Aerospaced about the Aeroplex: Why global giants are landing in Mississippi County

The Aeroplex’s strategic location, expansive facilities, and growing influence in the industry are driving economic growth and positioning the region as a commercial operations powerhouse.

Nestled in the northeastern corner of Arkansas, Mississippi County is quickly becoming a beacon of opportunity and innovation in manufacturing, renewable energy and aviation. At the heart of the region’s continued transformation is the Arkansas Aeroplex in Blytheville—a site that's attracting major players in the aerospace industry.

With its location in the largest steel-producing county in America, the Arkansas Aeroplex is poised for further growth as a commercial operations hub. It spans approximately 14.17 square kilometres and hosts 40 commercial businesses across various industries, from distribution and manufacturing to aviation. Companies like Boeing, Lockheed Martin, and Textron Aviation have designated the Aeroplex for a variety of testing operations, signalling the site’s growing influence and untapped potential in the industry.

Barrett Harrison, President of the Blytheville-Gosnell Regional Airport Authority, captures the excitement surrounding the Aeroplex: “As we continue to attract more companies and invest in infrastructure improvements, the Arkansas Aeroplex stands ready to play a pivotal role in driving economic growth for our partner companies. Our vision for the Aeroplex is ambitious, and with continued support and investment, it is entirely achievable.”

What makes the Aeroplex so attractive?

What sets the Arkansas Aeroplex apart is its location, facilities, and flexibility.

The Aeroplex offers expansive facilities, including nearly 454,515 square metres of ramp space that can accommodate aircraft of various sizes. The site also features a distribution facility equipped with 22 loading docks, aviation maintenance and repair technology services on site, and ample space for additional hangar development. These features alone make the Aeroplex an attractive option for businesses looking to expand or relocate.

“Our facility size and open airspace can accommodate anybody at any time. You can land and take off whenever you’re ready,” Harrison explained.

The Aeroplex’s strategic location also adds to its appeal. Situated just five miles from the Mississippi River and off Interstate 55, the Aeroplex is perfectly positioned in the middle of the United States. With half of the country reachable in under 12 hours, it’s an ideal spot for distribution operations.

A broader economic impact

The Arkansas Aeroplex is more than just an aviation hub; it’s a vital part of Mississippi County’s economic engine. The county is the top steel-producing region in America, with over US$9b in capital investment since 2003, bringing more than 9,000 jobs to the area.

Mississippi County’s commitment to workforce development is another key factor in the Aeroplex’s success. Arkansas Northeastern College leads the way with customisable workforce training programmes, including aviation maintenance classes designed to meet the needs of local employers.

To further entice new residents and workers, the county launched the “Work Here. Live Here.” initiative. This innovative housing programme offers up to US$50,000 toward the purchase of a new home in Mississippi County. Over the past 20 months, the programme has helped 100 residents, many of them first-time homeowners, purchase new homes.

Looking to the future

With all these elements in place, the future looks bright for the Arkansas Aeroplex and Mississippi County. The Aeroplex currently contributes US$16.3m in economic impact to the state, generating roughly three times the average revenue of general aviation airports in Arkansas. With ongoing efforts to attract more aerospace companies, the potential for growth is tremendous.

“The Arkansas Aeroplex is the next piece of the puzzle—we believe it is poised to become a significant economic driver for the region,” Harrison said. “With our ongoing efforts to recruit companies in the aerospace industry, we are not only looking to boost the local economy but also position the Aeroplex as a hub of innovation and growth, similar to what we’ve done with the steel industry.”

As the Aeroplex continues to expand and evolve, Mississippi County is solidifying its place on the map as a leader in both aerospace and economic development. With each new venture, the possibilities are endless, and Mississippi County is soaring to new heights, "Aerospaced" for success.