PDW opens high-tech drone factory in Huntsville, eyes 500 jobs
HUNTSVILLE, Alabama — Performance Drone Works (PDW), a fast-rising force in next-generation unmanned aircraft systems (UAS), officially opened Drone Factory 01 on Wednesday — a 90,000-square-foot manufacturing facility in Huntsville that vastly expands the company’s production capacity and positions it to meet growing demand from U.S. and allied defense forces. With the new facility, PDW said it…
‘Business Facilities’ ranks Alabama a national leader in key sectors
Alabama and several of its metro areas have earned high marks in the 2025 “Business Facilities” Annual Rankings Report, reinforcing the state’s status as a national leader in key industries and a prime destination for business growth. The influential report — now in its 21st year — evaluates states and metro areas across more than 25…
L3Harris expands Huntsville solid rocket motor facility with plans for more growth
HUNTSVILLE, Alabama — L3Harris Technologies hosted local and state leaders and customers in Alabama’s “Rocket City” on Monday to showcase the company’s newest Solid Rocket Motor (SRM) production facility, known as Advanced Manufacturing Facility-South (AMF-South). The site, the size of more than six football fields, is designed and equipped to support surging production demands and…
Airbus delivers 100th A220 from Mobile facility, marking milestone for Alabama’s aerospace industry
MOBILE, Alabama — Alabama’s aerospace industry reached new heights as Airbus announced the delivery of the 100th A220 aircraft produced at its U.S. Manufacturing Facility in Mobile, marking a major milestone for the site and for the state’s thriving aviation sector. The landmark aircraft, delivered to Breeze Airways, symbolizes the rapid growth and success of…
Alabama team uncovers $1.5 billion in project leads at 2025 Paris Air Show
PARIS — What began with a full schedule of 21 pre-arranged meetings quickly evolved into a whirlwind of opportunity for the Alabama Department of Commerce team at last week’s 2025 Paris Air Show, where the state team engaged with executives from more than 36 aerospace companies — surpassing expectations and setting the stage for future investment.…
The Rocket Fleet: ULA’s seafaring path to the stars flows through Alabama
In the vast waters of the Gulf of Mexico, fishing boats skimming the waves and cargo ships charting global courses are joined by a unique vessel — part ocean freighter, part spacefaring accomplice. Her name is ”RocketShip,” and while she may not carry cannons or torpedoes, she’s the pride of an unusual Alabama-based maritime fleet…
Alabama communities showcase aerospace strength at 2025 Paris Air Show
PARIS — Alabama’s aerospace ambitions were on full display this week as a delegation of communities, universities and economic development partners joined forces to promote the state’s growing role in the global aerospace and defense landscape at the 2025 Paris Air Show. From North Alabama’s innovation corridor to South Alabama’s aviation hubs, participants joined the…
Tuskegee University revives flight training legacy with new aviation program
TUSKEGEE, Alabama — For the first time since 1946, Tuskegee University has reinstated flight training at the historic Moton Field, marking a significant milestone in aviation education for Alabama and the nation. This revival is made possible through a partnership with Republic Airways’ Leadership In Flight Training (LIFT) Academy, which aims to cultivate a new generation of aviators.…
Alabama’s universities energize aerospace recruitment at Paris Air Show
PARIS — From deep-space exploration to next-gen aviation systems, Alabama is a national leader in the aerospace and defense sectors. But behind the rockets, aircraft and advanced weapons systems is a powerful network of research universities that provide the fuel for this innovation engine. Across the state, Alabama’s public universities are advancing game-changing research, training…
How AIDT’s Aviation Training Center is powering Alabama’s aerospace workforce
When Airbus chose Mobile, Alabama, as the home for its first U.S.-based commercial aircraft assembly plant, it marked a transformative moment for the state’s aerospace industry. But behind the headlines and ribbon cuttings was another critical development: the establishment of the AIDT Aviation Training Center, a state-of-the-art facility designed to build the skilled workforce Airbus needed to…
