The aviation target industry cluster is part of the overall aerospace industry and an important component of our national and regional economy. The aerospace industry is composed of the manufacturers of aircraft and parts, guided missiles, and space vehicles and parts.

Aviation and aerospace manufacturers are distinguished by the markets they supply. Original equipment manufacturers (OEMs) supply parts directly to assembly plants for direct use in the manufacture of aircraft, guided missiles and space vehicles. The aftermarket parts manufacturers make replacement parts. For several years, the aftermarket for aircraft equipment suppliers has been overtaking the business of producing parts and systems for new airframes.

One prime aftermarket is maintenance, repair and overhaul (MRO) for both military and commercial aircraft. Fewer new aircraft are being purchased, and instead, older aircraft are being updated with engines, noise-abatement equipment and avionics. This trend bodes well for the Jacksonville region, as it is already home to several aftermarket manufacturers — NADEP (Naval Aviation Depot), Northrop Grumman, Boeing Aerospace, and others.

Why Jacksonville?

The First Coast currently has a good base of aviation and aerospace companies and a network of airports that is currently underutilized, as well as the skilled labor for the industry that comes from the military personnel in the area.

A critical element in a location search is finding an appropriate site. Jacksonville presents three different site options for consideration. Two are located at Cecil Commerce Center, and the third is adjacent to the Jacksonville International Airport. Each site has runway access and taxiways that, with minimal enhancement, can meet a client's requirements.

JAXPORT holds a foreign trade zone license, with the possibility of extending the sub-zone status throughout the metro area. Northeast Florida’s competitive tax and wage rates are also benefits to your company.

Workforce

Jacksonville has a built-in labor advantage, with more than 6,000 highly trained service members leaving the Navy each year and directly entering the workforce in Northeast Florida. Many of these individuals have aviation skills or related technical experience from their work on military aircraft. There are over 20,000 people within Northeast Florida who have aviation-related work experience and training. Over 15,000 students are currently enrolled in aviation-related programs in the Jacksonville region. 

The Aviation/Aerospace Center of Excellence, established by Florida Community College at Jacksonville (FCCJ) and the Duval County School Board, leads to airframe and power plant certification. This creation of a trained workforce results in the strengthening of the aviation industry in Northeast Florida.

Aviation Companies in Jacksonville
( this list is non-comprehensive )