A GREAT PLACE TO LAND

Aerospace and aviation represents Arkansas’ #1 export, and we are home to nearly 150 well-known aerospace and defense companies that include MRO, component parts, completion centers, and defense contractors as well as the Little Rock Air Force Base. The state is also home to the Highland Industrial Park, one of the nation’s fastest growing defense corridors, with companies like Aerojet Rocketdyne, Esterline, Lockheed Martin and Raytheon.

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Dassault Falcon Jet

Dassault Falcon Jet, an international aerospace company, operates its largest facility in the world in Little Rock, Arkansas. Sébastien Deltheil, Senior Vice President and General Manager of the Dassault Falcon Jet Completion Center in Little Rock, discusses why operating in Arkansas makes business sense for Dassault Falcon Jet.

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You're in good company

At AEDC, we know economic advancement doesn’t happen by accident. We work strategically with businesses and communities to create strong economic opportunities, making Arkansas the natural choice for success. Here are some examples of businesses that are thriving!

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Business Climate

Fourth lowest cost of doing business and the second lowest cost of living nationally
Competitive incentives and a streamlined state government
Arkansas is one of 28 Right to work states
Strong support from Governor Sarah Huckabee Sanders and our Congressional delegation

Industry Strength

Home to nearly 180 Aerospace/Defense companies, including Dassault Falcon Jet, which has established its largest facility in the world in central Arkansas, along with Lockheed Martin, Aerojet Rocketdyne, General Dynamics, and other industry leaders
Aerospace/Defense is Arkansas’ leading export. In 2023, aircraft & aircraft parts were Arkansas’s largest category of export with over $850M dollars in goods exported.
Numerous available sites with runway access and aviation-focused facilities

Workforce

10,900 employees in Aerospace/Defense manufacturing; 6,196 directly engaged in aerospace products and parts manufacturing
The Little Rock Air Force Base has 7,462 personnel, including civilians, active duty, and Army Reserve Force
Since 2010, 10,000+ aerospace and defense jobs have been created in Arkansas.

Education

49 colleges, universities & 2-year colleges throughout Arkansas
Five educational institutions offer certification in Aviation Maintenance Technology including both Powerplant and Airframe mechanic career education
21 colleges, universities, and 2-year colleges, all high schools and several other organizations offer coursework, instruction or degrees in cybersecurity.
The Arkansas Department of Education's cybersecurity education initiative offers free coursework to all high school students with an interest in the field.
Over 2,100 engineering-related certificates and degrees awarded annually