News - Stephenville International Airport

Two former employees of KAZ Aviation’s operation in Florida have called Stephenville Mayor Tom O’Brien with concerns over the company.

KAZ Aviation is the American company negotiating with the Stephenville Airport Corporation and members of the Stephenville town council, to take over the operation of Stephenville airport.

Carol Sciarro said she worked in customer service with KAZ Aviation in Kissimmee since it purchased and took over the Kissimmee Fixed Based Operator on Nov. 27, 2007. A fixed base operator provides service to aircraft.

She was employed at that facility with the former owner for the previous two years in the same capacity.

In addition to her, Sciarro said there were six hourly employees, all who had been there with the former owner. She said all six were told they were being laid off on Jan. 19, 2010 and to file for unemployment benefits.

“This really came as no surprise, since we had been continually paid late with our last paycheque received on Dec. 15, 2010 and to date we have not received out final paycheques or for hours worked since Dec. 21, 2009,” she said.

Sciarro said immediately upon ownership of the Kissimmee operation, KAZ management told employees, the airport authority, customers, local government, and others about renovation plans for the facility, but very little has been done.

Meanwhile, KAZ Orlando has been receiving its share of praise in aviation circles. Sciarro said the glowing reviews are strictly the result of the continued excellent work ethic and customer service and technical skills of the local staff at the KAZ Aviation FBO located at the Kissimmee Gateway Airport.

Carol Boor, another of the former employees with KAZ Aviation, backed up what was Sciarro had to say, and said personally it has been extremely difficult for her as a widow living by herself, now with her funds depleted.

“When they came in and bought out Orlando Flight Training it looked good, but that has changed,” she said. “We’ve been more than loyal employees and we’re only asking for what we rightfully earned,” she said.

Boor said she really couldn’t understand why they can’t get paid, especially when the owner has other multi-million dollar businesses.

“I feel this information is important to be shared with the Stephenville Town council, Stephenville Airport Corporation and other interested parties before a final decision is made regarding KAZ Aviation and the Stephenville Airport,” Sciarro said.

While Charles R. Carroll, the company owner, could not be reached for comment, Steve Bowlin, vice-president of operations for KAZ Aviation, would only say the economy in the United States and particularly in Florida is a lot worse than in Canada at this time.

He said it’s a very emotional time for the former employees of their Florida operation and since they are in the process of selling the Kissimmee operation, he can’t comment further because of confidentiality reasons.

Meanwhile, he said he has spoken with both Mayor Tom O’Brien and Shawn Tilley, chairman of the Stephenville Airport Corporation, and progress is being made in Stephenville.

O’Brien would only say council has received some concerning information and is currently checking it out.

He said it certainly could have a negative impact if proven to be true.