Fort Worth EDP Win—Embraer joins Fort Worth’s already-robust aerospace and defense sector with the announcement of a $70 million investment for new maintenance, repair, and overhaul (MRO) facilities in Fort Worth, Texas, bringing 250 skilled aviation jobs to the region.
By Jessica Heer, Executive Vice President | Oct. 21, 2024
Last week, Embraer announced a $70 million investment in new facilities in Fort Worth, Texas to expand its U.S. maintenance, repair, and overhaul (MRO) network. The project will support the growing E-Jet fleet through a 16-acre service center at Perot Field Alliance Airport. In partnership with Hillwood, the two-phase plan will begin operations in an existing hangar while constructing a state-of-the-art facility, creating over 250 skilled aviation jobs.
Headquartered in Brazil, Embraer is a global aerospace company with business units that span commercial, executive, and defense aviation sectors. As a leading manufacturer of commercial jets with up to 150 seats, Embraer has delivered more than 9,000 aircraft since it was founded in 1969. On average, an aircraft manufactured by Embraer takes off every 10 seconds somewhere in the world, transporting more than 145 million passengers a year.
In partnership with the City of Fort Worth, Denton County, and the State of Texas, Embraer plans to begin operations in the beginning of the second quarter of 2025 and be fully operational by 2027. The City has agreed to enter into a seven-year tax abatement of up to 50% of the incremental value of both the company’s real and business personal property. The company is committing to a capital investment of $57 million, with $42 million in real property improvements expected by December 2026 and $15 million in business personal property by January 2027.
“We are excited to receive the final approval for this important expansion of our MRO business that supports our continued investment in the U.S. market,” said Carlos Naufel, president and CEO of Embraer Services & Support, in a statement. “We have a longstanding relationship with the state of Texas and look forward to our partnership with Hillwood at Alliance, and the opening of this new service center will create hundreds of highly skilled jobs in a vital segment for the aviation industry.”
Driving Aerospace Growth: Fort Worth’s Expanding Sector
In addition to Embraer’s announcement in Fort Worth, earlier this year, GE On Wing Support, Inc. announced plans to expand their existing facility in Fort Worth near DFW airport. Together these announcements speak to the continued growth of the robust aerospace and defense sector in Fort Worth.
Fort Worth is a leading aerospace and defense hub in North America with over 17,000 workers and home to industry leaders like Bell and Lockheed Martin. And in the greater Dallas-Fort Worth metro area, there are more than 95,000 aerospace sector workers and nearly 700 companies. DFW’s regional sector includes a rich and diverse sampling of aerospace and defense expertise, including aircraft manufacturing, missiles, drones, unmanned aircraft, and space vehicles.
Why It Matters for Fort Worth Economic Development
Recruiting Embraer to Fort Worth is a significant win that reinforces the city’s strategic position in the aerospace and defense sector. These types of projects drive broader economic development by creating jobs, fostering innovation, and strengthening the local economy through support for small businesses and increased economic resilience. These announcements can also boost Fort Worth’s visibility, which attracts additional investments, jobs, and business operations seeking to leverage the momentum of a well-regarded aviation brand.
“We’re thrilled that Embraer has selected Fort Worth and Perot Field Fort Worth Alliance Airport for their new aircraft facility,” said Robert Allen, President & CEO, Fort Worth Economic Development Partnership. “Collaborating closely with Hillwood and Embraer’s team throughout the entire process, this project stands as a clear testament to Fort Worth’s robust aerospace and defense sector. We’re excited to see the lasting impact this will have on the industry and our community’s continued growth.”
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Jessica Heer is the Executive Vice President of the Fort Worth Economic Development Partnership. The Fort Worth EDP works directly with companies, site selection consultants, and corporate real estate professionals who are interested in moving or expanding to Fort Worth, Tarrant County, and the surrounding areas. If you’d like to learn more about Fort Worth, please schedule a meeting with us or check out our Why Fort Worth page.
