Pogo Readies for Takeoff from Westover

CHICOPEE, Mass. -- A company's plans to launch a charter jet service at Westover Metropolitan Airport, delayed in 2006, is now expected to lift off by July 2008, according to a corporate official.

Cameron R. Burr, president of Pogo Jet Inc., said his company expects to launch operations after purchasing 50 aircraft.

By the spring of 2010, the company plans to have approximately 500 employees, including high-paying jobs for pilots and aircraft technicians, he said.

"I'm excited as I can be," Burr said. "For us, it's a fantastic location. It's a beautiful area. Westover is really one of aviation's best-kept secrets."

The start-up, branded charter service was initially slated to operate in 2006. However, the type of aircraft needed - a new class of fuel-efficient, four and six-passenger aircraft called "very light jets" was not yet certified by the Federal Aviation Administration, Burr said.

The jets will transport clients, on demand, between airports in the Northeast. There are approximately 550 airports that are suitable for a Pogo mission, Burr said.

"Until two to three months ago, there was not even a certified plane to be suitable for our type of operation," Burr said.

In recent months, an Elipse E-500 jet was certified and is available, Burr said.

"The decision on our aircraft selection is forthcoming," Burr said.

Over the next 12 months, Pogo anticipates hiring approximately 30 employees to prepare for the launch of the charter service.

A $3 million hangar renovation project was recently completed at Westover's civilian airport. Pogo Jet intends to use that 30,000-square-foot hangar and envisions upgrades to additional hangars.

The airport is privately owned by the Westover Metropolitan Development Corp.

Allan W. Blair, president and chief executive officer of the development corporation, said he continues to work with Pogo to move plans ahead. At the same time, he is seeking out additional tenants for the airport.

"From my own observations and various discussions with the company, it appears they are very much intending to establish operations at Westover," Blair said. "We are encouraged they continue to be an enterprise and they are working hard on choosing the appropriate aircraft. It's all very encouraging."

Blair said the delay has not hurt the airport. The airport is used by corporate and private aircraft, charter flights and cargo service.

Pogo Jet is currently raising a $35 million round of equity for its business venture in addition to $15 million already raised, Burr said. Julian Robertson, who was the founder of Tiger Management and was a primary force in creating the hedge fund industry, is the lead investor, Burr said.

Mayor Michael D. Bissonnette said Pogo's interest in locating at Westover "is a sign of good things happening in the future at that civilian airport."

The city has shown its commitment by recently completing major improvements to the intersection of Padgette and Sheridan streets, near the airport, he said.

Pogo Jet has offices in Stratford, Conn., and at the Westover Metropolitan Development Corp. building on Padgette Street.

"The planes we will buy are capable of flying in and out - customers contact us from all parts, much like a car service," Burr said.

For example, a corporate client could pay for a jet to fly a group of corporate officials from Westover to Trenton, N.J., for a meeting, and then return by 2 p.m.

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