By Roberto Hugo Gonzalez
As originally published by Texas Border Business newsprint edition July 2017
What a milestone for Weslaco. The expansion of the Weslaco Mid-Valley Airport is without a doubt an open door for more business for the City and the Valley. The runway expansion is a wise investment and secures the city as one of the few players in this industry of the region.
On June 9, 2017, Weslaco city officials, the airport advisory board and more than 150 guests, celebrated a ribbon cutting ceremony to highlight the accomplishment. The following day, Andrew Muñoz, Director of Aviation spoke to Texas Border Business and provided details of the celebration.
“We just finished extending our runway another 1,000 feet.” He said, “So we are inviting pilots from across the state and from Northern México to use the airport, which is open for business.”
The Weslaco airport runway was 4,998 feet by 70 feet. With the expansion, it grew to 6,002 feet by 75 feet. Now they can serve large corporate and business aircraft as well as military.
What about commercial service? “Not commercial yet. We don’t have the separation for that, but that’s something we’re looking forward to in the future,” Muñoz stated.
The location of the airport is strategic. It offers vast land for future developments, is also an invitation for anyone thinking of relocating.
Aside from that, the airport is next to the industrial park and close to Expressway 83. Also, the shopping alternatives are attractive.
Muñoz pointed out that the Airport has an international terminal and no fees. “You can come in and get through customs clearance in just a matter of minutes, which is something that we offer free to our patrons that come and use the airport,” he said.
According to Muñoz, the entire project took about a little over five years, and that includes planning, environmental studies and all the state and federal requirements. “The construction took about 18 months,” he said.
The message that he is conveying through this publication is to everyone within the State of Texas and Northern Mexico. Anyone in the process of bringing business to South Texas can now do it through the Weslaco Mid-Valley Airport in Weslaco.
“We’re looking at medical services, charter services, international tourism, and manufacturing.” He added, “We want to let the Maquiladoras know about the Weslaco Mid-Valley Airport; and to sum it up, we’re just looking to work with our partners throughout the region.”
In the area of hangars, he said that currently, they have 100 percent occupancy. The good news is that more hangars will be constructed this fall. He said that 42 new T-hangers is a project of private development with an investment of $1.3 million dollars.
Currently, they serve individual patrons, charter services, and corporate business. “We also offer fuel, taxi, courtesy cars, car rentals, and concierge services,” he said.
The Weslaco Chamber of Commerce was also present during the Saturday event. Doug Croft, President of the Weslaco Chamber said, “Airports are vital to community economic development.” He continued, “This airport has been here for a long time, almost 70 years.” He pointed out that the city’s continued growth and the expansion particularly of the runway expansion, adds a lot to the tax base.
“A runway for larger planes and additional hangers is just good business.” He continued, “I think it’s an illustration of the foresight that the leadership of the community and other officials had to be able to package the finances.” Do you think that this is a milestone for Weslaco? “I believe that it’s a milestone for the airport and the community as well.”
During this event, vendors of different products were allowed, so it added a beautiful tone of a fiesta. The display of different airplanes was attracting families from the area. Most of the aircrafts that you see in this report landed specially to take part in this celebration.
Ramon Montalvo, a longtime businessman of Weslaco, was also present. He is in the insurance business and an advisory board member of Weslaco Mid-Valley Airport.
What’s your opinion on this great project? “I think that this is great for the City of Weslaco.” He said, “This is all just general aviation, so, it’s very conducive for the pilots of the smaller planes to use.”
He also agrees, the expansion is a good excuse to serve more pilots in this industry. Weslaco has a lot to offer; Weslaco Mid-Valley Airport is an example of the rapid growth that also opens opportunities for business.
