in leveraging the nearby institutions of higher learning and the new medical school to attract and support new residents. This influx, he believes, offers significant opportunities for individuals entering the aviation industry. Thompson envisions the airport as a multifaceted hub where people can engage with aviation in various ways.“People will come whether it’s to enjoy a day at the museum, take their first flight lesson, learn how to become an aviation mechanic, charter an aircraft to a faraway destination, or, of course, enjoy our commercial flights that can take them virtually anywhere through DFW,” he explains. A surge in school tours highlights the airport’s growing community engagement. “We’ve seen an unprecedented number of school tours,” Thompson notes. From young grade school kids to college students, many are showing interest in aviation. “We are bringing kids by the busload to visit this airport,” he says. These tours provide an opportunity to see the commercial and corporate sides of the airport and the museum, infusing new energy into the community’s connection with aviation. 227 BUSINESS VIEW MAGAZINE VOLUME 11, ISSUE 07 TYLER POUNDS REGIONAL AIRPORT
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