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The aerospace and aviation industry is flying high in Arkansas, and it is only climbing higher.
Major aerospace and defense companies are growing in Arkansas, drawn by the state’s low costs of doing business, strong workforce, and the industry-friendly environment in our state. Most recently, RTX and Rafael Advanced Defense Systems announced plans to develop a $33 million manufacturing facility in East Camden.
This growth is also evident in the strength of the existing companies in Arkansas. Across the state, there are companies that are producing essential goods and offering services that are vital to the aerospace, aviation, and defense industries.
In October, several of these companies attended the National Business Aviation Association (NBAA)’s annual convention to showcase their businesses and to promote the State of Arkansas as a premier destination for aerospace companies.
Multiple Arkansas companies represented the Natural State during the 2023 NBAA Aviation Convention & Exhibition (NBAA-BACE) in Las Vegas in October. These companies include Airgroup, Arcturus Aerospace, Game Composites, Galley Support Innovations, Mainstream Technologies, Mundo-Tech, ORC Products Inc., and Rose Group Advisors. Other organizations attending the event included the Arkansas Aerospace and Defense Alliance, the Arkansas Department of Commerce, Arkansas Economic Development Commission, Little Rock Regional Chamber, Texarkana Airport Authority, and World Trade Center Arkansas.
NBAA-BACE is the one of the largest business aviation events in the world, gathering aerospace and defense companies in one location to showcase aircraft, goods and services. During the tradeshow, the Arkansas companies had the opportunity to meet with potential customers and vendors, take meetings, and highlight the benefits of doing business in Arkansas.
Check out the Arkansas Aerospace and Defense Companies map below to see the diversity and strength of the state’s aerospace and defense industry:
