McKinney, Texas (May 6, 2014) – Monarch Air, a leading provider of aviation services, has selected McKinney National Airport (TKI) for a major expansion. Monarch Air will lease a significant portion of a 53,750 square-foot hangar and office facility at the airport to offer a wide range of services including aircraft maintenance, flight training, charter service, fleet management, acquisitions and sales for the private sector.
“McKinney’s commitment to growing McKinney National Airport provided an outstanding opportunity for us to grow our business to meet the increasing demand for our firm’s services,” said Trey Sawtelle, Monarch Air President. “McKinney National Airport is an ideal location and facility for our operation. The staff is very passionate and knowledgeable about the airport, and I anticipate that Monarch Air and McKinney National Airport will continue to have a long and successful partnership as we grow together.”
“This announcement, coupled with last week’s selection of McKinney Air Center being named best fixed base operator in the U.S., builds on the tremendous momentum that started following the decision by the City of McKinney to purchase and operate the airport,” said McKinney Mayor Brian Loughmiller. “New business opportunities like this one give McKinney the opportunity to redefine one of our biggest economic drivers. We know Monarch Air will play a positive role in McKinney National Airport and in our community.”
“With their full-range of services, Monarch Air is the kind of quality aeronautical business tenant we want to attract to McKinney National Airport,” said Ken Wiegand, Executive Director of McKinney National Airport. “The customers we serve, whether business, private or recreational, demand quality service providers like Monarch Air, with a large following and reputation for excellence.”
The airport has come a long way since its modest beginnings 34 years ago as McKinney Municipal Airport. Since then, the airport has added a 7,002-foot commercial-standard runway with a 450,000 pound weight-bearing capacity, a state-of -the-art air traffic control tower, managed and controlled perimeter access for optimum security and U.S. Customs services for international flights. The fixed base operator at the airport, McKinney Air Center, was named No. 1 in the nation in the 2014 Pilots’ Choice Awards by FltPlan.com. The air traffic control tower at McKinney National Airport was also voted best in the country in the same awards.
Today, McKinney National Airport is home to many businesses that understand the competitive advantage they have using business aviation as a tool of their trade. Among them are Fortune 500 and other well -run and rapidly growing companies that recognize McKinney National Airport’s standard of excellence and strategic location.
“This is an exciting time for McKinney and McKinney National Airport,” said McKinney Airport Development Corporation Board Chairman, John Wroten. “McKinney Economic Development Corporation and McKinney National Airport worked collaboratively to recruit Monarch Air. I am proud of the efficient and effective team that the City of McKinney has in place to grow McKinney National Airport.”
“I feel like this is a great fit,” said McKinney Economic Development Corporation President - CEO Jim Wehmeier. “We’re excited about the great things happening at McKinney National and are appreciative of being able to play a role in its progress and development.”
About Monarch Air
Monarch Air was established in 1986 by the Sawtelle family. Monarch Air is a premier aviation service facility offering a wide array of services: aircraft charter and management, sales and acquisitions, turbine and piston maintenance, flight instruction and aircraft rental. Monarch Air provides the highest quality service for all aviation needs in North Texas and operates 7 days a week. To learn more visit www.monarchair.com
About McKinney National Airport
McKinney National Airport (TKI) is a general aviation reliever airport located in McKinney, Texas. The airport is the North Texas airport of choice for business and personal aviation transportation with convenient access to surrounding cities in the Dallas-Fort Worth Metroplex. McKinney National Airport offers full service for corporate fleets and general aviation. In 2012, $70 million in upgrades included the completion of a new, longer and wider runway with more weight-bearing capacity, a state-of-the-art air traffic control and managed perimeter access control. Visit www.flytki.com to learn more.
About McKinney
McKinney, Texas, is unique by nature. As one of the fastest-growing cities in the U.S., McKinney has a current population of more than 149,082. Established in 1848, the city is located 30 miles north of Dallas and is the county seat of Collin County. McKinney offers rolling hills, lush trees, a historic downtown square and unique neighborhoods and developments. The city ranks No. 2 on the Money Magazine Best Places to Live in America list. Visit the city’s website at www.mckinneytexas.org.
About the McKinney Economic Development Corporation
The McKinney Economic Development Corporation (MEDC) was created in 1993 to support the development, expansion and relocation of new and existing companies. The MEDC is an organization with a mission to work to create an environment in which community-oriented businesses can thrive. The MEDC is actively pursuing investments in Aeronautics /Aviation, corporate headquarters, emerging technology, healthcare and medical device manufacturing, professional services and renewable energy. For more information, visit www.mckinneyedc.com.
