McKinney National Airport is preparing to launch commercial passenger service for the first time, giving travelers in Collin County another option for air travel.
Avelo Airlines will begin service from the airport on Nov. 11. The airline announced Thursday that it will have three aircraft based at the airport by the end of the year and will serve nine destinations.
Area where flights will be landing and where passengers will board planesEmily Capetillo
Andrew Levy, founder, chairman and CEO of Avelo Airlines, said the airline was attracted to the growth in Collin County and the convenience of operating from a smaller airport.
“Texas has grown like crazy,” Levy said. “The growth in Collin County is second to none in Texas.”
Avelo will initially have two Boeing 737-800 aircraft based in McKinney, with a third aircraft arriving in December. The planes have 184 seats each.
The airline will offer flights to Orlando, Fort Lauderdale, Tampa, Las Vegas and Fort Myers. In December, Avelo plans to add Atlanta, Denver, Nashville and New Orleans.
Levy said passengers can expect a different experience than they would at larger airports such as Dallas Love Field or Dallas-Fort Worth International Airport.
“You park your car right out in front,” Levy said. “You walk in, go through security. You're on the airplane, and you go.”
Terminal and gate area under constructionEmily Capetillo
McKinney National Airport Director Ken Carley said the airport's smaller size is part of what will make it convenient for travelers.
“One of the things that this airport probably brings to the market that doesn't exist today is a level of convenience in the sense that you'll be able to see the airplane you're getting on from the parking lot,” Carly said.
The airport will have 980 parking spaces when commercial service begins. The first 30 minutes of parking will be free, and the airport will have designated curb areas for passenger drop-off, pickup and rideshare services.
The terminal will open with four gates, but the building is designed to expand to six gates. Carley said the airport could eventually accommodate about one million passenger departures a year.
Avelo is promoting introductory one-way fares starting at $99, including a checked bag. The airline says the promotional fare will be available for a limited time.
Future baggage claim areaEmily Capetillo
Before the four-gate terminal opens to passengers, more construction needs to be done including adding chairs, security metal detectors, work out in the airfield, and completion of a roundabout in front of the terminal on FM 546.
The terminal will operate under the airport code DTX, it also now has operating certificate from the FAA.
