Fort Worth has soared to new heights as Governor Greg Abbott endorsed its new status as the 'Aviation and Defense Capital of Texas'. Abbott's signature on House Concurrent Resolution 142, in an event attended by over a hundred leaders, marks a significant recognition for the city's burgeoning aerospace and defense industries. The ceremony, which highlighted Texas' expansion and Fort Worth's contribution, was reported by the City of Fort Worth.
The shine of Fort Worth's aerospace sector reflects in the employment statistics, with more than 23,500 individuals working across a six-county radius, earning an average wage of $100,000. Anchoring the city's industrial landscape are over 600 aerospace and defense-related companies, including Bell and Lockheed Martin. The significance of this sector is further pronounced with recent investments like Brazilian aerospace giant Embraer’s new facilities at Perot Field Fort Worth Alliance Airport and the expansion of a GE On Wing Support Inc. facility near DFW Airport. These expansions, according to the Fort Worth Economic Development Partnership (EDP), pump an additional $120 million and 350 jobs into the local economy.
Fort Worth's growing aerospace prowess isn't isolated from the larger state context; Texas ranks second in aerospace establishments nationwide and first in defense spending. This dual standing cements both the state's and Fort Worth’s leadership roles in these critical sectors. An official photo featured Governor Abbott speaking on Fort Worth’s efforts to maintain America's top spot in military and aerospace technology, while Mayor Mattie Parker highlighted the city’s economic contributions, images and details of which were shared in the original announcement.
