Texarkana Airport asks A&P for advertising funds as officials tout possible MRO jobs

Texarkana airport officials asked the A&P Commission for continued advertising funds, saying targeted marketing has produced measurable passenger traffic and — they argued — helped attract interest from a potential maintenance, repair and overhaul (MRO) operator that could bring hundreds of jobs.

Interim airport director Russ Henderson (S16) told the commission that passenger throughput was roughly 68,000 in 2025 and about 65,000 so far in 2026; he said persistent advertising at trade shows and in targeted markets led one MRO to open discussions about a permanent operation that could create roughly 160 jobs paying around $60,000 each.

Henderson presented an advertising plan and asked the commission to consider a $100,000 contribution to the airport’s promotional budget to close a shortfall and support national outreach for airline partners and MRO leads. Commissioners and staff discussed how Arkansas and Texas budget cycles, city subsidies and A&P funds have historically combined to underwrite airport advertising. City staff said the Texas side contributes its hotel‑occupancy funds and both cities subsidize the airport budget; A&P funding would supplement that subsidy.

Commissioners asked for a return showing how prior A&P advertising money was spent and for a clearer plan on how the requested funds would be allocated across paid media, trade‑show appearances and targeted business attraction. Airport representatives said they would provide a more detailed spend plan and the results of a recent origin‑destination (cashmere) study that helps allocate media dollars based on where passengers originate.

No final subsidy decision was made at the meeting; commissioners said they would consider the airport’s request alongside other applicants once allocation slips are collected and tabulated under the new scoring rule.