Why the Aviation Industry has a Bright Future in Florida

Modern aviation has come a long way from early schematics and ideas. It started with inventive minds dreaming and chasing designs based on ideas gleaned from birds, but humans have revolutionized global travel with extremely convenient, if occasionally cramped, travel. As an aviation focused company, the minutia of flight logistics circulate through our veins, and more importantly as a Florida-based company we are extremely proud of our state’s contributions to the industry. Today Florida has become a multi-billion dollar aviation industry hub with commercial and general aircraft employing about 85,000 Floridians. Read on to learn why the aviation industry has a bright future in the great state of Florida.

Types of Aerospace Jobs in Florida

Florida’s workforce is highly skilled and supports different fields in aerospace. Since 2021, aviation establishments have created over 76,000 jobs, resulting in a 2% increase in employment from 2020. 

The industry offers different career opportunities that contribute to its industrial growth. Here are some of the aerospace jobs filled by Floridians today: 

• Aeronautical Engineering

Aeronautical engineers are in charge of designing and developing various aircraft parts. They conduct research, design concepts, perform analysis, and test different prototypes before coming up with a final product. The engineers also perform ongoing aircraft maintenance.

• Aircraft Mechanics

The mechanics are professionals who repair and perform preventive maintenance to ensure aircraft are safe. These are essential workforces in aerospace and aviation. 

Professionals in this field ensure aircraft are fully functional before transporting people or cargo. To join the workforce as an aircraft mechanic, you need formal qualifications and relevant training, including a written and practical test.

• Pilots and Co-pilots

Pilots and co-pilots are major professions in the aviation and aerospace industry. They fly aircraft and communicate with the air traffic controller and staff on the ground.  

A career in this field requires you to have a Bachelor’s degree and a pilot’s license. It also requires high levels of concentration and exceptional decision-making skills. In the U.S. alone, there are more than 690,000 pilots. 

• Flight Attendants

Flight attendants ensure all passengers are comfortable and safe. They politely cater to travelers, take orders, answer questions and provide safety information. 

As a flight attendant, you’ll need excellent communication and interpersonal skills. You’ll also need to be willing to travel to different places most of the time. 

• Airport Planner

People working as airport planners are responsible for an airport’s layout. The job includes planning the addition and renovation of buildings or new runways. It’s a highly technical role that requires research and critical thinking. 

The decisions an airport planner makes need justification, and they have repercussions. Working as an airport planner requires you to have a degree in aviation or engineering.

• Air Traffic Controller

An air traffic controller is an important job that involves monitoring airplane movements. The controllers provide directions to pilots and other staff. They also give instructions during normal flight operations or an emergency. 

Working in this role requires you to have excellent communication skills and work under pressure. Having strong concentration and paying attention to details are vital qualities in the workforce. 

• Airport Security Officers

Security personnel have a huge responsibility to ensure everyone is safe in the airport. They are in charge of developing strategies and safety procedures, and monitoring and coordinating employees to ensure maximum security. 

Having a degree in law, aviation, or business management and having past experience is an added advantage. The workforce in this field goes through training to sharpen their skills.

• Airfield Operations Professionals

Airfield specialists help to manage the takeoff and landing of aircraft. They coordinate traffic controllers, emergency teams, and mechanics. The workers also ensure activities flow seamlessly in a safe environment.

Aerospace Companies in Florida

Florida is positioned as a premier location for aerospace technologies and is known for aviation research. 

Major aerospace companies in the U.S. and around the world have operations in Florida. The state has 102 general and 19 commercial airports serving over 41.7 million visitors each year. The airports work seamlessly to move people and goods to different parts of the world. 

Florida is also a prime location for manufacturing and aircraft businesses. Here are major companies that have contributed to its big economic impact in the region.

• Boeing

Boeing is one of the major companies that has made Florida an economic hub. It has flight operations in the state and performs flexible and fast engineering and maintenance. 

The company supports the military and liaises with the Government to offer training. It ensures customer focus is at the center of its global network and operations.

• Embraer

Embraer is a large aerospace company in Florida. They focus on using design and technology to create new solutions in the aerospace field. It is the largest manufacturer of aircraft and has distribution centers, offices, and factories that employ the Florida workforce. 

• Lockheed Martin

Lockheed Martin has about 14,000 employees committed to helping customers succeed in their mission. They are based in Florida and help provide various solutions in the aerospace field while making a difference in the world.

• Space X

Space X is another company that contributes to the growing economy of Florida. It builds rockets and works on solutions that make it easy and affordable for humans to go to Mars and other planets in the solar system. 

• Blue Origin

Blue Origin produces engines for space flight. The company is empowering rockets for National security, commercials, and human flights to space. The construction of Blue Origin’s manufacturing facility has produced jobs and employed many Floridians.

Conclusion

Florida’s aerospace and aviation economy continues to grow brighter now and in the future. The state has experienced many firsts in aviation and evolved into an economic hub. Starting with the first night flight to what is now a booming economy with public and commercial airports serving millions of passengers around the world. Florida is also a leading location for most companies using the latest technology to invent new solutions. The manufacturing of rockets, engines, and airplane parts in Florida indicates a bright future ahead.