Aerospace
A Key Industry In North Louisiana
North Louisiana’s aerospace industry is on an upward trajectory, underpinned by a strong combination of infrastructure, logistics, a skilled workforce, and a large military presence. North Louisiana is home to Barksdale Air Force Base and the Global Strike Command – one of the U.S. Airforce’s Major Commands. Global Strike Command oversees two-thirds of the nation’s nuclear enterprise and is responsible for the nation’s three intercontinental ballistic missile wings, the Air Force’s entire bomber force (B-52, B-1, and B-2 wings), and the Long Range Strike Bomber program. Air Force Global Strike Command’s Commercial Capabilities Integration and Transition (CCIT) works with local entities to facilitate the scouting and integration of modern technologies to improve its mission.
After a comprehensive evaluation, Airbus Consulting concluded that the region’s assets demonstrate a supply of aerospace-skilled workers as well as the necessary infrastructure in place to support Maintenance, Repair, and Overhaul (MRO) activities. The region’s aerospace and aviation excellence is demonstrated through established companies like Metro Aviation, the largest air medical helicopter completion center in the world that is headquartered in Shreveport, LA.
Contact the Expert
Sheena Bryant, CEcD, EDFP
Business Development Strategy Vice President
- Phone: 318-677-2558
- Phone: sbryant@nlep.org
Major Employers
“Northwest Louisiana has been essential to the success of Metro Aviation for two primary reasons; the work ethic of the Northwest Louisiana workforce and the low overhead cost of running a business in Northwest Louisiana. Our primary competitors are based in Denver, Dallas, and Philadelphia. We have an advantage over these competitors primarily due to these two factors.”
Kenny Morrow
Chief Operating Officer, Metro Aviation
Aircraft Completion Center
Workforce
Our advanced manufacturing talent pipeline is supported by higher education partnerships that cultivate the skills our employers are seeking. The region boasts three FAA-certified Aviation Maintenance Professional (AMP) Schools within an hour’s drive. BRF’s Collaboration Link fosters synergy between government agencies such as the Department of Defense, industry, universities, and entrepreneurs. In 2024, Business Facilities ranked Louisiana’s customized workforce development programs as the second best in the nation, a ranking it has held for nearly fifteen years.