There are several reasons I wanted to start this column by reaching out to someone who knows a thing or two about running a successful aviation business. Will Cutter is the third generation of Cutters running Cutter Aviation, a business started by William P. Cutter in 1928 in Albuquerque, New Mexico. As someone whose grandfather started charter flights and FBO services in the Southwest, I can’t think of anyone better to provide insight into our aviation environment and give details about how to stay competitive and keep the customers coming back year after year.
Lance Phillips: Let’s talk about Deer Valley and how your new operations there are providing pilots in the southwest with new options for support.
Will Cutter: We have just built 75,000 square feet of new turbine hangar space in Deer Valley to support the largest business jets in the area with three bays. They’re two-thirds full now and will be completely full by the end of the summer. Some operators are coming from Scottsdale, some from Sky Harbor, and some from California. Phase two will begin once construction costs come back in line, probably before the end of the year.
In Prescott, Arizona we’re the sole provider of services now. And Cutter is reinvesting in the area by completing and expanding the ramp by another six acres.
In Georgetown, Texas, just outside of Austin, we have 181,000 square feet of hangar and offices that are completely full. We consolidated the FBO services at the airport and are growing the fuel business significantly this year.
The charter business is down right now due to pilot shortages. There is a lot of opportunity right now for those looking to get into the business aviation environment.
LP: Are you looking to expand further in the next few years? And do you ever see Cutter outside of the southwest?
WC: We have looked at additional opportunities in the southwest recently. Some opportunities work out, and some don’t. Some recent ones didn’t make sense. But we’re also looking at growing and expanding our current locations.
LP: How about used aircraft sales? Are those as strong as we’re seeing everywhere else?
WC: Yes, used inventories are low, and demand is high. We’re sold out for the next year and a half or so.
LP: How does your competitiveness in the market translate to providing better services to pilots like the readers of Twin & Turbine?
WC: We try to be a one-stop shop for everyone. We can store (with hangar space), fuel and maintain aircraft across the board. We focus our MRO on a few brands, but other than that; we’re an inclusive business. Everyone is welcome.
The ramp is full right now here at Sky Harbor. There are around 18 to 20 aircraft out there. We try to focus on customer service and provide operators with a familiar face and better service. It works. We always ask our customers what we can do better, and we understand what it takes to make those crews and passengers successful.
LP: What does your induction into the International Air & Space Hall of Fame mean to you and how does that translate to Cutter Aviation providing better service to its customers?
WC: We have been a family-owned business for 95 years this year. I have two kids in the business now, so we’re on the fourth generation. It shows dedication, commitment and excitement in the company and toward our customers. It’s the biggest honor I have received, other than having kids.
We try to promote longevity in the company, hiring within and giving back to the employees. If our employees are excited and want to stay, then our customers will want to keep coming back.
Many thanks to Will Cutter for spending time with me this month.
