How Is Amarillo Positioning Itself as a Leader in Aerospace and Defense Manufacturing?
Amarillo has long been a key player in the defense and aerospace industries, and today, the city is taking strategic steps to expand that legacy into emerging sectors like drone technology and advanced manufacturing. With cornerstone employers and a skilled workforce, the city is creating fertile ground for aerospace innovation in the Texas Panhandle.
From defense contracts to drone tech, Amarillo offers more than just manufacturing space. It offers a vision for future-proofing your business in a region built for growth.
A Strong Aerospace Foundation with National Impact
Amarillo’s aerospace sector is anchored by Bell Textron Inc., which has operated its Amarillo Assembly Center since 1999. This facility plays a central role in producing the V-22 Osprey tiltrotor aircraft, military helicopters, and next-generation vertical lift technologies. According to Bell, the Amarillo team helps deliver some of the most advanced aircraft to the U.S. military, with an emphasis on quality, safety, and innovation (Bell Flight, Made in Amarillo, Texas: The Team Behind the Bell Boeing V-22 Osprey).
This is a cornerstone of Amarillo aerospace jobs, attracting and training high-skill workers across the region. Bell’s operations are supported by a strong ecosystem, including regional education partners and custom incentive packages from AEDC.
New Aerospace Investment and Business Diversification
The momentum doesn’t stop with Bell. In 2023, Albers Aerospace announced a partnership with the Amarillo EDC to bring new manufacturing operations to the city (Amarillo Globe News, Albers Aerospace announces Amarillo expansion). This expansion supports both defense and commercial aerospace manufacturing, adding more opportunities to diversify Amarillo’s economy while reinforcing its position as a Texas aerospace hub.
Supporting companies like International Aerospace Coatings in Amarillo also play a crucial role in the supply chain, providing specialized services that help original equipment manufacturers and defense contractors meet performance and durability standards.
These developments show that Amarillo businesses are driving the aerospace sector to its future.
Exploring the Drone Tech Opportunity
While Amarillo’s aerospace reputation is firmly grounded in large-scale defense manufacturing, drone technology in the Texas Panhandle is emerging as a promising frontier.
Although the city isn’t yet a nationally recognized drone tech hub, Amarillo’s infrastructure and industry alignment make it a natural candidate for UAV (unmanned aerial vehicles) innovation. The same factors that support manned aircraft manufacturing, like access to open skies, skilled labor, and favorable logistics, also make the city ideal for drone research, testing, and commercialization.
WTAMU, Amarillo College, and AmTech Career Academy are already offering programs in cybersecurity, digital systems, and automation, which are all critical skills for drone systems and aerospace control technologies. For companies in UAV and remote sensing, this educational pipeline is a strategic advantage.
By highlighting these assets, AEDC is encouraging forward-thinking aerospace companies to explore Amarillo as a launchpad for drone innovation.
Why Choose Amarillo for Aerospace Expansion?
Here’s why aerospace manufacturers, suppliers, and innovators are choosing Amarillo:
- Strategic Location: Central access to North American markets and military logistics corridors.
- Workforce-Ready Talent: Local schools and colleges are aligning curriculum with aerospace and manufacturing needs.
- Competitive Incentives: The Amarillo EDC customizes packages to support growth, relocation, or expansion.
- Supportive Ecosystem: From coatings and logistics to tech training and infrastructure, Amarillo is ready to scale with you.
Let’s Build the Future of Flight Together
At the Amarillo Economic Development Corporation, we’re proud to support the companies building tomorrow’s aerospace technologies today. Whether you’re looking to relocate your business, expand into new markets, or tap into a skilled workforce, Amarillo is ready for takeoff.
Contact AEDC today to learn more about site selection, incentives, and the people powering innovation in the Texas Panhandle.
