Arlington Municipal Airport’s acquisition boosts local tourism

Wednesday, March 20, 2024

Starting April 1, the city of Arlington is set to take control of the operations at Arlington Municipal Airport, a strategic maneuver that places the city at the helm of a wide range of services including fuel provision, dining options, and runway management. This development follows the Arlington City Council’s decision in January to spend $17 million on purchasing the assets of Harrison Aviation and GKY Realty. This opportunity arose after Harrison Aviation revealed its intentions to exit the industry, thereby presenting Arlington with a chance to not only enhance its revenue streams but also to augment the airport’s development in response to the increasing aviation traffic.

Trent Ballard, the Airport Director, has highlighted the significant advantages of this acquisition, noting that it is expected to bring about $78 million worth of benefits to Arlington. Moreover, a remarkable economic impact of approximately $236 million is anticipated from the airport’s operations over the forthcoming two decades.

Ballard elucidated that this opportunity allowed Arlington to enter the competition and place a bid for the acquisition. Following a thorough appraisal and due diligence, it became evident that this investment would serve as a lucrative venture for the city. It stands not just as a means to assume control over the airport’s operations but also as a catalyst for broader economic growth.

The Arlington Municipal Airport, which was recognized as a national airport in 2022, plays a crucial role as a reliever airport located just south of Interstate 20 in South Arlington. This designation is indicative of its high aviation activity levels, accommodating a significant number of jets and multi-engine propeller aircraft, which distinguishes it from general or regional airports.

This acquisition is a part of a larger vision involving $68.5 million in investments aimed at enhancing the infrastructure and facilities around the airport. Planned projects include the extension of MLK Jr. Drive, the expansion of parking facilities, and the construction of a new air taxi terminal and hangar. These initiatives promise to bolster Arlington’s position as a key player in the aviation industry, contributing significantly to the city’s economic landscape and impacting the travel and tourism sector positively.

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