Louisiana: A Launchpad for Aerospace and Defense Innovation
The future of aerospace takes flight in Louisiana.
Louisiana is a proven partner in advancing U.S. aerospace and defense capabilities. From high-growth aviation companies to key Department of Defense contractors, the state offers the infrastructure, workforce, and pro-business climate these industries demand.
Louisiana is home to both industry pioneers like Arrow Aviation and Metro Aviation, and major players such as Boeing, Lockheed Martin, Northrop Grumman, and Western Global Airlines. These companies benefit from Louisiana’s central location, multimodal logistics, and a talent pipeline built through nationally ranked workforce training programs.
Recent legislation (Acts 343 and 874) provides liability protections for aerospace operations and a clear legal framework for aerospace activities for reduced operational risk and greater investment confidence.
Acts 583 and 584 reduced permitting barriers for qualifying aerospace manufacturing facilities, helping companies move projects from planning to production quickly. Additional reforms have modernized Louisiana’s aviation laws, providing greater regulatory clarity and aligning the state’s policies with today’s aerospace industry. (ACTS 583 & 584)
Louisiana is making aerospace investment even more competitive by expanding property tax exemptions for qualifying manufacturers and offering sales tax rebates for transformative projects that create jobs and invest in the state’s future. (ACTS 102 & 190)
Louisiana carries NASA back to the Moon
Since 1961, “America’s Rocket Factory” has operated in Louisiana at NASA’s Michoud Assembly Facility near downtown New Orleans. As the nation’s premier center for manufacturing the massive structures that make human spaceflight possible, and led by prime contractor Boeing, Michoud has built the hardware that carries astronauts farther than ever before.
In 2026, that legacy continued with Artemis II, NASA’s first crewed mission around the Moon in more than half a century. Nearly 90% of this vital mission’s Space Launch System rocket was manufactured in Louisiana, at the 829-acre facility that makes a national economic impact of more than $500 million.
In addition, more than 50 alumni of Louisiana colleges and universities – majoring in fields ranging from mechanical and electrical engineering to aerospace technology – had a direct impact on the Artemis II mission.
From Apollo to Artemis, New Orleans remains at the heart of America’s next giant leap.
“For generations, Louisiana has played a central role in America’s aerospace industry, anchored by NASA’s work at Michoud. That history has built a skilled workforce, strong supplier networks, and advanced manufacturing capabilities across the state. Artemis II reflects that foundation—and signals the opportunity ahead as Louisiana continues to grow its aerospace economy.”
-Susan B. Bourgeois, Secretary, Louisiana Economic Development
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Propelled by a Customized Workforce
Louisiana’s aerospace and aviation industries benefit from a robust, right-to-work workforce, with over 230,000 jobs supported by manufacturing. The National Center for Advanced Manufacturing (NACM), established in 1999, pioneers advanced manufacturing for NASA and related industries. Nunez Community College‘s curriculum aligns with Boeing’s Michoud Assembly Facility needs, while LED FastStart develops customized curricula and provides equipment to the Louisiana Community and Technical College System.
Additionally, four A&P schools in Louisiana, including Baton Rouge Community College, South Louisiana Community College, Southern University at Shreveport and SOWELA Technical Community College offer comprehensive aviation maintenance training. Louisiana Economic Development partners with the Louisiana Community and Technical College System to equip 12 campuses with 5-axis CNC machining centers. The state produces over 22,000 manufacturing-relevant graduates annually and promotes innovation through centers like the Louisiana Center for Manufacturing Sciences and the Manufacturing Extension Partnership.
A Business Climate That Helps Companies Soar
Success Stories
Major Aviation Employers
- Acadiana Manufacturing
- Arrow Aviation
- Aviation Exteriors Louisiana
- Bascom Hunter
- Bell Helicopter
- BK Aerospace (Michoud Assembly Facility)
- Branet
- Bristow Group LLC
- Cadorath Aerospace
- Citadel Completions
- Dart Aerospace
- Estes Energetics
- ExxonMobil Product Solutions Aviation Lubricants
- Flight Safety International
- GM Leasing
- Haynes International
- Helicopter Accessory Services South
- Helicopter Flight Training Center
- Helifab
- JBI Helicopters
- K&B Industries
- Landlocked Aviation Services
- Leonardo (AgustaWestland Philadelphia Corp.)
- Lockheed Martin (Michoud Assembly Facility)
- MASCO Service Corporation
- Meridian Helicopters
- Metro Aviation
- Mezzo Technologies
- NASA (Michoud Assembly Facility)
- Northrop Grumman Defense Services
- Outerlink Global Solutions
- Panther Helicopters
- PHI Aviation LLC
- Precision Heliparts Louisiana
- RLC
- S.D.B. Consultants, LTD
- Sev1 Tech
- Sparrow Inspections LLC
- Spitzer Helicopter Maintenance LLC
- Stratus System
- Vivace (Michoud Assembly Facility)
- Westfield Fluid Controls
- Westwind Helicopters
Louisiana’s Military Installations
Talent Pipeline
Defense Contractors
Cybersecurity
Military Installations
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