The diverse sectors of aerospace include commercial, civil and military aviation, defense and space. They encompass a wide array of talent and competencies. The industrial base includes researchers, engineers, technicians, mechanics, skilled machinists and precision production jobs.

Arkansas’ aerospace, aviation and defense industry employs nearly 10,000 Arkansans.

Aerospace is Arkansas’s number one export, accounting for more than $1.8 Billion. Commercial airports generate $2 billion to Arkansas’ economy each year, and general aviation alone creates an economic impact on Arkansas of almost $500 million annually.

There are approximately 180 aviation and aerospace-related companies in the state.

There are 91 publicly-owned/publicly-used general aviation and community airports within the State of Arkansas, eight of which have airline services.