Central Texas becoming a key player in aerospace investment
Writer: Andrea Teran
June 2025 — San Antonio is cementing its role as a cornerstone of the Texas aerospace industry, fueled by a convergence of military heritage, cutting-edge research, and growing private sector investment. From advanced MRO operations to unmanned systems and spaceflight, the region is emerging as a comprehensive aerospace hub.
Port San Antonio serves as the nucleus of the city’s aerospace activity. Home to Boeing, StandardAero, and over 80 other tenants, the 1,900-acre campus integrates aviation, cybersecurity, and advanced manufacturing. StandardAero, which recently completed a major IPO, is looking to make San Antonio its largest site globally within the next five years. In response to a local talent shortage, the company launched an on-site training program that pays new hires during a 12-week curriculum to become aviation mechanics, drawing from a mix of former military personnel and high school graduates.
Luis Rodriguez, president and CEO of the San Antonio Hispanic Chamber of Commerce, highlighted the city’s evolving infrastructure and innovation ecosystem. “Port San Antonio continues to grow as a center for cybersecurity and aerospace innovation,” he told Invest:.
Educational and research institutions are foundational to the region’s aerospace growth. The University of Texas at San Antonio is establishing partnerships and advancing aeronautical engineering and defense R&D. Meanwhile, the San Antonio City Council recently approved $500,000 for the design of the Aerospace Learning Center at Port San Antonio, part of a broader initiative to link military heritage with future careers. “In Military City, USA, it’s important to offer an inclusive space that honors the city’s rich history in aviation,” said District 4 Councilmember Adriana Rocha Garcia as cited by Community Impact, “With this funding, we are one step closer to creating a welcoming space for visitors from across the globe and inspiring youth to explore San Antonio’s legendary past and visionary future in aerospace and military service.”
Ashley Gossen, executive vice president of global corporate recruitment at greater:SATX, described the sector’s momentum in an interview with Invest:. “Aerospace thrives at Port San Antonio with Boeing, StandardAero, Knight Aerospace, and Plus One Robotics. Proximity to Joint Base San Antonio strengthens this sector. Advanced manufacturing is a core strength, and within it, automotive is also key, with Toyota’s manufacturing operations, Tesla’s headquarters nearby, and a dense corridor of OEMs.”
Elsewhere in South Texas, SpaceX is continuing to develop its Starbase complex near Boca Chica Beach. While its latest Starship test failed, the site remains a strategic long-term investment aimed at creating a self-sustaining aerospace community. SpaceX’s plans include housing, office facilities, and community infrastructure designed to support its growing workforce.
In Central Texas, Firefly Aerospace, headquartered in Cedar Park, made headlines in March 2025 by becoming the second private U.S. company to land an uncrewed spacecraft on the moon. Firefly is now expanding its spacecraft production with an $8.2 million grant from the Texas Space Commission. In a press release, CEO Jason Kim stated, “We’re proud to continue growing here in Texas, helping to shape the future of space exploration while fostering the next generation of industry leaders.”
In El Paso, the University of Texas at El Paso recently opened its $80 million Advanced Manufacturing and Aerospace Center. Housing 29 labs, the new facility supports research into propulsion, unmanned aerial vehicles, and advanced 3D printing technologies. UTEP President Heather Wilson noted that faculty and students at the center will advance discovery and drive innovation, contributing to our national defense and economic growth.
Local governments are aligning with this growth. Williamson and Burnet counties have jointly formed the Central Texas Spaceport Development Corporation to attract aerospace companies and build supportive infrastructure. The effort is designed to position Central Texas competitively in the space economy, with a stated focus on workforce development, public-private partnerships, and innovation.
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