TAKING FLIGHT

SAN MARCOS REGIONAL AIRPORT

A hub of growth, opportunity, and economic impact

The San Marcos Regional Airport, managed by Texas Aviation Partners since 2010, has grown into a bustling hub of aviation activity and economic opportunity. Despite its small-town feel, the airport is recognized by the Federal Aviation Administration as a “national asset,” a designation just below airports with scheduled commercial service.

Cassidy Berenato, Texas Aviation Partners vice president, shared insights about the airport’s operations and its significance to the community in a recent interview.

San Marcos Regional Airport operates under a unique setup. While most airports its size are directly managed by a city or municipality, TAP oversees the airport on behalf of the city of San Marcos. This arrangement allows the airport to function more like a business, which has driven remarkable growth over the past 14 years.

“We’ve seen takeoffs and landings increase significantly,” Berenato said. “Last year, we had almost 98,000 takeoffs and landings — over 260 per day.”

The airport serves a variety of aviation needs, including flight training, maintenance and cargo operations. It hosts 14 businesses, employing over 250 people, including multiple flight schools and an aviation mechanic program.

The airport plays a vital role in the San Marcos community. TAP works closely with the city and recent partnerships have expanded its reach. One notable collaboration is with Texas State University, which recently launched the state’s first public university aviation degree program offering a pilot’s license.

“This program is a great opportunity,” Berenato said. “Most graduates will go on to be airline pilots, but there are also local opportunities here for them to utilize their licenses.”

Additionally, the airport’s operators are actively engaging with local schools to promote aviation careers, many of which offer competitive salaries and require little to no prior experience.

The airport’s impact extends beyond aviation. Visitors arriving in San Marcos contribute significantly to the local economy by purchasing fuel, renting cars, staying at hotels and shopping at nearby outlets.

“Aviation jobs are good-paying jobs that don’t always require a degree,” Berenato emphasized. “And the economic benefits go even further, supporting local businesses and attracting visitors to the area.”

A 2018 economic impact study by the Texas Department of Transportation highlighted these benefits, with plans for an updated study underway.

When TAP began managing the airport, many locals didn’t even know it existed. Now, the increased activity and traffic have put the airport on the map, but there’s still more work to be done in raising awareness about its role in the community.

“We want people to know about the opportunities here,” Berenato said. “From careers to economic benefits, this airport is an asset to San Marcos.”

As the airport continues to grow, it remains a vital part of the region’s infrastructure, offering both local and global opportunities for the community it serves.