Texas Border Business
By Roberto Hugo González / Texas Border Business
McALLEN, Texas – One of South Texas’s longest-operating aviation companies is preparing to mark a major milestone. McCreery Aviation Company plans an event in April to celebrate its 80th anniversary, President Bob McCreery said in a recent interview. McCreery said the company is targeting April for a gathering that will include a ribbon-cutting ceremony and bring together customers, friends, and associates, though details are still being finalized.
Founded in 1946 by J.F. “Mac” McCreery, the company began as a small flight school in Mercedes, Texas, after World War II, then moved to McAllen in 1948 to expand operations. At that time, McAllen’s aviation facilities consisted of grass runways and minimal infrastructure. Mac McCreery, a trained flight and gunnery instructor, saw potential in the region’s climate and demand for aviation services and established a flight training operation that grew over time.
Mac’s son, Bob McCreery, who joined the business in 1979 after studying at Sam Houston State University, said he “grew up playing around the airport paths” and worked in early roles, including fueling aircraft and assisting maintenance crews. Under his leadership, the company expanded from those modest beginnings into a full-service fixed-base operator (FBO).
Today, it offers a wide range of services, including aircraft maintenance, flight training, air charter, avionics installation and repair, parts sales, ground support, aircraft storage, and fueling at McAllen International Airport. (MFE). McAllen International Airport, the region’s busiest airport, serves as a hub for commercial and general aviation in the Rio Grande Valley.
McCreery Aviation has developed a reputation for broad capabilities. The company holds Stage Three accreditation through the International Standard for Business Aircraft Handling (IS-BAH), a safety program that fewer than 50 FBOs nationwide have achieved. “It’s like academic accreditation,” McCreary told Texas Border Business in a 2025 profile, noting that the certification requires strict procedures, inspections, and training.
The company’s services attract a diverse clientele, including local aircraft owners, business jet owners, and international travelers. Its McAllen location near the U.S.-Mexico border means a significant portion of activity comes from Mexican cities such as Monterrey and Tampico. McCreery said about half of the company’s business comes from customers flying in from Mexico to take advantage of on-site U.S. Customs operations.
McCreery emphasized the role that people have played in the company’s history. “We’re a team,” he said, noting that some long-tenured employees work alongside newer technicians. He said his daughter has also entered the family business, contributing to human resources and accounting. The company’s longevity and continued family involvement set it apart in an industry where many independent fixed-based operators have consolidated or closed.
Since 1946, McCreery Aviation has been a cornerstone of South Texas aviation, providing unparalleled service and expertise to the aviation community. From flight training, aircraft maintenance, aircraft sales, to aircraft ground handling and servicing, we have proudly served our community with dedication and precision. As we celebrate this milestone, we look forward to continuing our legacy of excellence.
The planned anniversary event comes as McCreary Aviation prepares for future growth while reflecting on its legacy. McCreery said he looks forward to the celebration to honor decades of service to the region’s aviation community and the partners who have contributed to the company’s evolution.
Exact plans for the April event are pending, but the 80th anniversary is expected to highlight McCreery Aviation’s sustained presence in South Texas aviation and its role in connecting the Rio Grande Valley to destinations across the U.S. and beyond.
