New Florida Governor to Sell State Aircraft

Fulfilling a campaign promise, newly installed Republican Florida governor Rick Scott directed the state's Department of Management Services yesterday to sell its two business airplanes-a 2000 Beechcraft King Air 350 and a2003 Cessna Citation Bravo.

The average asking price for both airplanes is around $2.75 million. Scott's predecessor, Charlie Crist, made frequent use of these aircraft, as the airlines offer few intrastate nonstop flights and Florida's geographical shape can make for lengthy drives. "The privilege of using a state-owned aircraft is an unnecessary burden to taxpayers, especially when lower-cost travel options exist," said Scott. While disappointed by the announcement, Florida Aviation Trade Association executive director Paula Raeburn told BJT sister publication Aviation International News, "Scott used his own corporate aircraft extensively during his campaign, so he knows what a resource and business tool an aircraft is."