SAFFORD — An official with Jetcrafters came before the City Council last Monday to ask for a review of the city’s decision to rescind Jetcrafters’ contract at the airport.
“I urge you to reconsider,” said Paul Allen. “We have plans to work with the City of Safford, for the mutual benefit of the city, of us and the community.”
Jet Crafters Aviation was granted a contract to operate as a fixed-base operator at the airport in April 2020, but Allen said Jetcrafters’ contract was terminated for failing to make required repairs in adequate time.
Allen said Jetcrafters was unable to make the repairs to the city’s satisfaction because the letter of notification was delivered to the other FBO at the airport, Ponderosa Aviation, and by the time Jetcrafters learned of the letter, there was insufficient time to meet the city’s deadline.
He also outlined a number of initiatives Jetcrafters would like to do, including the permanent stationing of an aviation fire truck at the airport, a scholarship for a Safford student who excels in technology and working with Graham County Probation on a youth offenders diversion program, giving them an introduction to aviation.
He also estimated the tax revenue Jetcrafters could generate for the city, via its affiliation with Avfuel, would be about $2 million per year.
Allen spoke during the call to the public, which meant the council was prohibited by law from responding to his request.
A fixed-base operator provides aviation services, such as fueling and repairs, as well as flight instruction and aircraft rental, under a contract with an airport’s operator. An airport may have more than one fixed-base operator.
