Sunday, August 14, 2016

New, fully leased hangar opens at McKinney National Airport (KTKI)



There is more space for aircraft at McKinney National Airport – and even more is coming soon.

An18,000-square-foot hangar opened this week. The facility will accommodate different-sized transient aircraft – from small, single-engine planes to larger jet aircraft, according to airport officials.

Five jet aircraft are already signed into a one- or two-year lease at the hangar. Each aircraft contributes 70 cents per square foot in ad valorem taxes, according to Mark Jaraczewski, assistant airport director and general manager for McKinney Air Center, its fixed-base operator (FBO).

Ad valorem tax revenue generated by the airport and its FBO helps pay for road improvements, emergency services and education, city officials have stressed.

“It’s a huge driver for the city,” noted Jaraczewski, who recently called the airport a “gem” for the city.

Construction on the new hangar, which also includes office space, began soon after the Wright Amendment was lifted at Dallas Love Field Airport. The McKinney Community Development Corp. put forth a $1.5 million project grant for the hangar.

“As the Wright Amendment ended, we wanted to be prepared with additional storage space for general aviation and business customers, and it turns out the space was greatly needed since the hangar is already full.

“More pilots are learning that McKinney National Airport is an excellent option for corporate jets in the Metroplex with amenities like on-site customs, location on the fringe of Class-B airspace and award-winning ground services,” said Ken Wiegand, McKinney National Airport director.

Such education is paying dividends: City officials announced this summer that total airport revenues rose by $524,000 – 15 percent – through May. The FBO has gained $264,000 more now than it had by this time last year.

Officials anticipate the airport’s end-of-year net profit will be upwards of $650,000.

Construction on another new hangar is set to begin sometime this fall, with an expected completion date around March. City officials aim to build similar facilities on the 40 acres still undeveloped at the airport.

Officials will include those and other additions in the airport’s master plan update, to be done in step with the city’s overall master plan and parks master plan updates, Jaraczewski said.

Source:  http://starlocalmedia.com

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