Stand for McKinney's Future

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE -- July 17, 2026
Avelo Wants Ownership Stakes in Airports. McKinney Taxpayers Deserve Answers.
MCKINNEY, TEXAS — A recent aviation industry report revealed that Avelo Airlines CEO Andrew Levy believes airports should not only subsidize airline service, but should also provide airlines with ownership interests in airport facilities as part of future agreements.

For McKinney residents, that raises an important question:

If taxpayers are funding the expansion of McKinney National Airport, should a private airline receive ownership benefits from a public asset?

McKinney taxpayers are already being asked to shoulder the financial burden of a commercial airport expansion project that continues to face significant community opposition. Residents have expressed concerns regarding noise, environmental impacts, quality of life, wildlife disruption, and the long-term financial risks associated with commercial airline operations.

Now, the airline selected to launch commercial service in McKinney is publicly discussing a business model that seeks not only public incentives, but potential ownership interests in airports themselves.

The public deserves transparency regarding any discussions that may have occurred between the City of McKinney and Avelo Airlines concerning airport incentives, revenue-sharing arrangements, ownership interests, or future concessions.

Equally important are the environmental consequences that continue to receive far less attention than financial projections.

The airport expansion would introduce thousands of additional flights annually into an area that currently serves as important habitat for local wildlife and migratory bird populations. Increased air traffic, construction activity, noise pollution, lighting, and associated development can permanently alter wildlife behavior and reduce habitat quality for species that have long occupied the area.

Residents living near the airport have repeatedly raised concerns about increased noise levels, impacts on open space, and the broader environmental footprint of transforming a community airport into a commercial airline facility.

North Texas Conservation Association believes these concerns deserve meaningful consideration before additional public resources are committed.

At a minimum, taxpayers deserve answers to several straightforward questions:

• Has Avelo Airlines requested any ownership interest, equity position, revenue participation, or similar benefit related to McKinney National Airport?

• Have City officials discussed ownership arrangements or future concessions beyond those already publicly disclosed?

• What guarantees exist to ensure McKinney taxpayers retain full ownership and control of airport assets funded with public dollars?

• What additional environmental reviews will be conducted to assess impacts on local wildlife, habitat, noise levels, and surrounding communities?

• Why should taxpayers assume the financial and environmental risks while a private airline receives the benefits?

Public infrastructure should remain under public control.

McKinney residents deserve transparency regarding the financial commitments being made on their behalf and the environmental consequences that future generations may inherit.

The public paid for this airport.

The public should continue to own it.

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With Gratitude,

The North Texas Conservation Association

3001 S. HARDIN BLVD STE 110-330 MCKINNEY, TX 75070 Unsubscribe