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The Draughon-Miller Airport in Texas has a mission to become the airport of choice for all general aviation and business aviation aircraft operators in the region, with a grand opening to be celebrated for a new, $7.4 million Avfuel-branded FBO on Wednesday.
The Draughon-Miller Central Texas Regional Airport (TPL) in Temple, Texas will celebrate the grand opening of a new FBO on Nov. 1. The new facility is a milestone in Temple aviation infrastructure. The space will double the size of the current FBO, featuring sleek and updated facilities to reduce its carbon footprint through the use of improved construction materials, energy-saving fixtures and HVAC equipment. The expanded FBO will also help provide TPL with a private, relaxing experience along with improved amenities and a quicker boarding process.
The new FBO facility took over one year to complete, doubling the size of the former space. The Elmer Reed GA terminal encompassed a total of 3,900 square feet and offered space for FBO services, flight planning, a pilot's lounge, concessions, management offices, a conference room and restrooms. A 2020 Airport Master Plan stated that the GA terminal was located directly adjacent to the original 6,000 square feet of commercial airline passenger space, at the time occupied by a non-aviation tenant. The plan expressed the need to expand the GA terminal facilities to support customers, indicating the desire to use the original commercial airline passenger terminal building site as the expansion site.
FBO manager Andrew Hill shared with Aviation International News that now the city of Temple is conducting an analysis to find what potential life the former terminal had left. The new space covers 6,400 square feet with an additional 1,600 square foot Airport Rescue and Firefighting bay to replace the prior ARFF station, 20 years after its last renovation. The new terminal includes passenger lounges, snooze rooms, bathrooms and showers, concierge services and crew cars.Since 2019, Temple has seen a 35 percent increase in airport use and the numbers are continuing to rise. Approximately 40 percent of the city's annual fuel sales in 2023 came from visiting customers. The expansion is expected to stimulate economic growth by creating job opportunities, increasing tourism, business travel and aviation activities. The airport was awarded one of the best inspection ratings for the state for providing quality aviation fuel for aviators.
"We are thrilled to open our new FBO at Draughon-Miller Central Texas Regional Airport," Airport Director Sean Parker said. "Our team has worked tirelessly to create a facility that caters to the needs and desires of our community members, stakeholders, and visitors alike."