SAFFORD — The City of Safford is ready to name one of its facilities, and it wants the public’s help.
From now until Dec. 31, the city is taking submissions to rename Safford Airport. The city is looking for “former members of the community who served with distinction in the military in an aviation capacity, or who were significant figures in civilian aviation. Individuals who trained at Safford Regional Airport during World War II will also be considered.”
Submissions must include supporting documentation, such as biographies, newspaper articles, military records, etc. Submissions should be e-mailed to catkins@saffordaz.gov.
Originally, Safford Airport was named for a prominent resident. In the early part of the 20th Century the airport was known as Wickersham Airport, named for Ernest Wickersham, a local businessman and avid flyer. Wickersham also donated a park to the city — Wickersham Park — that once stood where Safford Builder’s Supply/Ace Hardware is now located.
While the process of naming takes place, Airport Manager Cameron Atkins said work is being done to expand business development at the airport.
He recently told the City Council about his trip to the National Business Aviation Association convention in Las Vegas in October.
“Aviation businesses are interested in locating in Safford,” Atkins said. “As some of the larger airports in Phoenix and the L.A. areas start to fill up, those operators are starting to look at other lower-cost options to locate their businesses in rural areas.”
However, before those businesses give serious consideration to locating in Safford, Atkins said they need to know there is a reliable source of aviation mechanics, and there needs to be constructed hangers ready for lease.
“We discovered that, based on our location, aircraft storage and maintenance is kind of our niche,” Atkins said.
He added that he’s initiated talks with Eastern Arizona College about development of aviation mechanic programs, he’s working on a targeted marketing plan around what Safford Airport can do, and is developing requests for proposals for land development with the goal of hanger construction.
