Draughon-Miller Central Texas Regional Airport Builds a New FBO Focused on the Future

Recognizing the need to modernize and enhance its aviation infrastructure, Draughon-Miller Central Texas Regional Airport has unveiled the Temple Executive Air Center, a state-of-the-art 6,800-square-foot Fixed Base Operation (FBO) and terminal.

The project represents a significant investment in the airport’s role as the gateway to Temple, improving services for corporate travelers, pilots, and general aviation users. In recognition of these advancements, the airport was awarded TxDOT’s 2024 National/Regional Airport of the Year.

The Need for a New Facility

For decades, the airport operated with an FBO that was originally built in the 1950s and expanded in 2000. However, the facility had become outdated and lacked the amenities and space required to support growing aviation traffic.

 The limitations made it challenging to attract corporate flights and provide an experience that met industry expectations. Recognizing this, airport leadership and city officials prioritized the project as part of broader economic development and aviation growth initiatives.

“The airport is often the first impression for business leaders and companies considering investment in Temple,” said Sean Parker, Airport Director. “We knew that to remain competitive and continue driving economic growth, we needed a facility that matched the caliber of other regional aviation hubs.”

The project was initially conceptualized in 2019, but funding and planning efforts intensified in 2022, culminating in a November 2023 grand opening. Unlike many airport infrastructure projects that rely on federal grants, the Temple Executive Air Center was entirely self-funded through the City of Temple’s Reinvestment Zone.

This local funding mechanism, derived from a fraction of taxes from corporate and industrial parks, allowed for full project execution without external financial dependencies.

The decision to build on a Greenfield site adjacent to the former FBO minimized disruptions to airport operations. According to Parker, this approach made the most sense from both a logistical and financial standpoint.

“Rebuilding on the existing site would have meant temporarily housing our FBO operations and causing major disruptions,” he said. “Instead, we were able to construct the new facility without interfering with daily airport activities.”

Designed with input from pilots, architects, and aviation stakeholders, the new facility introduces a range of premium amenities, positioning Temple as a more attractive destination for both business and general aviation. The new air center includes one of the largest aircraft canopies in Texas, which provides critical protection for passengers, pilots, and medical transport operations.

“Aviation professionals flying into Temple should expect top-tier amenities,” said Andrew Hill, FBO Manager. “We designed this space with them in mind, ensuring they have everything they need for a comfortable and efficient stop.”

The terminal includes dedicated pilot lounges equipped with quiet rooms, full showers, laundry facilities, and 24/7 accessible spaces. For passengers, the upgraded experience features a comfortable lounge area, complimentary snacks, and a small market stocked with travel essentials.

The fueling services have also been expanded, ensuring quicker turnaround times and more efficient refueling operations.

“The difference is night and day compared to our old facility,” Parker said. “We now have a facility that welcomes travelers with modern comforts and makes Temple a competitive stop for corporate aviation.”

Business Impact and Strategic Positioning

One of the critical goals of the project was to transition the FBO from a traditional city-run operation to a branded executive air center with a competitive service model. The airport hired experienced personnel, including Hill, to bring private-sector expertise into city-managed aviation services.

“There’s a perception that city-run FBOs offer higher prices and lower service standards,” Hill said. “We set out to change that by elevating both the brand and customer experience. Our goal is to deliver concierge-level service that makes Temple a preferred stop for business aviation.”

This shift has already yielded positive results, with increased transient traffic, repeat customers, and competitive fuel pricing positioning the airport as an attractive alternative to larger regional FBOs.

“Since 2019, we’ve seen a 35% increase in airport use,” Hill said. “Having this facility in place ensures we are ready for even more growth.”

Beyond the FBO, Draughon-Miller Central Texas Regional Airport has undertaken several modernization projects to enhance safety, efficiency, and business appeal. The airport upgraded its airfield lighting, transitioning from incandescent to LED technology, resulting in a 46% reduction in energy costs.

The development of eight shovel-ready corporate hangar plots is another major step toward attracting aviation businesses.

“We wanted to make it as easy as possible for companies to set up here,” Parker said. “By having sites ready to go, we remove barriers to entry for potential investors.”

Additional projects include refurbishing the apron, taxiways, and ramp areas, ensuring they can accommodate increasing traffic and larger aircraft. The airport is also in the early stages of planning a crosswind runway extension project that will further enhance operational capabilities.

For airports considering similar FBO redevelopment projects, Parker and Hill emphasize three key takeaways.

Stakeholder engagement played a critical role in ensuring that the project met both the city’s vision and the needs of aviation users.

“Bringing in aviation professionals early in the process helped us design a space that actually works,” Parker said.

Additionally, service culture is just as important as infrastructure. “A premium facility needs a well-trained, customer-focused team to go with it,” Hill emphasized.

Planning for long-term growth was also essential. “We designed this facility to be adaptable, ensuring it remains relevant as aviation demands evolve,” Parker added.

Looking Ahead: Future Growth

With a steady increase in airport usage, the Temple Executive Air Center is well-positioned to attract additional corporate users, expand aviation business opportunities, and enhance regional connectivity.

Future initiatives include sustainability measures, expanded services, and further airfield enhancements to support growing demand. The airport is also considering additional partnerships to provide seamless ground services, from rental car coordination to aircraft detailing.

“This investment has already begun to pay dividends,” Parker noted. “By prioritizing quality service and infrastructure, we’re ensuring that Temple remains an attractive destination for aviation business for years to come.”