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Airport operators press council on ground‑lease decisions as Thrust Flight urges final action
Summary
Several airport stakeholders spoke during public comment and consent‑agenda discussion about recent ground‑lease assignments and a denied ground release; Thrust Flight's CEO said his firm had invested in the RFP process and urged council to approve a long‑term lease instead of leaving facilities underused.
Airport operators and tenants took the mic during public comment and the consent agenda to press the council on recent ground‑lease actions and redevelopment plans at Addison Airport.
Patrick Arndzen, CEO and founder of Thrust Flight, described his company as the airport's largest operator and said it responded to a public RFP seeking a long‑term ground lease. He said Thrust Flight invested in engineering, environmental studies and planning and that a denial of the ground release last month was "disappointing" and harmful to the airport's future. Arndzen alleged other operators used objections as delay tactics and urged the council to move forward with a $12 million flagship buildout proposed for early 2026.
During consent discussion, Raj (AQRD) said Premier (owned by Westar Aviation) will acquire the leasehold interest and that AQRD will operate as a subtenant; he said Westar brings sizable MRO (maintenance, repair and overhaul) capability and will expand engineering and technical capacity at the airport. Bill Dyer, assistant airport director, confirmed the structure: Premier would be the tenant to the town and AQRD would be a subtenant.
Council approved consent items 4J and 4K (ground lease assignments) after brief discussion; Raj confirmed the campus ground leases have about 32 years remaining. Thrust Flight and other commenters asked the council to weigh redevelopment opportunities and long‑term economic benefits from committed capital investments before tabling projects.
The council did not take further action on the RFP contest during this meeting beyond approving the ground‑lease assignments included on the consent agenda.
