Avelo Airlines launches commercial service from McKinney airport

Avelo Airlines Flight 1848, operated with a Boeing 737-800, completed the first commercial passenger flight from McKinney National Airport to Fort Myers, Florida, on Wednesday. The flight departed shortly after 9 a.m..

Avelo is the first commercial airline to serve McKinney National Airport, which is about 30 miles northeast of Dallas in Collin County. The airline's launch provides a closer alternative for regional travelers, positioning McKinney as the third airport in the Dallas/Fort Worth Metroplex to offer commercial service, after Dallas Love Field and Dallas/Fort Worth International Airport.

New routes and destinations

Avelo will serve 11 destinations from McKinney. Airport Director Ken Carley said Avelo announced additional routes before starting service, citing strong booking response as a sign of market demand. CEO Andrew Levy stated all the markets being served have massive proven demand from the area.

The destinations from McKinney National Airport are:

Airport expansion and certification

McKinney National Airport begins operations with four gates in a new terminal built to accommodate six. This launch makes it the first new airport in Texas in 20 years to be certified for commercial air service. Airport Director Ken Carley called the launch a milestone and said leaders plan to monitor traveler response and work with Avelo on additional routes.

The airport features a nearly 1,000-space parking lot directly across from the terminal, with parking costing $15 per day for stays between two and 24 hours. McKinney Mayor Bill Cox was among the passengers on the inaugural flight.

Community and noise considerations

Local officials and residents have expressed concerns about noise. The Fairview Town Council approved a resolution on Nov. 3 asking McKinney to provide a noise mitigation plan within 30 days and apply for a Federal Aviation Administration Part 150 noise study.

Fairview Mayor John Hubbard stated the town cannot stop the flights but can work with McKinney on a solution residents can live with. Avelo Airlines CEO Andrew Levy addressed these concerns, arguing residents may find the addition of Boeing 737 aircraft does not create the impact they anticipate. McKinney Mayor Bill Cox stated the airport has met all FAA guidelines, limits and restrictions.

Growth and sustainability

Avelo's CEO cites Collin County's rapid growth as a key factor for the launch. Andrew Levy stated the area is growing like crazy and is very affluent. Carley noted the airline has been wanting to be in the market since 2018.

Levy said demand will dictate how Avelo grows, if it grows, and how fast it grows based on customer satisfaction. His focus is on building a sustainable business for the long term. "We target the secondary airports of very large metropolitan areas where we can offer a different experience to the customers," Levy said.

McKinney is a crew base for Avelo, its fifth, employing about 150 people including pilots, flight attendants, airport operations personnel, and aircraft technicians. Avelo currently offers service from DFW to New Haven, Connecticut, which Levy said will continue but could move to McKinney at some point. The airline will continue service from McKinney National Airport, with the potential for route adjustments based on customer demand and satisfaction.