Officials say the potential of commercial airline operations at McKinney National Airport could lead to expanded growth for Collin County and parts north.
Rogers Healy, president of Rogers Healy and Associates, said commercial flight operations at McKinney National Airport could add “fuel in the fire” for an already booming Collin County.
“Nothing surprises us at this point,” Healy said of the growth experienced in Collin County.
He said the move would add more opportunities and job growth and security to an area that has seen its population grow by more than 43 percent since 2010 and is estimated to house more than 1.1 million residents in 2022.
WFAA previously reported that McKinney National Airport is looking to begin commercial operations by 2026. City leaders estimated about 500,000 passengers would take off from McKinney National Airport annually, according to reporting.
Healy, however, noted commercial operations would be a boon for areas further north of McKinney, such as Melissa, Anna, and Princeton, as “they are not outliers anymore.”
McKinney Airport Expansion Years in The Making
McKinney Mayor George Fuller said commercial operations have been three-and-a-half years in the making as the city has been working with airline industry consultants to gauge demand and interest from airlines.
Fuller added that the Dallas-Fort Worth area is similar in size and demographics to Boston and San Francisco, but the main difference is that D-FW is growing. Also, while areas such as Boston and San Francisco have five airports, the DFW area has two — Dallas/Fort Worth International Airport and Dallas Love Field.
Love is at capacity and D/FW is nearing operational capacity, Fuller said, with the northeast sector of the North Texas regioin expected to grow beyond 3 million.
“The demand is there now and it will continue to grow as we grow,” he said.
The goal, Fuller said, is to “augment” the operations of DFW and Love — “We’re not looking to compete,” he said. McKinney’s mayor, however, noted airlines have expressed interest beyond regional routes, but instead “major markets” such as Chicago, Boston, and Denver, among others.
Fuller said all airlines in discussion with the city are currently under non-disclosure agreements. The project would cost about $300 million and have four gates with the ability to expand to 16.
He added flight studies are ongoing “as we speak,” with the first phase being a noise and pollution study, as required by the Federal Aviation Agency, as well as an environmental study.
McKinney Voters Get to Choose
McKinney’s path to commercial flight operations, however, is not just up to the airline industry — it is up to the voters. The city is planning to hold a bond election in May 2023 on the potential funding of the terminal.
Fuller added the city would not move forward with the plan if the community does not pass the referendum in May and “we won’t spend a penny unless we have commitments from the airline.”
“We are not going to build it and hope they come,” he said, adding the “ultimate decision” will be made by the community.
Fuller said he and the council are “extremely optimistic” that the could bring billions of dollars of economic impact. He said rental cars, hospitality, tourism, and the ability to attract corporations to the region are just several key areas that could grow.
Sean Terry, mayor of neighboring Celina, said the city is fortunate to have both D/FW and Love Field, but having a potential facility in McKinney would help the community overall.
“Celina is going to be right on the heels of McKinney as being one of the biggest cities in Collin County and having this as an option for commercial partners would be another reason to move your company to Celina,” Terry said.
He added the expansion of the airport would be a “very positive addition” for all surrounding cities and “another recruiting tool” when attracting commercial growth to Collin County.
“This will be a great thing for the county,” he said.
Princeton Mayor Brianna Chacon said she is excited to see the growth this can create for smaller cities, such as Princeton, which is located just six miles from the McKinney airport.
“It is an extremely wise economical decision for McKinney and will help serve all residents who live North of the metroplex and allow more travel options,” Chacon said.
She added that McKinney’s plan is “absolutely” viable, as long as voters pass the bond in May 2023.
“Ultimately, that’s who will decide the fate of this endeavor: the citizens. However, I truly believe that the majority of citizens will support this as they understand the economic impact this will bring plus it gives them more convenience in traveling,” she said.
The Princeton mayor added that “the possibilities are endless” when it comes to commercial growth for surrounding cities, saying it would impact Princeton positively.
“There will be an overflow of commercial development as a result of the airport and we have the land to help fulfill that. We are only six miles from the airport, and an even shorter commute once the six-lane thoroughfare opens on Myrick Lane that will allow Princeton a straight shot and easy access to the airport,” Chacon said. “Our business park is located directly on this corridor and we are welcoming the commercial development with open arms.”
