SAFFORD — The City of Safford is actively seeking a provider for commercial flights from the airport.
On Wednesday, the city put out requests for proposals for daily air service between Safford and Phoenix Sky Harbor Airport.
“I do think we have a good chance of getting some solid proposals that we can move forward on. We have been working hard for a year and half, working with a number of airlines to determine their needs and the needs of the community,” Safford Airport Manager Cameron Atkins said in an e-mail to Gila Valley Central.
In the RFP, the city states it has about $250,000 to use toward a minimum revenue guarantee. The money will be used to compensate a carrier when scheduled flights don’t meet at least 80 percent full. The funds come from a grant from Freeport-McMoRan and city coffers.
In the RFP, the city talks about the number of travelers making their way to the Gila Valley for Freeport’s mining operations in Safford and Morenci, as well as those coming for Eastern Arizona College, includings sports teams traveling to play EA and family of students coming to visit.
A provider must have access to multiple 9-to-30 seat planes and must agree to at least 12 weekly round-trip flights — one in the morning and the other in late afternoon. Weekend trips may be proposed by the carrier.
The carrier must handle all ticketing via its own website and ticket prices can’t exceed an average of $325 round trip.
The initial contract will be for one year, but can be extended if both the city and carrier agree.
Deadline to submit a request for proposal is Feb. 29.
Editor’s note: This story was updated at 4:33 p.m. Thursday, Jan. 25, 2024, to include the comments by Airport Manager Cameron Atkins.
