News Release

Private jet charter service RAI Jets LLC opens new hangar at AZO

RAI Jets, LLC, a private jet charter service that has provided service from the Kalamazoo/Battle Creek International Airport (AZO) for more than 20 years, now has a home in AZO with the acquisition of a new aircraft hangar. Originally established in Sturgis, MI, RAI Jets recently acquired the 30,000 square foot hangar at 5825 Willoughby Dr., Portage, MI. They completed a comprehensive renovation of the interior and the 80,000 square feet of ramp and parking space to make it their own. Improvements include fresh blue and white paint, a restored entryway and new, welcoming lobby, updated flooring, additional concrete ramp space, and a fuel farm.

“When the building became available, we jumped at the chance to establish hangar and office space here in Kalamazoo,” said Becky Bakeman, president at RAI Jets LLC. “This new hangar space shows our commitment to flying charter customers direct from Kalamazoo, allows us more room to house our expanding fleet and offers customers leasing space to store their own aircraft.”

Adding to RAI's Kalamazoo-based fleet is a recently acquired, newly enhanced and modernized, ultra-fast nine-seater King Air B200. Besides private jet charter service, RAI also offers aircraft management and maintenance services. They are also specialists in the search and acquisition of aircraft best suited for their clients.

The many features of the new hangar include:

- More than 20,000 square feet of hangar space available for rental

- Three oversize (70' x 20') doors to accommodate super and mid-size jets

- 7,000 square feet of office space available for rent

- Conveniently located by air from Grand Rapids, Lansing and South Bend.

“We anticipate our presence here at AZO will increase our name awareness with patrons of the airport,” said Bakeman, “as well as those individuals and businesses who appreciate the convenience, luxury and efficiency of private jet charter flight.”

The grand opening of the hangar will take place on Thur., Sept. 8 by invitation.