Grand Canyon Scenic Airlines provides twice-daily flights to Phoenix
By Jon Johnson
SAFFORD—In more than 50 years, commercial air service has returned to the Safford Regional Airport—1LT Duane Spalsbury Field for the first time.
The program resulted from a $100,000 grant locally from Freeport McMoRan Inc. and an $800,000 federal grant under the Small Community Air Service Development Program (SCASDP).
Grand Canyon Scenic Airlines has been operating since 1927. Its fleet of more than 18 airplanes, used for scenic tours, flies nearly 200,000 passengers annually from its hubs in the Grand Canyon, Las Vegas, and Page, Arizona. For more flight schedules, fares, and booking information, visit Flysafford.com.
According to its website, “Grand Canyon Scenic Airlines offers convenient, twice-daily flights between Safford Regional Airport and Phoenix Sky Harbor International Airport. Departing from the Jackson Jet Center in Phoenix, these one-hour flights are perfect for business travelers, family visits, or leisure trips within Arizona. Passengers can check in at the ticket counter, which opens one hour before departure, and are encouraged to arrive at least 30 minutes before their flight. Each traveler is allowed two checked bags (up to 50 pounds each) and one personal item at no extra cost. The flights are operated using a Cessna Caravan aircraft. Contact (928) 235-2600 for reservations, or book online.” Rates are currently about $300 roundtrip.
On Monday, the inaugural flight included the first paying customer, Cassandre Lejoly – a UA Research Scientist living in Morenci who searches for asteroids. Lejoly needed to travel to Phoenix to catch a connecting flight to Orlando for a work conference.
“I saw it on Facebook and thought I might as well try it,” Lejoly told the Gila Herald. “It’s a business travel, so I do get reimbursed for it, and since I was going to get reimbursed (per) mile either way, it’s about the same amount, so I thought they would probably allow it and, yeah, so I thought might as well do it – save me some time and some driving.”
Lejoly also avoided any parking fees. As her plane touched down at the Jackson Jet Center, she was immediately whisked away via shuttle to the Phoenix Sky Terminal 24th Street Station. From there, one can continue to connecting flights at Phoenix Sky Harbor or take ground transportation to a final destination.
On Monday, Safford Mayor Richard Ortega attended the ribbon-cutting ceremony for the new flight service and said it could transform the region.
“This new airline service is not just a transportation milestone; it is a transformation opportunity for our community and region,” Ortega said. “It represents a bridge to economic growth, a gateway for business travelers and (an) open invitation to tourists eager to experience the unique and cultural of Safford.”
Safford Airport Manager Cameron Atkins spoke at the event and said the airport is here to benefit all community areas.
“Beyond infrastructure and operations, this airport is about people – about serving the whole community,” Atkins said. “Our vision is to make the Safford Regional Airport a true asset for everyone in our region. Whether you’re a business traveler looking for efficiency or a family planning a vacation, this airport is here to serve you.”
Several local dignitaries and politicians, including town and city managers and county supervisors, attended the event. All who were asked had nothing but glowing reviews for the service.
“I just think it’s a great opportunity for the town and the county and the whole state to be able to have this service,” said Graham County Board of Supervisors Chairman John Howard. “I hope it’s utilized, and I hope it is very successful. I’m excited about it.”
“Thatcher’s super excited about this opportunity; I think it has a ton of potential,” said Thatcher Town Manager Heath Brown. “Like John, I hope it’s successful. I hope people utilize it. I hope the price is right to make it a viable option.”
“It’s great, I’m excited,” said Danny Smith, MGRMC Director of Marketing and Community Relations. “Not just (for) the hospital, I think it’s good for the federal prison, I think it’s good for Eastern Arizona College. I think that they’ll find more people than we even expect in the beginning so that it is able to stay around and grow.”
“Any time we can make better connections to the Valley – easier to come and go and less time it’ll be great,” said Pima Town Manager Vernon Batty. “It will be interesting to see the reception of the public how often it’s used, but I appreciate the effort and moving this direction and, hopefully, it can get to a real standard thing where people are using it constantly.”
Starting service in Safford includes one Cessna Caravan turboprop airplane making twice-daily trips to Phoenix at the Jackson Jet Center at Sky Harbor Airport. As the plane takes off from Safford, passengers get stunning views of the mine and mountains as they go westward. It takes only about an hour to get to Phoenix, cruising at 170 mph as passengers get to avoid road traffic and construction. And at just 8,500 feet, those flying get a great scenic view from the whole way there.
After landing at Sky Harbor in Phoenix, passengers are taxied to the Jackson Jet Center, where a shuttle awaits. When customers exit the plane, they hop on their shuttle. In less than five minutes, they are dropped off at the Phoenix Sky Terminal 24th Street Station, where they can continue to connecting flights at Phoenix Sky Harbor or take ground transportation to their final destination.
When returning to Safford, customers can grab the shuttle from the 24th Street Station or park for free at the Jackson Jet Center. After checking in for their flight home, customers can relax inside the luxurious waiting area of the Jackson Jet Center, which has a selection of snacks and drinks available for purchase. The trip from Safford to Phoenix is about an hour in the air.
“We have made this airport something to be proud of,” Ortega said. “And it’s just going to continue to grow. It’s going to bring people here; it’s going to improve our economy. We’re going to be surprised to see what all happens as the days pass.”
“This is an awesome step forward for Safford for tourism, for economic development opportunities, and quality of life for our residents,” Atkins told the Gila Herald. “I’m real excited to make the airport more valuable for everybody.”
In addition to the air service, businesses continue to grow and be added to the airport. Click here for more information on Grand Canyon Scenic Airlines or to book a flight.
