Cowtown has a new nickname that’s really taking off: the aviation and defense capital of Texas.
Fort Worth received the designation after House Concurrent Resolution 142 was signed June 17 by Gov. Greg Abbott. The designation, written by state Reps. Charlie Geren and John McQueeney and sponsored by former state Sen. Kelly Hancock, the new interim Texas comptroller, was announced at a Fort Worth luncheon where the governor signed several pro-business bills.
The city is home to aviation companies such as American Airlines, Lockheed Martin Corp. and Bell, but also to firms dedicated to aircraft maintenance, repair and overhauling, including Embraer, Gulfstream Aerospace Corp. and MTU Aero Engines. In addition to Dallas Fort Worth International Airport, three city airports are in operation: Meacham, Spinks and Perot Field at Fort Worth Alliance Airport.
“If you’re in Texas, and you want to drive innovation in aviation and defense, then Fort Worth is where you need to be,” said Cherie Gordon, the city’s economic development coordinator.
The resolution says, “Fort Worth has played an integral part in advancing America’s leadership in military capability and aerospace technology, and these contributions have brought profound benefits to our state and nation.”
Hancock said the designation honors Fort Worth’s century of aerospace innovations.
“Fort Worth has been at the heart of America’s aviation and defense story for over a century — from building bombers in (World War) II to leading today’s aerospace innovation,” Hancock said in an email to the Fort Worth Report.
“It’s home to industry giants and a proud military legacy,” he said. “This resolution honors our community’s unique contributions to national security, economic growth, and Texas history, and provides another great way to attract new investment and strengthen Fort Worth’s position as a global leader in aerospace and defense.”
Roger Venables, the city’s aviation director, said the new designation “elevates Fort Worth’s general aviation airports as valuable assets that strengthen and support our position as a premier hub for aviation innovation, maintenance, manufacturing, advanced avionics and air cargo.”
“It also boosts our regional and national reputation, helping to attract more aerospace businesses, corporate jet and charter services at all of our airports,” Venables said.
Gordon said Fort Worth’s designation “not only reflects our city’s legacy in those sectors, but also speaks to the strength of our local workforce.”
“Companies like Bell, Lockheed Martin and Elbit Systems of America are all finding success in Fort Worth in part because so much engineering and industry talent is clustered here,” Gordon said.
Robert Allen, president and CEO of the Fort Worth Economic Partnership, said the designation is fitting considering the city’s military roots date back to its founding as a U.S. Army outpost in 1849.
“This designation just really cements that,” he said.
Meacham International Airport is Fort Worth’s oldest airport. A new $170 million master plan will help the facility keep up with the growth. (File photo | Fort Worth Report)
At a June 24 City Council meeting, Mayor Mattie Parker declared July 3 as Meacham International Airport Day, the day of the airport’s centennial anniversary.
Meacham generates an estimated $165 million in economic activity and 900 jobs across North Texas. Meacham — the state’s second-busiest general aviation airport — handles mostly private and charter flights with more than 210,000 takeoffs and landings in 2024.
The city is planning for about $6 million in runway infrastructure improvements at Meacham.
As innovation improves aviation, Meacham and Spinks are planning for the expected arrival of urban air taxis, possibly as early as 2030, Venables previously told the Report.
Eric E. Garcia is a senior business reporter at the Fort Worth Report. Contact him at eric.garcia@fortworthreport.org.
News decisions are made independently of our board members and financial supporters. Read more about our editorial independence policy here.
Related
Fort Worth Report is certified by the Journalism Trust Initiative for adhering to standards for ethical journalism.
Republish This Story
Republishing is free for noncommercial entities. Commercial entities are prohibited without a licensing agreement. Contact us for details.