Avelo Airlines Selects McKinney National Airport for New Base Amid Major Network Shift?
Key Points
- 1Avelo Airlines will open its new base at McKinney National Airport (TKI) by late 2026, launching the airport's first commercial passenger service.
- 2The airline is undergoing a major network reshuffling and fleet simplification, closing three bases and removing six Boeing 737-700s to focus on the larger 737-800.
- 3Avelo's financial position is now one of the strongest relative to its size following a recent recapitalization.
- 4The $79 million McKinney National Airport expansion project is expected to generate an initial $300 million economic impact for North Texas.
Houston-based budget carrier Avelo Airlines will open a new operating base at McKinney National Airport (TKI) in late 2026. This move is expected to launch the first commercial flights McKinney has ever hosted. The announcement is part of a significant Avelo Airlines network reshuffling and fleet change.
The carrier signed a five-year use and lease agreement with the airport. This agreement secures Avelo's use of taxiways and aircraft parking. Avelo is already active in North Texas air travel, flying between DFW International and New Haven, Connecticut.
McKinney airport officials confirmed the launch date and nonstop destinations. These details will be announced a few months before the commercial terminal opens. Avelo previously indicated service could begin with up to three daily flights on Boeing 737 aircraft.
Network and Financial Strategy
The new base is a key element of a broader network strategy shift. Avelo is consolidating its focus around five core bases. These include Tweed-New Haven, Delaware’s Wilmington Airport, North Carolina’s Concord-Padgett Regional Airport, and Central Florida’s Lakeland International Airport.
As part of this shift, Avelo is closing bases in Mesa, Arizona, Raleigh-Durham, North Carolina, and Wilmington, North Carolina. This consolidation is meant to strengthen the airline's low-cost carrier strategy.
This restructuring follows a financial recapitalization of the airline. The company stated its cash position is now one of the strongest. This is true relative to its size in the U.S. airline industry. The financial strength will support Avelo's long-term growth plans.
McKinney National Airport Expansion
The McKinney National Airport expansion is a $79 million project. It includes a new 46,000-square-foot passenger terminal. The terminal will initially feature four gates, with room to expand to six. The project also adds car rental facilities and a 980-space parking lot. The terminal is expected to open in late 2026 or early 2027.
This development makes TKI the third commercial airport in North Texas. The project is projected to deliver an initial $300 million economic impact. This highlights the importance of the new service to the region.
Fleet Simplification and Future Growth
Concurrent with the network changes, Avelo is streamlining its fleet. The airline will remove six Boeing 737-700 aircraft from its operations. The carrier will primarily operate the more efficient Boeing 737-800 aircraft.
Avelo currently operates 22 narrowbody aircraft. This includes 14 of the 737-800s and eight 737-700s. The shift to the larger 737-800 model allows for greater capacity and efficiency.
Looking ahead, Avelo has placed an order for up to 100 Embraer 195-E2 aircraft. The Embraer 195-E2 order is a major part of the airline's future strategy. The 195-E2 is a modern, efficient narrowbody jet. It can seat up to 146 people and fly over 3,400 miles.
These fleet and network changes are critical for Avelo. They position the airline for sustainable growth. Industry experts monitor how this low-cost carrier strategy impacts the competitive Dallas-Fort Worth market. For more on this and other industry developments, visit our commercial aviation news section. The FAA continues to oversee all operational changes.
Topics
You Might Also Like
Discover more aviation news based on similar topics
Avelo Airlines Launches First International Route from ILM to Punta Cana?
Avelo Airlines solved the lack of international service at ILM by launching its first international route to Punta Cana, boosting Coastal North Carolina
Avelo Airlines Exits Controversial DHS Charter Flights, Closes Mesa Gateway Base
Avelo Airlines will stop all DHS deportation-related flights and close its Mesa Gateway Airport base on Jan. 27, citing a lack of consistent revenue and high operational complexity.
Avelo Airlines Exits Controversial ICE Deportation Flights Contract
Avelo Airlines is ending its ICE deportation flight contract and closing its Mesa, Arizona base as part of a new network strategy focused on profitability and fleet changes.
Avelo 737 Clips Southwest MAX Winglet During Tow at RDU
Avelo Airlines' Boeing 737 clipped a parked Southwest 737 MAX 8 winglet during a tow at Raleigh-Durham International Airport (RDU), causing no injuries or flight delays.
Will American Airlines' Resurgence Plan Define North Texas Aviation in 2026?
Dallas-Fort Worth aviation developments for 2026 center on American Airlines' centennial push, Southwest Airlines' assigned seating launch, and McKinney National Airport's new
Does WestJet's 28-inch seat pitch violate passenger safety standards?
WestJet's new aircraft layout, featuring a 28-inch seat pitch, sparked passenger rights concerns, leading to calls for Transport Canada to mandate minimum seating regulations.
Never Miss Critical Aviation Updates
Get the top aviation stories delivered to your inbox every morning