Aerospace, Aviation & Defense Companies in Texas
Today’s big thinkers are pulling from a well-established workforce and industry ecosystem to benefit tomorrow.
According to the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics, the aerospace and aviation industry directly employs over 148,000 Texas workers at more than 1,400 establishments and ranks #1 in the U.S. for air transportation employment, building on a rich history of industry innovation and development in the state. Texas is where the first military flights took off, where Neil Armstrong and Buzz Aldrin trained for the Apollo 11 mission, and where the world’s largest low-cost airline carrier was founded. Today, Texas colleges and universities are investing more than $5 billion a year in R&D expenditures, committed to the next big innovation.
Houston, We Have a Solution
Since the Gemini and Apollo programs, NASA’s Lyndon B. Johnson Space Center in Houston has served as Mission Control for human space flight from the United States.
Ready for Takeoff
The home base for Lockheed Martin Aeronautics, American Airlines, Southwest Airlines and Boeing’s Global Services business unit, North Texas makes sure America flies safely and on time.
To Infinity and Beyond
SpaceX is building the world’s first commercial launch site in South Texas, a location chosen for proximity to both talent and the equator.
Teaching the Skills Industry Needs
Among Texas colleges partnering with local industry, St. Philip's College in San Antonio has developed its programs with Lockheed Martin, Boeing, ST Aerospace, Cessna, the U.S. Air Force and more.
Protecting the Nation
Texas is home to 15 active military bases with more than 170,000 military personnel, the second highest concentration of active duty members in the country.
Aerospace, Aviation and Defense Employment Growth
The aerospace, aviation and defense sector continues to grow in Texas, with companies clustered near Dallas-Fort Worth, Houston and San Antonio.