McKINNEY, TEXAS — December 17, 2025 — McKinney National Airport (TKI) has taken a historic step toward reshaping air travel in North Texas after signing its first-ever Airline Use and Lease Agreement (ULA) with Avelo Airlines, a fast-growing, Texas-based low-cost carrier. The landmark agreement positions McKinney as an emerging regional aviation hub, promising affordable air travel options, reduced congestion, and the creation of more than 100 new jobs as the airport prepares to launch commercial passenger service.
The agreement marks a major milestone not only for McKinney National Airport, which is currently under construction, but also for the broader North Texas transportation landscape. With Avelo Airlines committed as the airport’s inaugural commercial airline, city leaders say the partnership signals the beginning of a new era in regional air travel—one focused on accessibility, efficiency, and economic growth.
A Historic First for McKinney National Airport
The signing of the Airline Use and Lease Agreement represents the first major airline commitment in McKinney National Airport’s history. The deal grants Avelo Airlines long-term access to airport infrastructure and terminal facilities once construction is completed, officially paving the way for the launch of scheduled commercial passenger flights.
Under the terms of the agreement, the initial lease will run for five years, with an option to extend for an additional five years. City officials say the structure of the agreement provides both stability and flexibility, allowing the airport to grow alongside demand while offering Avelo a strategic foothold in one of the fastest-growing regions in the United States.
McKinney Mayor Bill Cox described the deal as a defining moment for the city. “This agreement represents years of planning, investment, and community engagement,” Cox said. “Securing Avelo Airlines as our first commercial partner demonstrates confidence in McKinney National Airport and its potential to serve more than one million passengers annually once fully operational.”
Avelo Airlines’ Strategic Expansion into North Texas
For Avelo Airlines, the partnership with McKinney National Airport aligns seamlessly with its business model of operating from smaller, uncongested airports while offering low fares and nonstop routes to popular and underserved destinations. Founded on the principle of simplifying air travel, Avelo has rapidly expanded its footprint across the United States by focusing on convenience, affordability, and customer-friendly operations.
Avelo founder and Chief Executive Officer Andrew Levy said McKinney’s vision and infrastructure made it an ideal match. “McKinney National Airport is exactly the kind of airport we look for—easy to access, efficient to operate, and designed with travelers in mind,” Levy said. “This partnership allows us to bring affordable, nonstop air service to North Texas while creating meaningful job opportunities for the community.”
The airline plans to base aircraft and crews at McKinney, which is expected to result in more than 100 direct jobs spanning pilots, flight attendants, mechanics, customer service agents, and ground operations staff. Additional indirect employment is anticipated through airport services, hospitality, transportation, and tourism-related industries.
Infrastructure and Operational Access
The agreement provides Avelo Airlines with comprehensive operational access to McKinney National Airport’s facilities. This includes use of runways, taxiways, aircraft parking aprons, and maintenance areas, as well as dedicated spaces within the new passenger terminal. These terminal facilities will feature check-in counters, boarding gates, baggage handling systems, and flight information displays designed to support efficient passenger processing.
Airport officials emphasized that the terminal’s design prioritizes simplicity and speed, allowing travelers to move from curb to gate quickly—an increasingly important factor for passengers seeking alternatives to larger, more congested airports such as Dallas–Fort Worth International Airport (DFW) and Dallas Love Field.
Construction of the terminal is progressing steadily, with city officials reaffirming that the project remains on schedule. Once complete, McKinney National Airport is expected to handle more than one million passengers annually, significantly enhancing regional connectivity.
Transforming Regional Air Travel in North Texas
The arrival of commercial passenger service at McKinney National Airport is expected to significantly alter the air travel landscape in North Texas. Located north of Dallas in one of the state’s fastest-growing corridors, McKinney offers a convenient alternative for residents who currently travel long distances or endure heavy congestion to reach major hubs.
Transportation analysts say the move reflects a broader industry trend toward decentralization, where smaller airports play an increasingly important role in regional mobility. By diverting traffic away from overcrowded hubs, secondary airports like McKinney can offer lower costs, faster processing times, and a more relaxed travel experience.
“Airports like McKinney are becoming essential components of modern air travel networks,” said one aviation consultant familiar with the project. “They provide flexibility for airlines and convenience for passengers, while also delivering substantial economic benefits to surrounding communities.”
Economic Impact and Job Creation
Beyond improved travel options, the partnership with Avelo Airlines is expected to generate significant economic benefits for McKinney and the wider North Texas region. The creation of more than 100 direct airline jobs is just the beginning, with additional employment anticipated as airport operations scale up.
Local businesses—including hotels, restaurants, rental car companies, and logistics providers—are expected to benefit from increased passenger traffic. City officials project that the airport’s development will contribute millions of dollars annually to the local economy through wages, tourism spending, and business activity.
Economic development leaders have hailed the agreement as a catalyst for long-term growth. “This is about more than flights,” said a city economic development representative. “It’s about positioning McKinney as a regional gateway, attracting investment, and creating sustainable economic opportunities for our residents.”
A Platform for Future Airline Growth
While Avelo Airlines is the first carrier to commit to McKinney National Airport, city officials have made it clear that it will not be the last. The airport’s master plan anticipates additional airlines and expanded route networks as demand grows.
Airport management has confirmed that discussions are already underway with other domestic carriers interested in serving the North Texas market. The presence of Avelo is expected to act as a proof point, demonstrating the airport’s operational readiness and market potential.
As competition increases, travelers can expect more destination choices and competitive fares. This competitive dynamic is likely to further strengthen McKinney’s appeal as a viable alternative to larger airports.
Competing with Major Hubs
McKinney National Airport’s emergence comes at a time when passengers are increasingly seeking alternatives to large, crowded hubs. While DFW remains one of the busiest airports in the world, its size and traffic levels can present challenges for travelers, including longer security lines, delays, and higher costs.
McKinney’s smaller scale allows it to offer a different value proposition: shorter travel times, easier parking, and a more personalized airport experience. For many North Texas residents, especially those living north of Dallas, McKinney could significantly reduce travel time and stress.
Industry experts note that this shift does not threaten major hubs but rather complements them by absorbing regional demand and improving overall system efficiency.
A Vision for the Future
Looking ahead, McKinney National Airport is poised to become a cornerstone of regional transportation infrastructure. The successful launch of commercial service with Avelo Airlines will serve as a foundation for continued expansion, including additional routes, airlines, and passenger services.
City officials remain focused on ensuring that growth aligns with community values, emphasizing responsible development, noise management, and environmental stewardship. Public engagement will continue as the airport transitions from construction to operation.
Conclusion: A New Era Takes Flight
The signing of the Airline Use and Lease Agreement between McKinney National Airport and Avelo Airlines marks a transformative moment for North Texas. By bringing affordable, convenient air travel to a growing region, the partnership promises to reshape how residents and visitors move across Texas and beyond.
With job creation, economic growth, and improved connectivity on the horizon, McKinney National Airport is no longer just a construction project—it is a symbol of the city’s ambitions and its role in the future of regional air travel. As Avelo Airlines prepares to launch service, North Texas stands on the threshold of a new, more accessible era of aviation.