Texas is a powerhouse in the aerospace and aviation sector, hosting more than 1400 establishments, ranging from globally renowned companies to startups. Most aircraft companies based in the state are primarily involved in the design, manufacturing, and production of both fixed-wing aircrafts and rotorcrafts. Aircraft companies span across Texas, with major hubs being Fort Worth, Grand Prairie, San Antonio, Houston, and Kerrville. The aircraft industry in Texas serves multiple segments, such as military, commercial, general aviation, and helicopter. As per an estimate, aircraft industry contributes $34 billion annually to the state GDP of Texas.
Let’s have a look at the top 5 aircraft companies in Texas:
1. Bell Flight
- Address: 3255, Bell Flight Boulevard, Fort Worth, TX 76118
Bell Flight, established in the year 1935, is headquartered in Fort Worth, Texas. It is a subsidiary of Textron Inc., and a global leader in rotorcraft innovation and manufacturing. The company’s core segments include military rotorcrafts like V-22 Osprey and Future Long-Range Assault Helicopter, commercial helicopters like Bell 407, 505 and 525, and advanced air mobility solutions like Autonomous Pod Transport.
Apart from Fort Worth, the company maintains two other facilities in Amarillo and Grand Prairie. Bell Flight employs more than 8300 individuals in Texas, out of a global employee strength of over 10,000.
2. Lockheed Martin Aeronautics
- Address: 999, Lockheed Boulevard, Fort Worth, TX 76108
Lockheed Martin Aeronautics is headquartered in Fort Worth, Texas. It is a subsidiary of Lockheed Martin Corporation, and a premier designer and manufacturer of advanced military aircrafts in the world. Lockheed Martin Aeronautics is particularly known for its stealth, multirole fighters, and next-generation systems. Some of the globally-recognised fighter and transport aircraft models developed by the company include F16 Fighting Falcon, F35 Lighting II, C-130J Super Hercules, and P-3 Orion variants.
Lockheed Martin Aeronautics operates two facilities in Fort Worth, and a single facility in Greenville. The company is the largest revenue driver for Lockheed Martin Corporation, accounting for 39% of the revenues in 2024.
3. Mooney International Corporation
- Address: 165, AI Mooney Road, Kerrville, TX 78028
Mooney International Corporation is headquartered in Kerrville, Texas. Established in the year 1929, it is an iconic American manufacturer of high-performance, single-engine piston aircraft. The company caters to both aviation enthusiasts and businesses. Mooney International mainly focuses on its signature M20 series of single-engine GA piston aircraft. It also offers tailored interiors, avionics, and performance enhancements.
Mooney International Corporation operates a manufacturing facility in Kerrville. The company has delivered over 11,000 aircrafts globally, and its fleet has clocked over 40 million flight hours till date.
Address: 165, AI Mooney Road, Kerrville, TX 78028
4. Air Tractor Inc.
- Address: PO Box 485, Olney, TX 76374
Air Tractor Inc. is headquartered in Olney, Texas. Founded in the year 1972 by aviation pioneer Leland Snow, it is a premier manufacturer of specialized turboprop aircraft designed for agricultural spraying, aerial firefighting, and military or intelligence missions. Some of its top models include AT-402, AT-502, AT-602, AT-802 Fire Boss, AT-802U Sky Warden, and L3 Harris. The company focuses on purpose-built designs that enhance operational efficiency and safety.
Air Tractor’s Olney facility is involved in designing, manufacturing, assembling, and flight testing. The company exports its aircrafts to over 50 countries worldwide.
5. Airbus Helicopters
- Address: 2701 N Forum Dr, Grand Prairie, TX 75052
Airbus Helicopters, a division of Airbus SE, is a leading manufacturer of civil and military rotorcrafts in the world. Its North American headquarters is located in Grand Prairie, Texas. The company’s major North American facility is also located in Kerrville, Texas. This facility manufactures civilian helicopter models like H125, H135, and H145, and is also a site for flight testing and EMS customization.
Conclusion
Texas leads US exports in aerospace products. Universities in Texas like UT Austin and Texas A&M invest over $250 million annually in the aircraft manufacturing industry, particularly in research and development.
