Earlier this year, Desert Jet had the honor of hosting the Welcome Cocktail Reception and Awards Presentation for Angel Flight West during the group’s Annual Planning Retreat. Several members of the board, executive team, staff, and volunteer pilots of the non-profit group flew into Desert Jet Center’s new FBO facility at the Jacqueline Cochran Regional Airport (KTRM) in Thermal, California, to launch this year’s retreat.

Angel Flight West (AFW) bridges the gap from home to health for thousands of people by playing a significant role in arranging free access to care for passengers who could not otherwise afford travel to treatment. AFW volunteer pilots donate all the costs of flights. There is never a charge for an Angel Flight West mission.

In appreciation for their generous contributions, AFW recognized several volunteer pilots with awards for dedicated service, leadership or missions flown. Among the recipients were Jim O. for his dedicated service as Wing Leader, Steve B. for his dedicated service to Santa Flights, Stephen B., Stuart B., Chris B., and Michael B. for flying hundreds of missions on behalf of AFW; respectively 382, 373, 340, and 125 missions.

Desert Jet also received an award for its long-standing support and partnership with AFW. Desert Jet Center, the preferred FBO (Fixed-Base Operator) for all AFW missions to the Greater Palm Springs area, provides cost-saving relief and assistance to the volunteer pilots who fly into KTRM.

The welcome reception included a musical performance by Nick Torres and Nathan Russell, jazz guitar duo and students from The College of the Desert, and a champagne tasting event, generously donated by Marisa Pozas and Total Wine in Palm Desert, CA.

“Desert Jet hosted Angel Flight West for a cocktail reception for our pilots, board members and others,” commented Josh Olson, Angel Flight West Executive Director. “They were gracious and couldn’t have been better hosts. We appreciate all they did for us!! I also saw their staff in action and they worked so hard for the aircraft coming and going all day long! Thanks Desert Jet!”

“Josh and the team at AFW are amazing to work with and there is no better cause than utilizing aviation assets to assist those in need. Desert Jet is proud to be a partner of such a great organization,” said Jared Fox, Desert Jet Chief Executive Officer. “It was a real joy to host a wonderful evening of celebration in our brand new hangar. We hope to have many more events to help charities we know are doing great work for Southern California communities.”

During this time of crisis, AFW and its growing team of volunteer pilots continue their philanthropic work. In addition to their mission of transporting sick children and adults to treatment facilities, volunteers are also transporting PPE and essential supplies to various hospitals and communities in need. For more information or to donate to AFW, visit www.angelflightwest.org.

About Desert Jet

Desert Jet is a group of aircraft management, charter, maintenance and FBO companies based in Palm Springs/Thermal, California (KTRM). Desert Jet is a full-service aviation company providing jet owners with turn-key management for their aircraft.

Desert Jet offers private flyers a smart alternative to fractional aircraft ownership and expensive membership programs. Desert Jet also assists private aircraft owners as a total aviation partner for everything from purchase, acceptance, conformity, and operation of business and private aircraft.

Desert Jet Maintenance is an FAA-certified Part 145 Repair Station offering scheduled and unscheduled aircraft maintenance and repair services to a wide variety of aircraft.

Desert Jet Center is a world-class independent FBO serving the needs of the business and general aviation community at the Jacqueline Cochran Regional Airport (KTRM). The brand new 32,500-square-foot executive facility features a state-of-the-art, modern terminal and the only air-conditioned hangar in the entire Coachella Valley. Desert Jet Center is a Preferred FBO by the Citation Jet Pilots Association (CJP) and non-profit organization, Angel Flight West. Desert Jet Center is the only FBO in the region to have earned the prestigious IS-BAH safety registration and the NATA Safety 1st qualification. Desert Jet Center offers hangar space that accommodates aircraft as large as the Gulfstream G650 and Global 7000.

For more information about our services, visit www.desertjet.com or call (800) 381-JETS.