Long known as America’s air traffic hub, Florida now ranks #1 in MRO operations and #3 in aircraft manufacturing enterprise. In fact, Florida is one of the nation’s leading exporters of aerospace parts and products, generating over $9 billion in exports in 2022.
Florida’s aviation cluster is growing and so is the Heartland’s. World leaders like Tecnam are choosing this region, and here’s why:
Lower Costs Combined with Higher Value
While workforce skill is high in the Heartland, the cost of living and costs of doing business are significantly more affordable in business-friendly communities where pro-business utilities make lower operational costs and customer-focused service their mission. Affordable acreage at top-flight aviation facilities provide strategic locations for takeoff.
Location and Logistics for Rapid Domestic and Global Distribution
The Heartland offers omni-modal access and ease: Interstate, U.S. and state highway routes; Class I rail; seven deepwater ports; plus a network of local, regional and international airports. Ship and connect across the nation and around the globe.
A Talent Pipeline Aviation Performance
The Heartland’s experienced manufacturing workforce is aviation-ready, supported by the resources of leading community colleges and training institutions. Six aviation training sites within 150 miles offer flight or maintenance training, including global flight training at Immokalee Regional Airport.
Excellent Site Selection, Including Runway Access
- Sebring Regional Airport and Multimodal Logistics Center. Airport facilities and amenities include two asphalt runways, one 5,234’ and the other 4,990’, plus commercial and T hangars, an onsite restaurant and onsite hotel. The 2,134-acre rail-served industrial park and Foreign Trade Zone offers powerful electrical infrastructure and multimodal access, and is home to a burgeoning aviation cluster including Tecnam, Lockwood Aviation, Flight Logistics FLG Teardowns and multiple maintenance and repair operations.
- Okeechobee Airport & Commerce Center Industrial Park. The Airport is equipped with two asphalt runways, one 5,000’ and the other 4,000’, and a county-owned FBO. Both the Airport and Commerce Park are easily accessed through both U.S. and State highways connecting to major interstates. With 20 available acres, the Park is a strategic location for light manufacturing, logistics, distribution and manufacturing.