Area Development Highlights Missouri’s Readiness for Incoming $5 Billion in Aerospace Growth
- February 17, 2025
The St. Louis region is experiencing a significant surge in its aerospace sector, marked by over $5 billion in investments across its major airports and leading aerospace companies. The Area Development article, St. Louis Aerospace Sector Takes Flight with $5 Billion in Investments and New Task Force takes a close look at how St. Louis is harnessing the momentum to attract and sustain long-term investments, foster job creation, and promote workforce development.
With Boeing, Gulfstream Aerospace Corp., and West Star Aviation expanding their presence in the region, the St. Louis Regional Aerospace and Aviation Task Force was formed to support the investments, which are expected to create more than 1,000 jobs.
Major investments include:
- St. Louis Lambert International Airport will undergo a $2.8 billion terminal expansion.
- Boeing is investing $2 billion across its St. Louis facilities.
- Gulfstream Aerospace recently expanded its operations with a $28 million investment.
- West Star Aviation celebrated the completion of a $20 million hangar expansion.
Boeing, Missouri’s largest manufacturer with a presence spanning over 80 years, has proposed a $1.8 billion expansion in St. Louis County, which is expected to create more than 500 new jobs. Its manufacturing facility in St. Louis is the nation’s second-largest defense contractor and a major producer of innovative aircraft, employing over 16,000 Missourians.
By coordinating the efforts of five major regional airports, aerospace companies, and workforce development organizations, the task force aims to attract and sustain long-term investments, create jobs, and develop a robust talent pipeline to ensure the region remains a hub for aerospace innovation and economic growth.
“For manufacturing executives and site selectors, the message is clear: St. Louis offers a unique combination of workforce readiness, infrastructure, and cross-state collaboration, making it a prime location for aerospace and other manufacturing industries looking to expand.” – Kimberly Graulein, Staff Writer, Area Development.