Cutter Aviation Prescott Nears Centennial Milestone as Northern Arizona Aviation Hub Continues to Grow

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Long before Prescott became a growing hub for aviation, Cutter Aviation Prescott was already helping pilots find their way home.

Surrounded by mountains and perched at a mile above sea level, Cutter Aviation Prescott has quietly grown alongside the Tri-City region of Prescott, Prescott Valley and Chino Valley. Today, aircraft are taking off or landing at Prescott Regional Airport every 68 seconds, making it one of Arizona’s busiest aviation centers.

Founded in 1928, Cutter Aviation has spent nearly a century welcoming aviators across the Southwest and remains one of the world’s oldest family-owned aviation companies.

Today, Cutter Aviation Prescott is one of six Cutter Aviation FBO locations and part of a network of six maintenance facilities across the region. At Prescott Regional Airport (KPRC), however, the operation represents something more than a fixed-base operator. For many pilots, passengers, and visitors arriving in northern Arizona, Cutter Aviation is the first handshake, the first hello, and the first glimpse of the community locals proudly call “Everybody’s Hometown.”

Through it all, Cutter Aviation has remained a constant presence on the field. “For many visitors, we’re their first interaction with Prescott,” said Matt Pruett, General Manager of Cutter Aviation Prescott.

“We take that responsibility seriously. When someone steps off the airplane here, we want them to feel like they’ve arrived somewhere special.”

As Cutter Aviation approaches its 100th anniversary, the Prescott location reflects both the company’s rich heritage and its continued investment in the future of aviation in northern Arizona. Preparations for the milestone include infrastructure improvements at the facility, including expanded ramp space and plans for a new 25,000-square-foot hangar.

“For nearly a century, Cutter Aviation has grown alongside the communities we serve, and Prescott is a perfect example of that partnership,” said William W. Cutter, President and CEO of Cutter Aviation. “As we approach our centennial, the investments we’re making here reflect both our respect for our history and our commitment to supporting the next generation of aviation in Northern Arizona.”

Expansion to Support Consistent Growth

Groundbreaking for the new hangar will take place in March 2026, with completion anticipated in early 2027. The heated facility will provide much-needed protection during Prescott’s winter months and accommodate the airport’s mix of aircraft, from general aviation to large-cabin corporate jets.

“We have aircraft coming in that have 120-foot wingspans. Customers appreciate that we’re not squeezing them into some tight little parking spots. We have the room to park them out on our ramp where they're free of any obstructions, which gives peace of mind,” said Matt Pruett, General Manager of Cutter Aviation Prescott.

This expansion follows Cutter Aviation Prescott’s recent addition of 86,000 square feet of ramp space. The FBO also redesigned its existing ramp, bringing its total ramp and parking footprint to approximately six acres.

“We added 86,000 square feet of ramp space on top of our redesign of the original ramp space, and 24,000 square feet of parking space. There’s also going to be a new state-of-the-art luxury executive hangar for customers willing to base out of here at Cutter Prescott,” said Matt Pruett.

Additionally, the newly renovated lobby, pilot lounge, conference rooms and customer spaces further reflect the company’s commitment to service.

These improvements come as Prescott Regional Airport continues its own expansion, including plans to extend the runway to 10,000 feet, positioning the airport, and Cutter Aviation Prescott, to support the next generation of aviation growth in northern Arizona.

A Major Aviation Hub in Northern Arizona

Cutter Aviation Prescott currently supports a diverse mix of aviation activity, from general aviation pilots and corporate operators to military missions and commercial airlines.

Corporate aircraft from national retailers and Fortune 500 companies regularly fly into the region, while recreational pilots arrive to experience Prescott’s historic downtown, hiking trails, lakes and the world’s oldest rodeo.

The FBO provides fueling services for airlines, including United Airlines and SkyWest, while also supporting the U.S. Forest Service tanker base during wildfire season and Embry-Riddle Aeronautical University’s fleet of more than 100 training aircraft.

Embry-Riddle alone brings more than 3,000 flight students through the airport each year, further strengthening Prescott’s reputation as a center for aviation education and training.

“Prescott has a way of capturing people’s hearts,” Pruett said. “Many visitors choose to fly here instead of Phoenix because it offers a more personal experience. It’s easier to get around, and the community feels welcoming from the moment you land.”

 

Beyond fueling operations, Cutter Aviation plays an active role in the Prescott community. The FBO supports the annual Prescott Air Fest each October, welcoming nearly 5,000 attendees for static displays, flyovers and family-friendly activities.

Additionally, Cutter Aviation Prescott awards the Bill Cutter Memorial Scholarship each year to support business aviation students at Embry-Riddle who display outstanding dedication to an aviation education. The award was created in 2018 by Cutter Aviation, serving as a tribute to William “Bill” Cutter, a passionate and long-time aviator. To date, they have supported 74 students, awarding $185,000 in scholarships.

A Shared Legacy in Aviation

As a Phillips 66® branded FBO, Cutter Aviation credits its longstanding collaboration for helping maintain the highest operational standards.

Through fuel quality control audits and operational evaluations, Phillips 66® Aviation helps maintain consistency in safety procedures and compliance with industry best practices. Phillips 66® Aviation also supports Cutter Aviation Prescott through ongoing education, rigorous training and certification standards, including NATA safety programs and ongoing technician development, ensuring safety and accountability across all operations.

“Over the years, we’ve placed a lot of trust in Phillips 66® Aviation. They are always there for us, no matter the hour or question. We’re also a contract fuel location, which brings many customers to our facility through contract fuel programs,” Pruett elaborated.

“Across our branded network, we work with FBOs that are committed to maintaining the highest standards of safety, service and operational excellence,” said Ronald Sanchez, Vice President, Aviation, Phillips 66. “Cutter Aviation Prescott is a great example of those standards in action, and we are excited to see them continue to grow as they approach their centennial.”

The Next Century of Flight

As Phillips 66® Aviation nears its 100th anniversary in 2027, Cutter Aviation is preparing to celebrate its Centennial in 2028. The Prescott location reflects a legacy nearly a century in the making. From Arizona’s earliest aviators to today’s thriving aviation hub, Cutter Aviation Prescott has long served as a welcoming gateway to northern Arizona.

With continued regional growth and new infrastructure underway, the FBO is preparing to carry that legacy forward for the next hundred years.