Celebrating 35 years of innovation and public–private collaboration in Fort Worth

Few places epitomize the spirit of innovation and collaboration like AllianceTexas, the premier mixed-use, master-planned development in North Fort Worth.

Anchored by Perot Field Fort Worth Alliance Airport, this thriving 11,000-hectare hub has redefined economic development through strategic public–private partnerships, cutting-edge infrastructure and an unrelenting focus on aviation excellence.

A vision takes flight

The successful public–private partnership that formed Alliance Airport, now known as Perot Field Fort Worth Alliance Airport, spurred growth and ultimately kick-started the 11,000-hectare AllianceTexas development we see today.

The vision took flight through a pioneering public–private partnership between the City of Fort Worth, the Federal Aviation Administration (FAA), and Hillwood. Over the past 35 years, this collaboration has fostered unmatched economic growth, with AllianceTexas generating more than 65,000 direct jobs and spurring an economic impact exceeding US$120 billion.

The development now encompasses industrial, logistics, global inland port, corporate office, retail and residential communities, in addition to aviation.

“The partnership with the City of Fort Worth has been instrumental to AllianceTexas’ success,” said Bill Burton, Executive Vice President of Hillwood.

“Our collaboration with Roger Venables, specifically in his exceptional leadership role within the City of Fort Worth Aviation Department, has allowed Perot Field to attract global leaders like Gulfstream, Embraer, Bell, Amazon Air and AVX Aircraft Company, among others.

“Looking ahead, Hillwood remains committed to fostering this partnership, ensuring that AllianceTexas and Perot Field continue to serve as a beacon for innovation and growth.”

A hub for innovation and opportunity

Perot Field continues to play a pivotal role in solidifying Fort Worth’s position as an aviation powerhouse. The airport features two 3353-meter runways and state-of-the-art facilities designed to handle some of the world’s most advanced aircraft.

Beyond infrastructure, the airport serves as a magnet for companies seeking to capitalize on its strategic location, business-friendly climate, unparalleled logistics capabilities and access to a qualified workforce.

• Embraer, a multinational aerospace corporation and the third-largest producer of civil aircraft worldwide, recently announced its plan to build a new maintenance, repair and operations facility at Perot Field. The facility would increase the company’s capacity to serve its growing United States market of E-Jet customers by 53 percent.

• Bell, a Textron company and global leader in vertical lift technology, plans to invest US$632 million in a new manufacturing plant in AllianceTexas to build the Future Long Range Assault Aircraft.

• Gulfstream Aerospace Corporation, a subsidiary of General Dynamics, manufactures, markets and services jet aircraft worldwide. It recently established a new maintenance, repair and operations facility at AllianceTexas to serve its mid and large cabin customers.

• AVX Aircraft Company, a pioneering aerospace corporation specializing in advanced vertical lift technology solutions, chose Perot Field for its headquarters, leveraging the area’s resources to propel its unconventional aircraft designs.

• Amazon Air opened its regional air hub at Perot Field in 2019, its first build-to-suit robotics facility at the time. The 61,000-square-meter facility now employs over 1,900 associates and operates an average of 18 flights each day, with millions of packages moving through the building each week.

Public–private partnerships: The engine behind success

What sets AllianceTexas apart is its model for public–private collaboration. Hillwood’s partnership with the City of Fort Worth and the FAA not only enabled the creation of Perot Field but also ensured its long-term viability as a global logistics and mobility innovation leader.

From the construction of major roadways to convening supply chain mobility and innovation leaders to building thriving communities, this partnership has delivered results that benefit businesses and residents alike.

“Roger Venables has been a phenomenal partner in advancing our shared vision for Perot Field and what AllianceTexas has become,” Burton emphasized. “Their dedication to fostering an environment that attracts world-class companies is unmatched, and their contributions have been pivotal in driving the growth of the development.”

Hillwood remains committed to its collaborative approach, working hand-in-hand with the City of Fort Worth and its partners to ensure the region remains a global leader in aviation and logistics.

The alignment of public and private interests will continue to fuel the development’s success, creating impactful opportunities.