Desert Jet Center has broken ground on the newest fixed base operation (FBO) at the Jacqueline Cochran Regional Airport (KTRM). With some 80 invited guests assembled and local news in attendance, the event included speeches from Desert Jet President and Founder Denise Wilson, County of Riverside Fourth District Supervisor John Benoit and Desert Jet General Manager Brad Elliott. The event was held in the Oliphant Aviation Hangar, a newly constructed 26,000 sq ft hangar managed by Desert Jet Center.
“Today is the culmination of a vision that began more than 5 years ago to bring a full service aviation company to the city of Thermal, the County of Riverside, and the [Coachella] Valley,” noted Wilson.
The new full-service FBO will offer aircraft fueling and ground services, hangar storage, as well as aircraft detailing. Rounding out the offerings at the FBO is Desert Jet’s Part 135 Charter Management arm, Part 145 Aircraft Maintenance division, and aircraft sales and brokerage. Some 30 additional jobs are planned as a result of the new FBO. Demonstrating the tight-knit community of families that is the heart of Desert Jet, Wilson thanked the employees of Desert Jet and their families above all, saying
“Without each of you, none of this would mean anything.” County of Riverside Fourth District Supervisor John Benoit added to the day’s accolades noting “Denise is a remarkable woman, and a tough act to follow.”
After a customary champagne toast, and with ceremonial shovels in hand and hard hats adorned, the official groundbreaking took place outside on the Desert Jet leasehold, where Desert Jet’s temporary FBO facility has already been installed in anticipation of a soft opening in May. The FBO now under construction will feature a 10,000 square foot FBO terminal, 22,500 square foot hangar, as well as some 48,000 gallons of fuel storage.
