purely theoretical instruction. He earned recognition as one of the inaugural Oklahoma Certified Airport Professionals in July 2022. Tindle departed in late 2025, with Eric Suski assuming the airport manager role as the terminal project neared completion. ENGINES FOR ECONOMIC GROWTH McAlester Regional generates approximately $11 million in annual economic activity according to Oklahoma Aeronautics Commission analysis, a figure driven by diverse revenue streams beyond typical airport operations. The facility’s role as the only jet-capable airport within a 50-nautical-mile radius creates a competitive advantage for attracting businesses seeking executive aviation access.Airport leadership points to multiple instances where companies flew executives into McAlester for site visits and subsequently opened local operations hiring over 100 employees at premium salaries. Medical aviation is a critical component of operations often overlooked in economic impact calculations. The airport handles 30 to 60 medevac flights monthly, with MediFlight aircraft refueling year-round to support rural healthcare access across southeastern Oklahoma. The medical mission emphasizes how regional airports serve functions beyond business 99 BUSINESS VIEW MAGAZINE VOLUME 13, ISSUE 02 MCALESTER REGIONAL AIRPORT
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