Desert Jet Completes New FBO

California aviation services provider Desert Jet has completed its brand-new FBO complex at Jacqueline Cochran Regional Airport. The Thermal-based company had been operating from a temporary facility since 2015, and construction of its state-of-the-art facility had been hampered by a series of legislative hurdles placed by local officials.

The $7 million Desert Jet Center features a 10,000-sq-ft terminal with floor-to-ceiling windows, observation deck, and a full slate of amenities including a pair of eight-seat conference rooms, pilot lounge with snooze room and shower facilities, kitchen, laundry service, autospa, pet relief area, and refreshment bars for both passengers and pets.

It has a 22,500-sq-ft hangar with 28-foot-high doors and can accommodate the latest ultra-long-range business jets. It is the only air-conditioned hangar in the Palm Springs/Coachella Valley region. The company also offers an onsite FAA Part 145 repair station with 24/7 mobile AOG service and complete aircraft detailing. The FBO recently launched a customer loyalty program that it says will combine its five-star customer service with additional cost savings.

“Desert Jet has long been an oasis for exemplary service,” said CEO Jared Fox, adding the tourist destination is experiencing tremendous growth that will spur higher demand for aviation services. “With these new pieces in place, we will be able to capitalize on additional opportunities in the region while maintaining the values that brought us to where we are today.”

The company, which began as an aircraft charter/management specialist, is currently upgrading its fleet of Citation CJ3s with GoGo L3 Avance high-speed Wi-Fi. It will be available free of charge to its customers.