Prepare to launch.
From Montgomery, all the way to Mars.
In 1910, the Wright Brothers established the nation’s first civilian flight school in Montgomery, Alabama. Since then, the state’s been a launching pad for innovation in the aerospace and aviation industry. NASA, Boeing, Lockheed Martin, Airbus and a constantly-growing network of aerospace and aviation companies have taken off in Alabama. Where they’ll take us, we can only imagine.
300+
Aerospace companies from 30+ countries
100+
100+ years of aerospace
& aviation advances
Top 3
state for aerospace engineers
$8B
in aerospace exports
(2020–2024)
Space exploration and innovation
Alabama has a rich history in aerospace, giving the likes of NASA, Boeing, United Launch Alliance and Blue Origin the space to do what’s never been done before. The state has a vast presence in the space exploration industry, with over 300 aerospace companies and a heritage that dates back to the earliest days of the U.S. rocket program.
Aviation
Around the globe, you can see the impacts of Alabama’s aviation sector. You just have to look to the sky. Airbus’s only U.S. manufacturing facility is right here in Alabama as well as several other aviation manufacturing companies impacting how the world travels.
Defense
Alabama’s strong military presence starts in the labs and takes off from there. The state is home to training centers for U.S. Army helicopter pilots and the major research and engineering center that houses the Army’s critical missile defense programs. Raytheon, Boeing, Northrop Grumman and Lockheed Martin are developing the missile systems that keep America safe.
The most powerful rocket ever built.
Rocket scientists and engineers in Alabama spearheaded development of the deep space exploration vehicle that will take humanity further than ever before—NASA’s Space Launch System (SLS). While NASA’s Marshall Space Flight Center in Huntsville led development, Boeing produced its giant core stages housing 730,000 gallons of fuel for the engines. The most powerful rocket ever built will carry American astronauts back to the Moon with future sights on Mars.
The next stage of defense.
In Alabama, we’re revolutionizing defensive technologies every day to keep our country safe. Lockheed Martin and Dynetics are hard at work creating long-range hypersonic missiles and glide bodies that can travel close to 4,000 miles per hour. These next-level defense systems can intercept incoming ballistic threats, strengthening our nation’s defense.
Taking aviation manufacturing to new heights.
Airbus has its only U.S. manufacturing center in Mobile, Alabama. This $1 billion facility has transformed the coastal city into a global epicenter for the production of passenger aircraft, producing its A320 Family and A220 passenger jets. Every day, Alabama engineers and manufacturers are changing how people travel the world.
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Latest Aerospace & Aviation News
Commerce, Alabama defense firms seek growth opportunities in Belgium, Germany
Montgomery, Alabama – The Alabama Department of Commerce’s Global Business Office and Export Alabama are leading a week-long, aerospace and defense-focused international business development mission to Belgium and Germany this week.
3 weeks ago
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Our Recruitment and Retention office is ready to help you navigate the process of expanding or starting your business in our state—from start to finish.
Why Alabama?
You can make it here in Alabama.
Alabama is a state of makers, builders and doers. So, whatever you make or build, you can do it in Alabama. We’re a launching point for aerospace, aviation and defense. A leader in automotive production. A home for startups, technology and research breakthroughs. And drawing on our manufacturing roots, we’re helping to usher in the industrial evolution in America.
Quality of Life
There’s more to life in Alabama than just work. Here, you’ll find a low cost of living with a high-value life. Living in Alabama means stepping into a world of new, daily adventures. From beaches and national forests to world-class universities and legendary sports, living here is as sweet as it gets.
Business Climate
Alabama is built for business. Centrally located in the fast-growing American South, our state combines a competitive environment with a pro-business mindset. Whether you’re investing, launching, relocating or expanding, you will find the momentum you need to thrive.
Tax Incentives & Grants
Alabama’s business approach offers global companies incentives, tax benefits, a skilled workforce, ideal site locations and excellent real estate options. Our state’s low taxes, affordable utilities and reasonable cost of living help you boost profits and ensure your dollars go further.
Workforce
Alabama’s workforce is a major attraction for businesses worldwide. AIDT, our state’s nation-leading workforce development agency, has powered giants like Mercedes-Benz and Airbus. By pairing workforce training with strong university pipelines, we deliver a skilled workforce ready for every industry.
Site Search
Your next big move starts on Southern ground. With Alabama’s diverse inventory of prepared sites and available quality buildings, our state is ready to welcome your next project. Whatever you require, we have the space and infrastructure to get you operational—fast.
Contact a Project Manager
Our Business Development Division seeks corporate investors, promotes global expansion for local companies and collaborates with stakeholders to accelerate statewide growth. Connect with a project manager today to see how your new or expanding company could thrive in Alabama.