Million Air buys Air America

Matthew Weaver/Columbia Basin HeraldPort of Moses Lake manager Craig Baldwin recently hit the one-year mark in his position, which includes overlooking goings-on in Grant County International Airport.

by Lynne Lynch<br>Herald Staff Writer
| November 20, 2008 8:00 PM

Dreamliners coming to Moses Lake

MOSES LAKE - Freeman Holdings of Washington, L.L.C. bought fixed-base operator Air America Fuel & Services and 30 new jobs are expected to be created, the Port of Moses Lake announced Wednesday.

Freeman Holdings, headquartered in Topeka, Kan., will do business as Million Air Moses Lake at the Grant County International Airport.

"It was just time," Air America owner Larry Godden said. "It had a lot to do with timing."

He called the sale a "win-win" for everyone and noted how well the facility fits Million Air's plans. "It's a good opportunity for the community and the airport specifically."

Godden also said people will see a lot more activity in the terminal

The new business will enhance the community's chances of attracting a regular commuter airline, he added.

Million Air is a reputable company with a wealth of experience across the nation, Godden said.

He said he hopes there's job opportunities for Air America's workers at Million Air, but it depends on the company's needs and other factors.

Godden thanked his family, friends, coworkers and suppliers for their support. He also thanked Air America founder Jim Abrams who gave Godden the opportunity to take the company over.

Freeman Holdings owns six fixed-base businesses listed under the Million Air name.

An estimated 30 people are expected to be hired by Million Air, said Port Executive Manager Craig Baldwin.

There's been discussions about Air America employees and mechanics associated with Japan Airlines (JAL) as possible hires, he said.

"I know they had considered helping displaced people" he added.

JAL is closing its flight crew training center in February at the airport. Earlier this year, JAL cited high fuel costs and a change to a different type of fuel efficient aircraft as reasons for the closure.

Million Air will assist JAL's work and the Boeing 787 Dreamliner certification program.

According to Baldwin, Boeing is expected to move several Dreamliners to the airport.

Baldwin said Million Air will be handling fuel services like Air America currently does. Million Air leases fuel tanks previously leased by ExxonMobil, he added.

"We expect it will be a great change for the port," Baldwin said.

He added the addition of Million Air will likely result in more types of aircraft training.

"Right now, we see Boeing flights going through, but Million Air has the contracts with Boeing to service them," Baldwin said.

Starting Jan. 1, Million Air's new lease with the port will cost $6,642.04 per month and include 4,709 square feet, Baldwin said.

Air America's lease is $2,102.21 for 1,035 square feet and expires on Dec. 31.

Port President Delone Kreuger stated the port is "very excited about the opportunity to have an established aviation company such as Million Air locate at the airport. Their services will attract new business for the airport and the community."

Don Loyd of Freeman Holdings was unavailable for immediate comment on Wednesday.