Desert Jet has broken ground on its ramp extension project at Jacqueline Cochran Regional airport (KTRM) in Thermal, California, marking a milestone following years of planning and preparation. The project will expand available ramp space at the airport, strengthening the infrastructure needed to support business aviation and the Coachella Valley's continued growth.

Desert Jet is a business aviation service company focused on FBO and aircraft maintenance services.

Desert Jet Center, its Thermal FBO, is an independent facility and has been recognised as the Corporate Aircraft Association (CAA) and Citation Jet Pilots Association (CJP) Preferred FBO. Desert Jet Maintenance, its FAA-certified Part 145 repair station, provides aircraft maintenance, repair and AOG support throughout southern California. The company also manages and operates two 28,800 sq ft hangars at Yampa Valley Regional airport in Hayden, Colorado.

“Breaking ground on this expansion marks an exciting milestone for Desert Jet and the continued growth of KTRM,” comments Jared Fox, CEO of Desert Jet. “We've made a significant commitment to this airport because we believe strongly in its future and its growing importance to business aviation and the Coachella Valley. This expansion is another step in our long-term vision to develop world-class aviation facilities that support our customers, attract new business and contribute to the region's economic growth.”

The expanded ramp will provide additional space for aircraft operations, helping KTRM accommodate business aviation activity and better serve aircraft owners, operators and visitors to the region.

The project represents Desert Jet's long-term investment in aviation infrastructure at KTRM. This investment supports the region's business environment and visitor economy while creating opportunities for local employment and related businesses.

Following completion of the ramp extension, construction of two additional hangars is planned as part of Desert Jet's continued development onsite.

Jacqueline Cochran Regional airport serves business and general aviation throughout the Coachella Valley, providing access to the region's businesses, communities and visitor destinations. It is a County of Riverside-owned public-use airport sitting at 115 ft below sea level, with a primary runway of 8,500 ft capable of accommodating large-cabin jets. The FAA recorded 57,093 aircraft operations at the field in the year ending 30 April 2023.

The ramp extension is expected to be placed into service by the end of 2026. Desert Jet will share additional updates as the project progresses.

Desert Jet was founded in 2007 by Denise Wilson as an aircraft management company and added Part 135 charter operations in 2009. Fox succeeded Wilson as CEO in August 2019, as Wilson moved to chair Desert Jet Holdings.