Target Sectors

Aerospace & Defense

Did You Know?

Aerospace & Defense includes a range of transportation, engineering, research and aerospace products and parts manufacturing businesses.
Greater Waco has more than 40 aviation and aviation-related companies that manufacture aircraft, components and materials.

By Air & Plane

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 offers general aviation and pilot training opportunities.

Well Recognized

40+
Aviation companies that manufacture aircraft, componets and materials
4,600+
Jobs generated by the three airports
260
Acres available for sale in the Waco International Aviation Park
Waco Advantages

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 Innovation Collaborative (BRIC).

The Greater Waco Aerospace Alliance awards academic year scholarships to outstanding Region 12 and college students pursuing degrees in aviation/aerospace or related engineering programs from Texas State Technical College – Waco, Baylor University or McLennan Community College. To date, the Aerospace Alliance has awarded nearly $230,000 in scholarships and sponsorships to more than 100 Central Texas high school and college students.

The commercial and general aviation businesses located in the three airports generate more than 4,600 direct and indirect jobs and a combined payroll of $216 million that creates an economic impact of $689 million, according to the Texas Department of Transportation.

When the off-airport aviation businesses are added, those numbers increase substantially.

Key Companies
L3Harris

Military Aircraft Modification - 843 Employees

L3Harris

Military Aircraft Modification - 843 Employees

SpaceX

Aircraft Engine Testing and Manufacturing - 590 Employees

SpaceX

Aircraft Engine Testing and Manufacturing - 590 Employees

MarathonNorco Aerospace Inc.

Aircraft Batteries/Power Strusts - 80 Employees

MarathonNorco Aerospace Inc.

Aircraft Batteries/Power Strusts - 80 Employees

RAM Aircraft

Aircraft Rebuilding/Modifications - 84 Employees

RAM Aircraft

Aircraft Rebuilding/Modifications - 84 Employees

Hemisphere Aerospace

Commercial aircraft & engine trading

Hemisphere Aerospace

Commercial aircraft & engine trading

Blackhawk Modifications

Aircraft performance Enhancements - 35 Employees

Blackhawk Modifications

Aircraft performance Enhancements - 35 Employees

FreeFlight Systems

Navigation Equipment - 71 Employees

FreeFlight Systems

Navigation Equipment - 71 Employees

Texas Aero

Aircraft Fuel Sales/Charter - 25 Employees

Texas Aero

Aircraft Fuel Sales/Charter - 25 Employees

Highwood Global

Specality Repair Services and Prototype Manufacturing - 100 Employees

Highwood Global

Specality Repair Services and Prototype Manufacturing - 100 Employees

Success in Waco
L3 Harris
Contact for
Aerospace & Defense
Lexy Reil
Director of Economic Development
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Why should you locate in Waco?