McKinney, Texas – Early on Nov. 11, Avelo Airlines operated its inaugural commercial passenger flight out of the newly‑opened terminal at McKinney National Airport. The flight, which departed shortly after 9 a.m., headed to Fort Myers, Florida, the first of five destinations slated for the airline’s fall schedule.
Local leaders celebrate a new transportation hub
City Manager Paul Grimes, airport officials, and Avelo representatives gathered for a ribbon‑cutting ceremony before the flight boarded. Grimes called the event “a milestone for McKinney and Collin County,” emphasizing the airport’s role in serving the broader region.
Avelo Founder and CEO Andrew Levy expressed pride in establishing a foothold in Collin County, noting that the company had been anticipating this moment for three and a half years. “We are really excited to bring our brand of service to this entire region,” Levy said.
Economic impact and job creation
The airline signed on as the terminal’s first partner in December 2025 and committed to basing three Boeing Next‑Generation 737 aircraft at the airport. Avelo estimates the investment will generate about 150 jobs, including positions for pilots, flight attendants, aircraft technicians, and airport staff.
The terminal, a 46,000‑square‑foot facility with four gates, was built after McKinney voters rejected a $200 million bond proposal in 2022. City officials moved forward with a scaled‑down project funded by local city funds and grants, costing $79 million. The design allows for future expansion as demand grows.
Upcoming routes and future growth
In addition to Fort Myers, Avelo will launch service to Fort Lauderdale, Las Vegas, Orlando, and Tampa between Nov. 11 and Nov. 19. A second wave of routes is scheduled for Dec. 16‑17, adding flights to Atlanta, Denver, Nashville, New Orleans, Sarasota/Bradenton, and West Palm Beach.
The airport’s address is 1910 FM 546, and travelers can find additional information, including advisories and flight details, on the airport’s website at www.flydtx.com.
What this means for the community
Local businesses anticipate increased visitor traffic and greater connectivity for residents, while the new jobs support families across Collin County. The launch aligns with the city’s broader goal of enhancing transportation options without over‑reliance on large‑scale bond financing.
Original reporting: Community Impact — McKinney — read the source article.
