From drones to air taxis: Why aerospace companies are betting on this region

Region becoming a powerhouse for aerospace innovation

Electra’s decision to build an $850 million factory in Springfield — bringing nearly 2,000 jobs over the next decade — is the latest sign that southwest Ohio is becoming a powerhouse for aerospace innovation. The Journal-News examines why aerospace firms are betting big on the region — and what it could mean for the local economy and workforce.

Wright-Patterson Air Force Base

The Dayton Development Coalition expects Electra’s investment and job plans will generate significant economic benefits across the region. Higher household incomes will increase spending in the community, while the project will create additional jobs through construction, suppliers, logistics and other supporting industries.

This is on top of the 2,000 jobs that Joby Aviation has committed to the region through its expansion at its 700,000-square-foot facility off Capstone Way in Vandalia. There, Joby is preparing what will be its chief area production site.

Sierra Nevada Corporation has invested close to $100 million into its Dayton presence in the past four years, the company has said. Since 2022, Sierra Nevada has built four massive hangars at the Dayton International Airport, each roughly 100,000 square feet, big enough to protect some of the military’s biggest airplanes.

GE Aerospace and CTL Aerospace in West Chester Twp. also have landed giant contracts.

Wright-Patterson Air Force Base is one of the main reasons aerospace companies are attracted to the area.

“We have the sites. We have the workforce. We have the quality of life. But we also have Wright-Patterson Air Force Base,” Hoagland said.

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Photo credit: Gov. Mike DeWine shakes hands with Electra CEO Marc Allen on the stage at the Farnborough Air Show in Hampshire, England, in late July. Allen had just announced Electra would be opening a new production facility in Springfield, creating nearly 2,000 jobs. Sharyn Boyle Contributed all-080226-fotofocus-a1

From drones to air taxis: Why aerospace companies are betting on this region

From drones to air taxis: Why aerospace companies are betting on this region