costs, the city received a grant from the Freeport Community Investment fund of $100,000, and an $800,000 U.S. Department of Transportation aviation grant.
Under the motion to approve the contract, the City Council also approved reclassifying one airport employee from part-time to full-time, and authorized the hiring of a new part-time employee.
