Aerospace & Defense includes a range of transportation, engineering, research and aerospace products and parts manufacturing businesses.
Greater Waco has more than 30 aviation and aviation-related companies that manufacture aircraft, components and materials.
The Waco Regional Airport, McGregor Executive Airport, Texas State Technical College Airport and four aviation curriculum schools throughout Greater Waco and McLennan County speak to the future of this industry.
The Waco Regional Airport offers commercial service with American Airlines as well as general aviation services and manufacturing space. Additionally, The Texas State Technical College Waco provides an 8,600-foot industrial runway and on-site training, and the McGregor Executive Airport offer general aviation and pilot training opportunities.
Texas State Technical College Waco, McLennan Community College and Baylor University also provide an array of relevant training programs including aerospace engineering, aircraft maintenance and management and collaborative research through the Baylor Research and InnovationĀ Collaborative (BRIC).
The commercial and general aviation businesses located in the three airports generates more than 3,900 direct and indirect jobs and a combined payroll of $143 million that creates an economic impact of $518 million, according to the Texas Department of Transportation.
When the off-airport aviation businesses are added, those numbers increase substantially.
Aerospace & Defense Establishments
Company | Services | Employees |
---|---|---|
L-3 Platform Integration | Military Aircraft Modification | 1,349 |
SpaceX | Aircraft Engine Testing | 265 |
MarathonNorco Aerospace Inc. | Aircraft Batteries/Power/Strusts | 110 |
RAM Aircraft | Aircraft Rebuilding/Modifications | 100 |
Advanced Concepts and Technology Intl. | Aircraft Repair Services | 52 |
Blackhawk Modifications | Aircraft Performance Enhancements | 35 |
FreeFlight Systems | Navigation Equipment | 31 |
Texas Aero | Aircraft Fuel Sales/Charter | 25 |
American Systems | Engineering Services | 25 |
Texas Machine-Tool International | Speciality Repair Services | 22 |