The State of New Mexico announced today that it is selling the state’s executive jet and using an Englewood aircraft broker to sell the plane.
Wetzel Aviation Inc. in Englewood will sell the Cessna Citation Bravo executive jet.
New Mexico Gov. Susana Martinez said that selling the aircraft is a plus for New Mexico.
“I pledged to taxpayers that we would sell the jet and get this symbol of government excess and waste off of the state’s books,” said Martinez. “This is an important step toward securing a customer, but the job isn’t done until the jet is delivered to a new owner.”
The aircraft was purchased in 2005 for $5.5 million.
Once the jet is sold, New Mexico taxpayers will save $400,000 per year in maintenance and fuel costs, said New Mexico officials.
New Mexico said the Colorado aircraft broker was selected after a national search.
According to the state, Wetzel Aviation has sold or acquired aircraft for hundreds of clients.
Ed Burckle, head of New Mexico’s general services department, said he was confident Wetzel will help the state find a buyer.
“Our department is the most versatile agency in state government, covering a wide range of services, but we had no experience selling a luxury aircraft,” said Burckle. “It was important to hire a broker with a global reach and an established sales and marketing history.”
Howard Pankratz: 303-954-1939 or hpankratz@denverpost.com.
