44th Texas Aviation Conference
The 44th Texas Aviation Conference, held at the Embassy Suites by Hilton Dallas Frisco Hotel & Convention Center from March 31 to April 3, 2026, offered a dynamic forum for exploring the trends and issues influencing aviation today. Bringing together experts from across the field, the event fostered meaningful discussions on innovation, safety and the evolving demands placed on the aviation industry.
Conference events began under clear skies, creating ideal conditions for both the Routine Airport Maintenance Program (RAMP) Coordinator Site Visit and the Texas Airports Council Annual Golf Tournament. The day continued with an Adopt an-Airport Program overview alongside the New Participant Orientation, before concluding with the Get Acquainted Reception held in the exhibit hall, setting a welcoming tone for both first-time and returning participants.
Tuesday’s opening session began with the Presentation of Colors by the Frisco Fire Department and the Frisco Police Department’s Honor Guard, followed by the national anthem performed by Sabrina Frost. The session continued with welcoming remarks from Dan Harmon, director of the Texas Department of Transportation’s (TxDOT’s) Aviation Division, and welcome videos from State Senator Brent Hagenbuch, Senate District 30, and State Representative Matt Shaheen, House District 66.
Following the introduction of the Aviation Advisory Committee, Harmon delivered the State of the Aviation Division Address, highlighting key accomplishments and outlining strategic priorities for the coming year, including increased investment in airport infrastructure, a continued emphasis on safety improvements and efforts to streamline project delivery across the state.
Harmon also touched on statewide initiatives, including the Airport 101 Guide, a reference handbook developed with the Texas A&M Transportation Institute and TxDOT Aviation to support local airport sponsors, particularly those with limited aviation experience and serve as a practical reference for funding, governance and project development.
“It is not intended to answer every question,” said Harmon. “But to point you in the right direction to find the information needed.”
He concluded with updates on flight services modernization and Texas’ selection for the Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) electric vertical take-off and landing (eVTOL) Integration Pilot Program, reflecting the division’s continued focus on leveraging existing infrastructure and expanding aviation capabilities statewide.
“I cannot emphasize this enough: whether it is taking Texas in times of trouble, whether it is floods, hurricanes or wildfires, or supporting the eighth-largest economy in the world’s travel and transportation needs, or whether it is just meeting the needs of air travel and future mobility of everyday Texans, what you do in making a robust, safe and well-maintained airport system is critical to that effort,” said Harmon. “I cannot emphasize enough how important our airport system is for our state’s economy and well-being.”
The morning’s agenda continued with a legislative update from State Representative Armando “Mando” Martinez, House District 39, followed by a keynote address from Caroline Mays, senior director of planning and modal programs at TxDOT. Mays presented the Texas Space Industry Highway Transportation Needs Assessment, highlighting Texas’ leadership in the aerospace sector and the importance of continued investment in the state’s highway system to support future industry growth. She outlined key transportation needs identified through stakeholder input, including roadway access, capacity and safety improvements, and accommodations for oversize and overweight vehicle movements, as well as long-term infrastructure demands associated with continued expansion of the space industry.
The afternoon featured two rounds of breakout sessions covering key topics in aviation, funding, compliance, airfield inspection techniques, airport branding and marketing and the Routine Airport Maintenance Program. Attendees ended the day with networking Thursday’s sessions began with an Airport 101 Guide overview from Michael Van Vliet, director of the TxDOT Aviation Division’s Planning and Programming division. Van Vliet explained that the guide is a living document intended for airport sponsors and airport managers as a day-to-day reference, not a step-by-step manual. It is organized to support both roles, with an introductory section applicable to all users and appendices that include grant assurances, checklists, and key contacts and resources. The guide is available through the TxDOT Aviation website and is intended to be supplemented by FAA resources and direct support from TxDOT staff.
The morning continued with a Texas Aviation Economic Study update from Daniel Benson, TxDOT aviation planner, Jeff Borowiec, Woolpert aviation program director, and Greg Sanders, Woolpert senior planner and project manager. The presentation highlighted statewide airport economic impacts, including payroll, employment and output, and included progress on 95 airport visits across Texas, 214 airport manager submittals, more than 250 business surveys and over 500 general aviation visitor surveys, with the study expected to be published later this year. Updates can be found at texasaviationimpact.com.
The morning then included a Capital Improvement Program (CIP) overview from Sean Newton, TxDOT aviation planner, which outlined how an airport’s CIP helps identify needs, forecast funding, prioritize projects and prepare for funding opportunities. The morning sessions concluded with breakout sessions covering advanced air mobility in Texas, airspace protection and procedure development, and an overview of the Infrastructure Investment and Jobs Act and federal funding before leading into the plated luncheon.
During the luncheon, student creativity was recognized through the National Business Aviation Association-sponsored art contest awards, followed by the Texas Aviation Awards Program, sponsored by the Texas Airports Council, honoring excellence in airport operations and leadership. Honorees included recipients of Airport of the Year in several categories, Airport Professional of the Year, Airport Project of the Year, Aviation Educator of the Year and RAMP Coordinator of the Year.
Thursday afternoon concluded with breakout sessions covering the digitization of airports for planning and maintenance, the importance of automated weather observing systems, and the RAMP program, followed by a final general session of the day on the Sponsor/Agent Process led by TxDOT’s Van Vliet and Newton. The session outlined what it means for an airport to act as its own agent, including assuming responsibility for project administration, management and compliance with federal and state requirements.
The final day began with the Airport Manager Roundtable, which provided a platform for candid discussions and knowledge sharing among airport managers across Texas. Topics included speaking to the media, communicating with tenants and rates.
The conference concluded with an FAA update and TxDOT/FAA listening session with Doug Lane, regional administrator for the Southwest Region, FAA; Ignacio Flores, director of the Office of Airports for the Southwest Region, FAA; Rodney Clark, manager of the Texas Airports District Office, FAA; and Harmon. The discussion provided general updates on FAA priorities, including safety, funding and ongoing federal aviation initiatives.
“Thank you for the work you do every day and thank you for your continued commitment to supporting aviation throughout the state,” said Harmon.
