McKinney officials gathered on Nov. 6 for a community preview of the city’s new commercial airport terminal. The event featured a ribbon‑cutting ceremony, tours of the finished facility, and the dedication of two murals created by Texas artists.
Local leaders highlight the milestone
Airport Director Ken Carley called the terminal “a new chapter” for McKinney National Airport, which has long served general‑aviation pilots. He praised the partnership with Avelo Airlines, noting the carrier has hired roughly 100 workers for airport operations and will base three Boeing Next‑Generation 737 aircraft here.
Mayor Bill Cox emphasized the collaborative effort, saying every city department contributed to the planning. “This is one of those legacy projects that we are proud of, not only as a city, but as a region,” Cox said. “This commercial terminal is bigger than McKinney.”
Art celebrates community spirit
Two murals were unveiled during the ceremony. Austin‑based artist Mila Sketch painted an outdoor mural near the rental‑car counters, using more than 40 colors and 25 gallons of paint over six weeks. Sketch said she was inspired by McKinney’s history and hopes travelers will feel pride when they see the work.
Inside the baggage‑claim area, Dallas artist Alec DeJesus completed a piece depicting people with suitcases, employing digital stencils and woodworking techniques. “When we travel, we travel with what’s considered our essentials,” DeJesus explained, “That says a lot about ourselves.”
Economic impact and future service
The $79 million terminal, built on a 46,000‑square‑foot footprint with four gates, was funded through a mix of local city funds and grants after voters rejected a $200 million bond in 2022. The scaled‑down project still provides room for future expansion.
Avelo Airlines will operate the first commercial flight on Nov. 11, flying to Fort Myers, Florida. Additional routes launching between Nov. 11‑19 include Fort Lauderdale, Las Vegas, Orlando, and Tampa. More routes are slated for Dec. 16‑17.
Job creation and community benefits
The airline’s investment is projected to create about 150 jobs, ranging from pilots and flight attendants to aircraft technicians and airport staff. Carley noted that Avelo crews will live, work, and play in McKinney, further integrating the airline into the community.
Mayor Cox summed up the sentiment, urging residents to take pride in the new facility: “Be proud of what this is and what this will become. This will become part of the fabric of who we are, and it will become part of the daily activities for businesses, for families to come to and from McKinney. Be proud of it. This is our airport.”
Looking ahead
The terminal is located at 1910 FM 546. Travelers can find additional information, advisories, and flight details on the airport’s website, www.flydtx.com. The community’s excitement reflects a broader vision of growth, connectivity, and job creation for McKinney and the surrounding region.
Original reporting: Community Impact — McKinney — read the source article.
