More Additions to Sloulin Field | Video

Chris Williams | 1/25/2013

If you`ve tried parking at the airport recently, you know how busy it is. Since 2010, the number of passengers boarding planes at Sloulin Field has increased every year by at least 10,000. Numbers like those are what prompted Fargo Jet Center to open a Williston Jet Center at Sloulin Field.

Fargo Jet Center has businesses in St. Cloud and Fargo, but now they`re making the move to a smaller city. "Williston, If you look at the traffic that flies into Williston, it`s probably at least what we see in Fargo if not more," said Fargo Jet Center Vice President of Marketing Darren Hall.

The company will provide a pilot’s lounge, where pilots will be able to make flight plans and check weather. The company will also take care of passengers. "It ends up being kind of the first welcome, their first impression of the community. So we really strive to do our best job in representing the community and serving the customers we take care of," Hall added.

Fargo Jet Center will be the second company of its kind at the airport. Western Edge Aviation also operates at Sloulin Field. Both companies will provide maintenance and fuel to airplanes.

"It allows competition for everything. You typically will end up seeing a lower price. You typically see a service increase for both just because they want to keep customers going to their facilities. It should help the customer the most," said Airport Manager Steven Kjergaard.

Fargo Jet Center will have to comply with the airport’s regulations.

"They have to rent 15,000 square feet from the city as a to provide a base operations. They have to build a hanger of certain dimensions and sizes," Kjergaard added.

Hall says when they started in Fargo 17 years ago, the level of service at the airport increased dramatically. "I think you`ll see this in Williston too, the level of service gets brought up to a really Hugh level. Especially because we`re going to go in and compete with an existing operator that`s there."

The Williston Jet Center will start operations later this year.

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