Wichita, KS – Leading Aviation Maintenance

As the most geocentric metro in the nation and one of the world’s five true aerospace clusters, the Greater Wichita region is a global leader in general, commercial, and defense aviation manufacturing. Nowhere else in the world will you find a region with the research, engineering, manufacturing and maintenance, repair and overhaul capabilities of the Air Capital of the World. For decades, major brands including Textron Aviation, Bombardier Learjet, Spirit AeroSystems, and GE Aviation have directly benefited from the region’s robust aviation ecosystem.

The Air Capital of the World proudly boasts the #1 skilled aviation workforce in the nation, giving companies direct access to the most-trained and most-advanced workers in the world with a pure, raw talent for building and repairing complex aerostructures. In addition to the thousands of ready-to-go workers, the region is home to the nation’s top research and education facilities, providing companies direct access to a robust talent pipeline.

• With the effects of COVID-19 and recent aviation layoffs, over 10,000 world-class manufacturing workers are available immediately. This ready-to-go workforce consists of the world's most skilled aerospace workers, providing a rare opportunity for new businesses looking to expand into the region.
   
• The National Center for Aviation Training (NCAT) at WSU Tech offers a world-class aviation maintenance technology program that produces 300 A&P mechanics every year. In addition, WSU Tech trains students within multiple aviation related programs, such as aerospace manufacturing technology, composite technology and nondestructive testing. This robust pipeline presents the perfect talent opportunity for any MRO business.
   
• The National Institute for Aviation Research (NIAR) is the largest aerospace research and development academic institution in the nation with 650+ employees and over $95 million total in yearly research and development. NIAR’s vast operations span six locations in more than one million square feet with 19 advanced research and testing labs, including additive manufacturing, advanced coatings, aging aircraft, composites and advanced materials. With NIAR’s advanced research and testing, the Air Capital of the World can keep planes in the air, longer.  

Whether you need direct runway access or to be in close proximity to major OEMs, the Greater Wichita region offers over 750+ on airport acres primed for development across three key locations.

Dwight D. Eisenhower National Airport

The state’s largest and newest airport, Dwight D. Eisenhower National Airport provides nearly 150 acres of airfield-access land and more than 350 acres of non-airfield property for development. Join 60+ aviation-related businesses, including the world’s largest general aviation MRO facility and the world headquarters of Textron Aviation and Bombardier Learjet.

Colonel James Jabara Airport

Colonel James Jabara Airport offers over 350 acres of development-ready space and is home to the Embraer Business Jet Service Center, with a full-service fixed-base operator and Cessna service center.

Contact Andrew Nave to discover how your company can soar in the Air Capital.