Industry Spotlight: Aerospace/Aviation

Industry Spotlight: Aerospace/Aviation

Industry Spotlight is designed to highlight the exciting industry news available in the diverse industries that affect the Broward County economy. Here you will find a collection of Aerospace industry information, resources and economic activities. The aerospace industry involves the activities of both the aviation and space industries including the design, manufacture, operation, training and regulation of vehicles and systems used throughout the earth’s atmosphere (aviation) and beyond (space). Looking toward the future, aerospace represents a new way of thinking about the synergistic operation and support of aviation and space systems.

Economic Impact

The US Bureau of Labor Statistics reports that for the State of Florida in 2010, the Aerospace Industry totaled 1969 companies, with 83,818 employees, averaging 43 employees per company, at an average wage of $54,852 per employee, and a total payroll of over $4.60 billion.

Market Briefs

• For many decades, Florida has been a pioneer in commercial flight, naval aviation and space exploration. Today, the resulting synergy in the space and aviation industry attracts the world’s leading businesses to the state.
• South Florida, in particular, is home to a large and highly diverse aerospace industry, ranging from general aviation manufacturers such as New Piper to helicopter manufacturers such as Sikorsky and aircraft engine makers such as Pratt & Whitney. Homegrown world leaders, such as B/E Aerospace cater to a global clientele that includes the likes of British Airways and China Southern Airlines. South Florida’s status as a global commercial gateway has attracted numerous aircraft manufacturers from other countries including Bombardier, Embraer and EADS. Miami is home to the United States Southern Command (US SOUTHCOM), responsible for operational control of all US military forces in the Western Hemisphere south of Mexico.
• Over the past 5 years, more than 650 patents have been awarded to Florida Companies and individuals in aerospace related fields.
• Florida ranks third nationwide in the nation in Aviation & Aerospace Industry employment. The state’s multilingual labor force has the necessary cross-cultural skills for companies servicing customers throughout the Americas and around the world.
• Florida is a Global Aviation Hub with over 3.2 million aircraft movements each year. It is the birthplace of commercial aviation, aided by the state’s unique geography and mild climate.  Florida’s aviation industry has grown to include 129 public airports, over 600 private ones, and 27 military airfields.
• Lastly, Florida has the most extensive network of flight training facilities in the U.S.-over 150 entities with a staff of 3,000-providing one fifth of the world’s flight training.

Current Trends & Opportunities

• The Aerospace Banner Center is an excellent resource for current industry trends and information. The website address is www.aerocenter.org
• The Air Freight and Business Flying segments of the industry have the strongest growth outlook.
• Broward College’s Air Traffic Control AA program, started in 2008, has graduated its first three classes, now pursuing careers with the Federal Aviation Agency. This will help with the replacement of some 17,000 nationwide controllers over the next ten years.

Industry Links

• Aviation and Aerospace Banner Center: www.aerocenter.org
• Florida Airports Council: www.floridaairport.org
• Florida Aviation Aerospace Alliance: www.faaa.org
• Greater Miami Aviation Association: www.miamiaviation.org
• Miami Maintenance Management Council: www.mmmc.com
• FAA-Aerospace Forecast and Commercial Space Transportation: www.faa.gov
• Space Florida: www.spaceflorida.gov
• Office of Tourism, Trade and Economic Development: www.myflorida.com