Dallas-Fort Worth Leads the Country in Aviation and Aerospace Employment

The Dallas-Fort Worth Metroplex (DFW) has one of the highest concentrations of aviation and aerospace firms in the country. According to the Dallas Regional Chamber, there are more than 700 aviation and aerospace companies across its communities, employing over 100,000 people. The Texas Office of the Governor reports that there are 150,000 total aviation and aerospace employees in the state, which means two-thirds of those workers operate in the DFW region.

“It makes sense that companies within the aviation and aerospace industry would operate near each other to make sure they are providing the best results,” says a representative for the DeSoto Development Corporation. Recreational travelers, commercial firms, and the federal government count on DFW workers to do their jobs effectively so they arrive safely.”

There’s plenty of opportunity for aerospace expansion in North Texas, specifically in DeSoto. Here are a few reasons why companies can easily find a home just south of Dallas. 

Four Major Airport Facilities Are the Foundation of the Industry

The DFW region is a hub for air travel. The central location of Texas makes it an ideal option for connecting flights, while also serving as a gateway to Central America and other international destinations. Companies interested in the DFW region have four key air facilities for establishing their operations and supply chains. 

• Dallas-Fort Worth International Airport (DFW) is the third-busiest airport in the world, serving 73 million passengers annually. It boasts 193 domestic and 67 international nonstop destinations and serves 22 cargo airlines.  
• Dallas Love Field (DAL) serves nearly 18 million passengers annually and boasts 145 total destinations. While it is smaller than DFW, it is still a major airport with more than 600 flight operations daily. 
• Dallas Executive Airport (RBD) is perfect for companies operating in DeSoto. It occupies more than 1,000 acres of land, including 480 acres of developable land. The airport has an air traffic control tower and a full instrument landing system. 
• Heliport DeSoto is a vertical flight facility with 35,000 square feet of terminal and hangar space. It includes a helipad, taxiway, and heliport apron.

Each of these airports or aviation facilities is within a 30-minute drive of DeSoto, with RBD and the Heliport within 10 minutes of most DeSoto commercial facilities. These airports, along with the 700 other aerospace and aviation firms in the region, make it easy to meet with suppliers, partners, and customers as they establish their operations just south of Dallas. 

North Texas Leads in Aerospace Manufacturing

While DFW is the headquarters of two major airlines (American Airlines and Southwest Airlines), the aviation industry is spread across several companies. North Texas is home to 10% of all aerospace manufacturing jobs, accounting for 6% of all aircraft manufacturers in the nation.

“North Texas is one of the most highly concentrated regions of aircraft and aircraft parts production in the country,” reports the Office of the Governor.

This claim is backed by reports from the Dallas Regional Chamber. More than 34,000 residents of the DFW region work in aerospace product and parts manufacturing. DFW is also home to 5,226 mechanical engineers and 4,528 machinists.

While DFW is home to the third-busiest airport in the world, the majority of aviation employment doesn’t necessarily relate to airport employees. The manufacturing industry is thriving in DFW as employees at local firms create the future of air and space travel. 

State and Local Incentives Make it Easy to Choose DeSoto

Aviation and aerospace companies moving to DeSoto can take advantage of state and local incentives that make operating here more affordable. The Office of the Governor listed several programs that apply to companies invested in space exploration, job creation, and research activities.

Locally, DeSoto boasts several business incentives, that range from tax abatements to new market tax credits. The DeSoto Development Corporation can help you understand and apply for these credits and financial incentives.  

Finally, DeSoto is also an Opportunity Zone, which means companies can take advantage of deferred or eliminated federal taxes on capital gains. This makes the community stand out against other DFW neighborhoods.

Search for available properties in the area and see how they are a good fit for the aerospace industry. The combination of state and local incentives, along with affordable land prices, makes DeSoto a compelling option for aviation firms. 

DeSoto Residents Are Educated and Ready to Work

Workforce recruitment is not a problem for companies moving into the DFW region. Not only are there currently 100,000 aviation and aerospace employees, but there are also opportunities to hire locally and train workers. Specifically, there are 28,267 workers in DeSoto, 60% of whom have a college degree.

Many of these residents are looking to move closer to home. The average commute time for DeSoto residents is 31 minutes, with most people driving alone to work. Companies that relocate to DeSoto can easily hire team members who don’t want to travel across the Metroplex each day.

“DeSoto is a growing community with people who are ready to work,” says Carlson. “We also have several workforce development partners, starting with the local school system and extending into higher education and public training providers. Our goal is to make it easy for aviation firms to find their workers.”

The DFW Metroplex has several communities competing for the attention of aerospace companies, but DeSoto has the perfect combination of affordable industrial space, developable land, and an eager workforce. 

See Why Aviation Companies Are Moving to South Dallas

If you haven’t been to DeSoto, Texas, it’s time for a visit. See why so many aviation and aerospace firms choose DFW and consider DeSoto for your future operations. Move to a hub where you can easily find aviation talent, from engineers to manufacturers. There’s ample space, favorable incentives, and a team of dedicated economic development professionals ready to help.

Contact the DeSoto Development Corporation today, and let’s discuss your options. There’s plenty of space in the community for businesses innovating the future of flight.