Vantage takes reins on airport development project
Garfield County approves transfer of concept plan between airport developers
PRESS RELEASE
July 19, 2024
Garfield County has approved a concept plan transfer from Dark Horse Aviation to Vantage Aviation, paving the way for future hangar and infrastructure development on the east side of the Rifle-Garfield County Airport. In April, Dark Horse requested to transfer its concept plan to Vantage, including all deadlines, interests, and responsibilities, and has endorsed the potential for another fixed base operator.
Vantage’s plans include a public terminal on parcels A5 and 6, complete with a conference room, waiting lounges, restrooms, rest areas, and office space. Parcel A2 would be home to a private terminal, including a lobby and similar amenities as the public terminal.
In March 2022, the Board of County Commissioners (BOCC) approved Dark Horse Aviation’s concept plan concept for leasing parcel A-2 to build a 24,675-square-foot private hangar. In June of that year, the board also approved a plan for leasing parcel A-7 to build a 16,800 sq ft. hangar. In March 2023, the board approved Dark Horse’s request to modify its concept plans to withdraw from parcel A-7, and instead lease and combine parcels A5 and A-6, on which to construct a 16,800 sq. ft. hangar, and included an option to switch from private use to a commercial operator. Rent for the parcels ($83,867) has been paid through Oct. 1, 2024.
Vantage Aviation CEO Ryan Maxfield told the Board of County Commissioners that Vantage is fully integrated and would not only offer fuel, ground handling, deicing, and hangar services, but also provide turbine and piston maintenance; aircraft charter and maintenance services; and potentially service centers, refurbishment, and acquisitions services.
“These are all the type of services we’ll provide in our company,” Maxfield said. “We value people and community, and in each of these projects we value purpose and commitment, we value responsibility, honesty, and integrity. And we certainly value creativity and innovation.”
Public access still being assessed
According to the request, Vantage has discovered some development obstacles and noted that it has already spent “at-risk” funding on civil engineers, surveyors, architects, and consultants to assess which public roadways were most safe and most beneficial to the airport, county, and stakeholders.
“We believe that we have identified several working options and are prepared to pursue whatever option is recommended and approved by Garfield County,” the document noted. “We will continue our work on ensuring public access to these parcels, including access to all other current and future lessors, developers, and operators.”
The board approved transferring the rights to the concept plan from Dark Horse to Vantage Aviation unanimously, 3-0.