Episode 97

full
Published on:

30th Mar 2025

Landing Opportunity Hondo’s Aviation Future

✈️ **What Could *You* Build On an Airport?**

In this episode of *The Building Texas Show*, we uncover one of the most surprising aviation assets in the entire state of Texas: the Hondo Municipal Airport.

Bigger than San Antonio International.

Home to World War II’s largest air navigation training center.

Now? 2,400 acres of wide-open opportunity.


We sat down with **Ryan Elder**, airport director and U.S. Navy veteran, to explore how this small-town airport is ready for a next-generation transformation. From **aircraft maintenance, aerospace innovation**, and **MRO operations**, to the future of **cargo**, **space commercialization**, and **eVTOL**—Hondo’s airport is a rare blank canvas for developers, entrepreneurs, and visionary leaders.


🚀 **So we ask the question:**

👉 *What would YOU build on 2,400 acres of runways, rail access, and open skies?*


Whether it’s a drone tech hub, vertical lift launch site, aircraft recycling facility, or a next-gen aviation campus—Hondo is ready.


👷‍♂️ Whether you're in aviation, logistics, education, economic development, or just love Texas history—this is an episode you don’t want to miss.


🎯 **What You'll Learn in This Episode**:

- Hondo’s hidden role in WWII aviation

- How the airport compares to major commercial hubs

- Why aerospace companies are eyeing this land

- What general aviation means for small-town economies

- Smart infrastructure planning that supports growth without disruption

- Inspiring local students with real aviation opportunities

📍 **Learn more about Hondo’s aviation future:**

🔗 [https://hondo.buildingtexasshow.com]


🔔 **Subscribe for more episodes about Texas cities on the rise.**

#TexasAviation #HondoAirport #AerospaceDevelopment #FutureOfWork #BuildingTexas #AirportDevelopment #EconomicDevelopmentTexas #eVTOL #CargoHub #MRO #AirportInnovation #publicspaceport

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About the Podcast

The Building Texas Show
The Building Texas Show with host, Justin McKenzie, about the balance of business and governance. Each week, we’ll interview the local leaders affecting the issues and uncover the power you have to forge the future.

www.buildingtexasshow.com

About your host

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Justin McKenzie