An FAA Part 139 airport is a certificated airport in the United States that meets the safety and operational standards outlined in Title 14 of the Code of Federal Regulations (CFR) Part 139. These regulations are issued by the Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) and are primarily focused on airports that serve commercial air carrier operations using aircraft with more than 30 passenger seats. Airports must be Part 139 certificated if they serve scheduled / unscheduled commercial operations using aircraft with more than 30 seats, and if they want to qualify for certain types of federal funding through the Airport Improvement Program (AIP).
Becoming an FAA Part 139 certificated airport would offer several strategic advantages to Conroe-North Houston Regional Airport (CXO)—especially given its growing role in general and business aviation.
Economic Growth
Part 139 certification signals that the airport meets rigorous federal safety and operational standards. This can boost CXO’s reputation with charter operators, corporate flight departments, insurance providers. It essentially adds another layer of trust and professionalism to CXO’s growing profile. Part 139 certification positions CXO to support larger, scheduled commercial operations.
A certificated airport is more appealing to aviation-related businesses and commercial developers, which could lead to increased property values and tax base expansion.
By supporting potential commercial or regional air service, CXO could boost tourism to Montgomery County, attract more conferences and corporate travelers and improve access for companies headquartered locally. This increases spending at hotels, restaurants, retail, and transportation providers throughout the region. As Montgomery County continues to grow, Part 139 certification would reinforce CXO’s role as a critical economic engine, not just for aviation, but for regional mobility and resilience. It would help diversify the local economy beyond oil & gas, real estate, and healthcare by anchoring it in aerospace and transportation infrastructure.
With Part 139 status, CXO becomes eligible for larger and more frequent FAA Airport Improvement Program (AIP) grants and potentially TxDOT aviation funding. These funds reduce the burden on local taxpayers while supporting capital improvements that enhance safety and capacity.
Improved Safety
FAA Part 139 certification significantly enhances the overall safety framework of an airport by establishing strict operational standards that must be continuously met and maintained. For Conroe-North Houston Regional Airport (CXO), certification would ensure dedicated Aircraft Rescue and Firefighting (ARFF) capabilities, enforce rigorous inspection and maintenance protocols for runways and taxiways, and require comprehensive emergency response planning and wildlife hazard management. These measures create a safer environment for aircraft operators, passengers, and airport personnel, while also aligning CXO with national best practices and increasing its ability to respond effectively to both routine and emergency situations.
FAA Part 139 Will Help CXO & Montgomery County.
While the Dallas–Fort Worth Metroplex is served by four FAA Part 139 airports, the Greater Houston area has only three—with none located in the fast-growing North Houston region. This highlights a significant opportunity for Conroe-North Houston Regional Airport (CXO) to fill a geographic and operational gap in the region’s aviation infrastructure.
In Summary, FAA Part 139 certification at CXO would unlock new levels of economic opportunity for Montgomery County—supporting jobs, investment, connectivity, and long-term growth. It’s more than a regulatory step—it’s a strategic move for the county’s future.
