“We have worked hard to give the best first impression to many people who have flown privately to Pocatello for 40 years,” said Melvin Wagoner, co-owner and COO of AvCenter Inc. “We have a team of around 50 really great employees who make it all possible and the hope is that with this extra space we will be able to attract planes from Sun Valley and Jackson Hole. “

Wagoner said during the winter months hangar space is limited and sometimes unavailable, so this space will allow AvCenter Inc. to expand its operations and allow them to accommodate aircraft they are not. able to do currently.

AvCenter Inc. has been operating at Pocatello Regional Airport since 1979. In addition to providing state-of-the-art private charter flights to and from Pocatello, the fixed-base operator provides aircraft refueling and maintenance. commercials flying to and from Gate City and various flight instructions.

In addition to providing fuel for its own aircraft, AvCenter Inc. also supplies fuel for government fire bombers, corporate and private aircraft, and commercial flights.

“One of the services we provide is that we are a Federal Aviation Administration Authorized Written Test Center,” Wagoner said. “We can administer FAA written exams for all categories of pilots. “

AvCenter Inc. also has a fleet of aircraft, including three private jets and two turboprop engines that are used for its private charter service, and plans to add additional planes to its arsenal.

“We cover the continental United States as well as Canada and Alaska,” Wagoner said. “Our main clientele are either high net worth individuals or businesses where time is of the essence for them. This is usually a much larger bill than a commercial airline ticket.

AvCenter has an Air Operator Certificate issued by the FAA and operates in accordance with all regulations applicable to on-demand charter as opposed to scheduled airlines.

Wagoner is hoping that a new hangar will allow AvCenter to lure some of this business out of resort areas and that this additional business will result in additional fuel sales as well.

“For decades, we have worked to build clientele and provide service to the community,” said Wagoner. “As jet engines have become more efficient, planes have longer ranges and they don’t have to make the intermediate fuel stops that they had to make before the private jet industry started in the 1960s. and 70. They must have a reason to come here and we think a brand new hangar could get them in.