The dirt is flying as construction of the new Austin Executive Airport in ­Texas began in late July. The former Bird's Nest Airport is owned by developer Ron Henriksen, who also built Houston Executive Airport. "Austin is one of the largest cities in the country without a general aviation reliever airport," said Henriksen. "This airport is essential to the continued growth of the Austin area as well as the state of Texas." The first step for the new Austin airport is to move 800,000 cubic yards of dirt, in preparation for building the connector taxiway, ramp, FBO building and hangars.