Yuma college student aims to build a commercial airline

Matthew Vargas, a student at Arizona Western College, has big dreams of making travel affordable for everyone.

Inspired by his upbringing in Yuma and his love for travel, Vargas wants to make flying and traveling more common to those of all income brackets.

“There’s a lot of people I know, especially growing up here in Yuma, they never left the city, never left the county they’ve just always stayed here with their family,” Vargas said. “Because they can’t afford to get out there. But if it’s affordable, they will be willing to see and visit.”

Vargas already has it all figured out. He plans to transfer to Arizona State University next year and study aviation. He also intends on getting his professional pilot’s license.

While he has lofty ambitions, he said he’ll never forget where he came from.

“Even as I continue out and grow my empire, I’ll know that this is where the idea started,” Vargas said. “And try to help those who never be able to afford it.”