An inkjet printer cradle that has a body configured to correctly position a removable inkjet cartridge within an inkjet printer, the removable inkjet cartridge having a printhead and an air inlet. The cradle has an air compressor for supplying compressed air to the air inlet of the removable inkjet cartridge such that an outlet from the air compressor couples with the air inlet upon engagement with the removable inkjet cartridge into the body. The cradle also provides a print media transport assembly for transporting print media past the printhead when the removable inkjet cartridge is positioned by the body.