Three Airports Making an Economic Impact

by Kristina Collins, Senior Vice President Economic Development, Greater Waco Chamber

Airports serve as drivers for connectivity. Whether its passengers or cargo, these facilities open the doors to global access and are significant economic generators within communities, states and nations. In Texas alone, according to the Federal Aviation Administration’s (FAA) most recent industry forecast, commercial and general aviation are poised for continued growth through 2039.

Few metropolitan areas can tout having three airports, however, McLennan County can and does at every opportunity. Each facility has its own niche within the region providing valuable services and access needed for economic growth. In fact, together, Greater Waco’s three airports annually generate $688.9 million in economic impact for the region.

While aviation serves as a targeted industry sector for Greater Waco’s economic development efforts, airports play a critical role in the infrastructure build out of the community. As with most things, activity drives activity. The continued growth of Waco has spurred increases in population, increased business activity, and magnified tourism, all of which have resulted in higher levels of aviation activity within the community. Having a variety of strong, established airport assets has helped garner additional interest and investment to accommodate growing usage.

Just as Wacoans relish the low traffic congestion of our community, our open airspace makes the area an attractive location for both commercial and general aviation businesses.

Waco Regional Airport (ACT), supporting commercial and general aviation business

Waco Regional is currently working on several projects at the airport including Air Traffic Control Tower CAB glass replacement to provide a safe visual perspective for air traffic controllers and Taxiway Charlie reconstruction to improve efficiency of aircraft moving from one runway to another.

Having achieved nearly 63,000 enplanements in 2019, up 9.7 percent over 2018, Waco Regional, like all commercial service airports, has seen a significant drop off in passenger travel and a reduction in flight frequency as a result of COVID-19.

“We anticipate a slow but steady recovery once business and leisure travel return to normal levels,” said Joel Martinez, director of aviation for Waco Regional Airport.

Martinez notes that funding made available to airports impacted by COVID-19 through the Coronavirus Aid, Relief, and Economic Security (CARES) Act will help improve current conditions and will be utilized for several projects, including additional hangar development sites. The funding will also help with the airport’s operating costs for the current fiscal year and the next three years.

Texas State Technical College Industrial Airport (CNW), supporting industrial aircraft operations and general aviation business

Over the past 18 months, TSTC Airport has spent more than $2 million in upgrades to support airport tenants. Upgrades have included electrical infrastructure improvements, the addition of a new shade and canopy hangars, and upgrades to existing hangar facilities. These improvements will allow tenants to increase their capacity for growth, which benefits the airport.

COVID-19 has had several impacts to the airport activity, reducing the number of flights in and out of the airport, thereby reducing demand for other services, such as fueling and air traffic control. However, the TSTC Airport is unique. Not only is it a vital asset for industrial aviation business operations, it’s a training ground for the aerospace industry.

“It [COVID-19] also impacted our main business, which is educating our students at TSTC. It grounded programs like

our pilot training, aircraft maintenance and others,” said Kevin Semien, Executive Vice President Facility and Maintenance and Interim Airport Operations Tenant Management.

Fortunately, TSTC was able to make quick adjustments that allowed the college to bring students back on campus in May in order to resume lab activities and complete training and courses for the spring semester. Training has continued during the summer sessions, and TSTC is currently preparing for the fall semester.

Through its TSTC Sponsored Programs team, college leadership continues to identify potential avenues for funding infrastructure upgrades and improvements aimed at benefitting the facility and meeting its future goals for expanded airport operations.

“We believe that we have the resources and tools that these companies are looking for, but we know that our current footprint and infrastructure will need to continue to improve and grow in order to provide a long-term, viable partnership for future technology,” said Semien.

McGregor Executive Airport (PWG), supporting general aviation business

Recently hired McGregor Executive Airport Manager, Barry Lightfoot, notes that airfield maintenance is crucial to all aspects of airport activity. As a result, McGregor Executive has undertaken several large projects in the last 18 months with new projects beginning. The airport recently completed an apron overlay and beacon lighting upgrades. Runway rehabilitation and marking and additional apron and taxiway improvements are amongst the projects in the works.

Like Greater Waco’s other airports, McGregor Executive has seen an impact from COVID-19, with an initial slowdown of air traffic, however, Lightfoot indicates activity began increasing in May and he is hopeful the trend will continue.

McGregor Executive has also received CARES funding, which is expected to assist in providing additional funds to the City of McGregor for current and future projects. Amongst the projects planned for the facility is an update to the airport’s master plan.

Next Generation Aircraft

Looking ahead, our airports have their sights set on the horizon; investing in infrastructure, adapting to the impacts of COVID-19 and ensuring their facilities can accommodate the next generation air travel. The world of aircraft continues to evolve and anticipating the infrastructure needed to accommodate new vehicles will be essential to future aerospace growth in Greater Waco. Our local airport managers indicate that aircraft designs will be lighter and more efficient. As a result, the existing infrastructure of all three Greater Waco airports are poised to support future fleet mixes and that bodes well for the region.