U.S. Aircraft, Part Manufacturing Bring Billions in Spending

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Written by Danny Levin, Deputy Editor for IIR News Intelligence (Sugar Land, Texas)

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Summary

Industrial Info Resources is tracking $17 billion worth of capital-spending projects related to the manufacturing of aircraft and aircraft parts in the U.S., including those from Boeing. The U.S. aircraft sector encompasses both defense and commercial aircraft and means big business throughout the country.

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Boeing's Investment

According to Industrial Info Resources data, there is $17 billion worth of capital-spending projects related to the manufacturing of aircraft and aircraft parts in the U.S., including a multi-billion-dollar expansion from Boeing. The U.S. aircraft sector encompasses both defense and commercial aircraft and means big business throughout the country.

Boeing accounts for eight capital projects worth more than $3 billion across the U.S., with about two-thirds of the spend attributed to an ongoing multi-year, multi-billion-dollar expansion of its defense aircraft-manufacturing plant in Berkeley, Missouri (Greater St. Louis.)

The company calls the plant, which has two different sections, the world's most advanced combat aircraft production site.

Buildings on a parcel of land south of the existing facility are being demolished to make way for a new 880,000-square-foot manufacturing plant. On a parcel of land to the northwest, Boeing is constructing a new hangar, radar-testing facility and 90,000 square feet of auxiliary buildings. The initial expansion of both sites is underway, while two subsequent phases are set to begin after those are complete. IIR is tracking a completion date in 2030. For more information, the Industrial Info Resources Global Market Intelligence (GMI) Industrial Manufacturing Project Database offer details--including investment values and necessary equipment--in related project reports.

The expansion will support a $20 billion contract awarded by the Department of Defense in 2025 to develop the next-generation F-47 fighter jet.

In addition, the Trump administration's proposed $1.5 billion defense budget for fiscal-year 2027 would create additional investment opportunities for Boeing and other U.S. military contractors.

Other Big-Ticket U.S. Military Projects

Bell Textron recently began a $632 million renovation of its facility in Fort Worth, Texas, to produce components specifically for a next-generation attack aircraft (MV-75) set to replace the U.S. Army's Black Hawk helicopter. Construction is expected to wrap up by 2028. View the project report here.

Another major aircraft developer for the U.S. military, Lockheed Martin Corporation is in the middle of a major expansion of its plant in Owego, New York. The project, which is expected to wrap up in 2027, will bolster production of the U.S. Navy's MH-60R helicopter. Click here for more project information.

Commercial and Next-Generation Aircraft

Boeing also is investing $1 billion to expand its North Charleston Aircraft Parts plant in South Carolina, to boost production of its 787 Dreamliner passenger airliner. Construction kicked off in 2025, and IIR is tracking the project with a completion date in 2028. View the project report here.

Non-traditional aircraft also are finding their place in the aircraft sector. JetZero could break ground later this year on a proposed $4.7 billion manufacturing plant at Piedmont Triad International Airport in Greensboro, North Carolina, designed to produce a line of blended wing body (BWB) aircraft. BWB aircraft have an aerodynamically shaped body, allowing for reduced drag, increased lift and lightweight construction. JetZero projects its models will reduce fuel burn by 50% compared with traditional aircraft. They initially will be compatible with conventional and sustainable aviation fuel.

The company has a $235 million contract in place with the U.S. Air Force to support the development of a demonstration aircraft, with first flight expected by 2027, according to the company. Click here for the related project report.

Industrial Info Resources offers a full list of reports for active and proposed capital-spending aircraft and aircraft part projects across the U.S.

Key Takeaways

• Industrial Info Resources is tracking $17 billion worth of capital-spending projects related to the manufacturing of aircraft and aircraft parts in the U.S.
• Boeing accounts for billions' of investment, including a major expansion of a defense aircraft plant in St. Louis.
• The government has agreements in place to contract and help fund development of defense aircraft.
• Capital projects also are aimed at manufacturing passenger and non-traditional aircraft.

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About Industrial Info Resources
Industrial Info Resources (IIR) is the leading provider of industrial market intelligence. Since 1983, IIR has provided comprehensive research, news and analysis on the industrial process, manufacturing and energy related industries. IIR's Global Market Intelligence (GMI) helps companies identify and pursue trends across multiple markets with access to real, qualified and validated plant and project opportunities. Across the world, Industrial Info Resources is tracking over 250,000 current and future projects worth $30.2 trillion (USD).