Vision Air puts Williams on hold

Air tours may land here in spring

Rumors are circling about the proposed establishment of a Vision Air hub in Williams, but that may be the only thing flying for certain until fall.

"Vision Air is a conservative company and we like to first test the waters before jumping in with both feet," said Warren Kaplan, general manager for Vision Holidays marketing, advertising and sales. "So, we're committed to testing the waters initially with service out of Las Vegas this fall."

In April, owners and representatives from Las Vegas-based Vision Aviation Holdings, Inc., flew to Williams to investigate the potential of moving their base of operations from Tusayan to Williams.

Vision Air, which operates a motor coach division as well, was also exploring the potential for establishing a retail store; a hub for the motor coach division; and a maintenance facility in Williams to be phased in throughout the next 24 months.

At the time of their initial visit, Vision Air president William Acor indicated the company's intention to move quickly with the project. At that time, Acor explained, Vision Air hoped to commence business as soon as possible.

In an Aug. 8 interview, Vision Air chief operating officer Larry Siggelkow said these plans have been delayed due to Department of Transportation and Federal Aviation Administration approval of Vision Air applications.

"All of our plans have been put on hold until the applications for certifications have been approved," Siggelkow said. "I had hoped it'd long be over by now. We'd like it to move forward as soon as possible."

Siggelkow explained that Vision Air is "doing 'due diligence,'" including extensive research of potential tourist markets, and hopes to begin regular service to the Williams HA Clark Memorial Airfield in 2007.

Each year, Vision Air services approximately 200,000 tourists between air and bus tours.

Vision Air currently flies passengers, many of which are European and Asian, from Las Vegas to the Grand Canyon Airport. It also has regular stops at the Scottsdale Airport and Williams Gateway Airport in Mesa.

Kaplan said that Vision Air recently purchased new buses to expand tours from Sedona to Williams. The company also just purchased eight 30-passenger airplanes, one of which may be used between Las Vegas and Williams. However, Kaplan explained, the delivery of these aircraft has been delayed ‹ further contributing to the company's postponed relocation to Williams.

Kaplan said that the conservative nature of the company is compelling directors to initiate service in September and expand travel options only if the response is favorable.

"If we would commit, it would be in the spring," Kaplan confirmed.