SEQUIM — An airplane company based out of Sequim Valley Airport is expanding into passenger service, banking on growth in the Sequim area to translate into increased demand for air travel to Seattle and other regional destinations.
Mountain High Aviation recently received Federal Aviation Administration approval to carry passengers, and the company has outfitted a five-seat Cessna airplane for the task.
“We feel there is a need for on-demand charter service out of Sequim to Seattle, the islands and other points in Washington,” said Jay Sakas, who co-owns the company with William Benedict.
“Sequim is growing at a fast pace.”
Handles UPS cargo
Until now, Mountain High Aviation has handled next-day air service for United Parcel Service between Boeing Field in Seattle and Port Angeles, Sequim and Bremerton.
Charter service is distinct from the scheduled, commuter service offered by companies such as Kenmore Air Express, which flies to Boeing Field out of William R. Fairchild International Airport in Port Angeles.
If the demand is there, though, Mountain High could become a commuter competitor.
“If the business model does warrant it, we could easily go to a scheduled commuter” service, Sakas said.
