FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
January 22, 2026
BROWNSVILLE, Texas (January 22, 2026) — Brownsville South Padre Island International Airport (BRO) today marked another major milestone in regional aviation with the arrival of FAST Flight School’s first Tecnam training aircraft. The celebration signifies the launch of an aviation education pipeline in Brownsville, opening new pathways for aspiring pilots, aviation technicians, and industry professionals.
The event featured civic and airport leadership, including Brownsville Commissioner-At-Large A Tino Villarreal, Interim City Manager Alan Guard, members of the Airport Board, and representatives from FAST Flight School, including owner Jorge Whitley and his family. The ceremony underscored Brownsville’s growing commitment to aviation training, and innovation at BRO with state-of-the-art training aircraft.
“Brownsville has a long history of looking to the sky,” said Commissioner-At-Large A Tino Villarreal. “The launch of FAST Flight School at BRO reflects our continued commitment to advancing aviation education, growing our local workforce, and keeping our airport at the forefront of regional development.”
The addition of FAST Flight School expands training capacity at BRO and positions the airport as a regional destination for flight training, attracting students from across South Texas and northern Mexico. Today, many aspiring pilots, including students from Monterrey, travel to McAllen or as far as San Antonio to pursue flight training. FAST’s presence at BRO introduces a compelling alternative, offering access to modern training aircraft that represent a newer generation of technology than the traditional Cessna aircraft commonly used at other regional schools.
Interim City Manager Alan Guard noted that the investment aligns with the City’s broader vision for growth. “Strategic partnerships like this reinforce BRO as a driver of innovation and talent development,” Guard said. “It strengthens our city’s position and prepares us for the future of aviation.”
FAST Flight School Owner Jorge Whitley introduced the school’s mission and curriculum, emphasizing the significance of the school receiving its first Tecnam aircraft. “Today marks the official beginning of our flight training operations at BRO,” said Whitley. “Our goal is to train highly capable pilots while opening doors for students who may not have previously considered a career in aviation.”
FAST Flight School is currently operating on airport property at Hunt PanAm Aviation, allowing flight training to begin immediately while permanent training facilities are under development elsewhere on BRO property. This phased approach enables students to start training now, while the airport and FAST advance plans for a dedicated flight school campus. A future groundbreaking ceremony will mark the next milestone as construction of the permanent facilities gets underway.
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ABOUT BRO:
Brownsville South Padre Island International Airport (BRO) is located in the heart of Brownsville in the Rio Grande Valley, serving Texas and Mexico. Located minutes from downtown Brownsville and South Padre Island, BRO provides convenient access to major destinations through partnerships with Aerus, American Airlines, and United Airlines. Serving a regional population of 1.43 million and key demand drivers including SpaceX, Rio Grande LNG, and a thriving tourism economy, the airport continues to invest in modern facilities, passenger amenities, and new air service to support the region’s growing economy and vibrant community. The 91,000-square-foot terminal features full international capability and is designed for future expansion as passenger traffic grows. For more information, visit: www.FlyBRO.com.
Lorena Cardona
Marketing and Business Development Manager, BRO
Lorena.e.cardona@brownsvilletx.gov
