Aerolane, a Texas-based startup bringing revolutionary productivity and efficiency gains to existing aircraft, is opening a flight operations headquarters at Perot Field Fort Worth Alliance Airport. The location will provide a critical testing ground for Aerolane’s ongoing FAA supplemental type certification (STC) process, and help Aerolane launch a first Aerocart cargo glider system for commercial service later this year.
Aerolane is the pioneer of the patented Aerocart technology, a series of autonomous towed cargo glider systems that boost the capacity of existing planes while requiring only a marginally higher fuel burn. Inspired by the scaled deployment of cargo gliders during World War II, Aerolane has flown a range of prototype Aerocarts across a wide swath of Texas and Florida since 2022.
Aerolane is launching its flight operations center at Perot Field due to the airport’s unique and critical role in America’s logistics networks.
The world’s first industrial airport, Perot Field, offers a vast array of flight services, including air cargo, corporate, and government aviation, and serves as the cornerstone for the 27,000-acre AllianceTexas development, the nation’s most successful public-private partnership. Born out of a collaboration between Hillwood, the City of Fort Worth and the FAA, Perot Field is now a key part of the AllianceTexas Mobility Innovation Zone (MIZ). The MIZ is an unparalleled ecosystem with comprehensive supply chain capabilities that provides mobility innovators with the infrastructure and strategic partnerships needed to scale and commercialize new technologies, propelling transformational mobility solutions.
AllianceTexas is home to one of the nation’s largest multimodal transportation systems, connecting air (Perot Field), 160+ miles of roads (I-35W/SH-170), and rail (BNSF Alliance Intermodal Facility).
“We are excited to locate our flight operations headquarters at AllianceTexas,” said Todd Graetz, Co-Founder and CEO of Aerolane. “It is a great privilege to operate in one of the nation’s most critical intermodal cargo hubs.”
Hillwood, the developer of AllianceTexas and operator of Perot Field, has also played a crucial role in fostering advancements in mobility, logistics, and aviation. The airport and its co-located intermodal facilities serve as a center of excellence for logistics and transportation technologies, including autonomous trucking and advanced aerial mobility. Combined, this provides an excellent environment for mobility tech companies to test, validate, and scale their products.
“We’re excited to welcome Aerolane as an operator at Perot Field and the AllianceTexas Mobility Innovation Zone, where they can scale and commercialize logistics innovation in one of the world’s most unique multimodal transportation environments,” said Christopher Ash, senior vice president of aviation business development for Hillwood. “At Hillwood, our focus continues to be on bringing innovative supply chain technologies to North Texas while providing next-level amenities to our customers.”
With test flight operations, FAA certification efforts, and future product development centered at Perot Field, Aerolane is positioning itself alongside a distinguished roster of industry leaders shaping the future of logistics and transportation.
About Aerolane
Aerolane is an advanced aviation technology company based in Fort Worth, Texas. It is pioneering the use of towed flight to dramatically reduce the cost and boost the capabilities of existing airplanes. Aerolane was founded in 2021, inspired by the cargo gliders flown by Allied Forces in World War II. Employing modern aviation technologies, Aerolane has proven that towed flight can be used to safely move enormous payloads with dramatically less fuel than standard flight.
Aerolane’s team includes former senior executives at Amazon and BNSF, and the company is backed by leading private investors with deep experience across the logistics & energy sectors. See more: www.aerolane.com
About Hillwood
Hillwood, a Perot company, is a premier commercial and residential real estate developer, investor, and advisor of properties throughout North America and Europe. With a diverse portfolio of properties and home to many of the world’s leading companies, Hillwood is committed to bringing long-term value to our customers, partners, and the communities we serve.?For more information, please visit www.hillwood.com.
Hillwood Properties, based in Fort Worth, is a leading real estate developer specializing in industrial-logistics, corporate office, and retail mixed-use development, as well as airport and property management. With a commitment to excellence and innovation, Hillwood has established a reputation for quality development that drives economic growth for communities throughout North Texas. Signature developments include AllianceTexas, Circle T Ranch and Frisco Station. To date, Hillwood Properties has developed and acquired 32 million square feet of industrial, 3.6 million square feet of retail and office and over 4,000 multifamily units. For more information on Hillwood Properties’ flagship development, AllianceTexas, please visit www.alliancetexas.com.
About Perot Field Fort Worth Alliance Airport
Perot Field Fort Worth Alliance Airport (AFW) is the world’s first industrial airport designed for cargo and corporate aviation traffic. AFW features a vast array of flight services, including air cargo, corporate, private, and military aviation, and is the cornerstone for the nation’s fastest-growing industrial complex and the AllianceTexas Mobility Innovation Zone. Owned by the City of Fort Worth and managed by privately held Alliance Air Services, AFW provides state-of-the-art infrastructure and an award-winning FAA air traffic control tower. The attached FBO has been ranked among the finest in the U.S. by industry publications and fuel service providers. For more information, please visit www.perotfield.com.
