Starfighters, renowned for operating the world’s only fleet of privately-owned supersonic F-104 Starfighters, is expanding its footprint with a significant new presence at the Midland International Air and Space Port in Texas. This development marks a major step forward in the company’s long-term strategy to support hypersonic flight testing, commercial space operations, and advanced aerospace research.
The expansion to Midland is part of a broader growth strategy, not a relocation. Starfighters will continue to operate from its established base at NASA’s Kennedy Space Center in Florida, where it has long supported commercial and government testing missions. By adding a second operational hub, the company aims to increase its capacity, improve flexibility for customers, and bolster the United States’ hypersonic testing capabilities.
Midland, once the home base of the Commemorative Air Force, holds one of only two FAA-licensed spaceports in the State of Texas, is uniquely positioned to support this next phase. Local leaders have emphasized a renewed focus on utilizing the spaceport for cutting-edge aerospace applications. A key part of that vision is point-to-point high-speed air transportation. While the exact framework for that future remains under development, Midland’s geography and regulatory infrastructure make it a prime candidate for hosting a high-speed flight corridor. Coordination between public agencies, private aerospace firms like Starfighters, and innovators in the hypersonic space will be critical to realizing this ambitious potential.
In partnership with the Midland Development Corporation (MDC), Starfighters has committed to bringing at least $78 million in assets to the spaceport by December 2027. This includes the relocation of three TF-104 jets—specially modified variants of the iconic Cold War-era interceptor that are capable of sustained Mach 2 flight. These aircraft will be central to high-speed testing missions, including operations within a proposed supersonic corridor between Midland and New Mexico’s Spaceport America.
To enable near-term activity, the Midland City Council recently approved a temporary lease for a 33,700-square-foot hangar at the airport. Though the facility has been unused and in need of renovation, Starfighters plans to rehabilitate it for immediate operational use. This flexible approach also saves the city from a previously considered $14 million infrastructure investment. Starfighters’ plans for Midland also include the creation of 23 full-time jobs by December 2033 and the establishment of an engine maintenance shop. The project represents a significant boost to the local economy while positioning Midland as a key player in the future of aerospace.
Starfighters, led by its founder Rick Svetkoff, continues to distinguish itself in the private aerospace sector by offering high-speed, high-altitude flight services for commercial, defense, and scientific missions. With operations now anchored at both Kennedy Space Center and Midland, the company is well-positioned to support the nation’s growing demand for advanced flight testing and to help pioneer the future of point-to-point supersonic and hypersonic transportation. For more information, visit www.starfightersspace.com
