SAFFORD — On its social media Thursday, Safford Regional Airport-1Lt Duane Spalsbury Field announced that Grand Canyon Scenic Airlines will discontinue commercial air service between Safford and Phoenix effective Sept. 14.
The move follows the Safford City Council opting to take no action Monday, Aug. 25, on a request by city staff and airport officials to infuse an extra $655,000 into the air service program.
“Until airline service ends, passengers are encouraged to take advantage of $49 fares on Fridays, Saturdays, and Sundays and $99 fares on weekdays. Grand Canyon Scenic Airlines’ customer service team members will contact passengers holding any remaining ticket vouchers and those with flights booked beyond Sept. 14 to coordinate refunds,” Airport officials wrote in the social media posting.
Grand Canyon Scenic Airlines operates the commercial air service under a minimum revenue guarantee agreement with the city. The agreement was funded by an $800,000 U.S. Department of Transportation grant, a $100,000 grant from Freeport-McMoRan Foundation and $155,000 contributed by the city.
During the Aug. 25 meeting, Airport officials said most of the funds have been expended, with just $95,000 remaining, which is why they requested the additional $655,000.
Airport officials added that Grand Canyon Scenic Airlines has a 95 percent on-time performance record since service started in January, with no controllable cancellations.
“The City of Safford has enjoyed an amazing relationship with Grand Canyon Scenic Airlines and looks forward to the opportunity to re-initiate service if funding becomes available through the State of Arizona or another grant-funding source,” Airport officials wrote.
