McKinney prepares for November commercial service; staff projects $3M in terminal revenue first year

Airport staff reported construction milestones and a near-term operating plan as the city prepares to begin commercial passenger service. The airport presentation said terminal paving, finishes and inspections are underway and that the facility is on track for the announced November start with Avelo Airlines.

In describing the financial plan for the first year, airport staff said they are estimating about 130,000 enplanements and roughly $3 million in terminal-generated revenue that would include airline fees, concessions, parking and rental-car revenues. "We are on schedule to open for our announced November 1st flight to Fort Myers, Florida with Avelo Airlines," airport staff said during the presentation.

Staff described three strategies to cover initial operating shortfalls if revenues lag: direct terminal revenues, retaining operating fund transfers currently made to the construction fund, and drawing on airport operating fund balance; they said the intent is not to ask the general fund for ongoing airport support. Airport staff also outlined capital funding opportunities tied to higher enplanements: increased FAA entitlement funding (which grows with enplanements) and passenger facility charges that can be used for capital or to match federal grants.

Council and staff discussed assumptions about passenger volumes, ramp-up scenarios, and sensitivity of parking and concession revenue to use patterns; staff said the numbers are conservative and will be updated with real operating data as flights commence.