Ennis Municipal Airport Business Plan
R.A. Wiedemann & Associates, Inc. was selected to develop a Business Plan for Ennis Municipal Airport. The goal of the Plan was to optimize the existing 4,011-foot runway and position Ennis Municipal Airport for sustainable growth within the Dallas metroplex service area. The study analyzed operating history, market conditions, and multiple management scenarios to identify strategies that enhance revenue generation and operational efficiency.
A comparative assessment of the current part-time FBO management model versus a City-employed Airport Manager concluded that direct, full-time management would provide greater financial oversight and strategic alignment. Accordingly, the plan recommended hiring a full-time Airport Manager and formally adopting three core governance documents – Rules & Regulations, Minimum Standards, and Lease Policy – to strengthen compliance and support commercial activity.
Baseline and revenue-enhancement proformas were prepared, introducing scenarios such as:
- City-led hangar development
- Third-party ground leases
- A relocated 20-aircraft flight school
- Full-service fueling
- Expansion of Specialized Aviation Service Operators
These initiatives were evaluated against financial and market metrics to demonstrate their marginal contribution to operating cash flow and long-term self-sufficiency. The work supplied Ennis with a realistic financial playbook, clear governance documents, and a phased development schedule that together advance the Airport from a lightly used general-aviation facility to a competitive niche reliever serving flight training, business aircraft, and specialized operators.
