Aviation operations
Take Off Here
Orlando is a premier aviation hub with 4,000+ acres of aeronautical land ready for development, a robust talent pipeline, and a business-friendly environment. With four public-use airports, year-round flying weather, and no need for de-icing, the region offers unmatched opportunities for aviation growth and innovation. Plus, with leading higher education institutions specializing in aviation, the region is fueling the next generation of aviation talent.
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No. 5 Highest Flight Training Employment in the U.S.
Among 30 Most Populous Metros
Lightcast (QCEW), 2024 -
Modeling, Simulation & Training Capital of the World
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9 International Airports within 100 Miles
Orlando Economic Partnership Research
Known for the companies we keep
Featured Aviation & Airlines Companies
80 percent of workers in Orlando are employed outside of the leisure and hospitality industry. We’re a little more dynamic than you might think.
Allegiant Airlines
Company: Allegiant Airlines
Industry: Aviation and Airlines
Company Size (Employees): 500-1000
Description: Allegiant Air is an American budget airline that operates scheduled and charter flights.
FlightSafety International
Company: FlightSafety International
Industry: Aviation and Airlines
Company Size (Employees): 0-50
Description: FlightSafety International is the world’s premier professional aviation training company and supplier of flight simulators, visual systems and displays to commercial, government and military organizations.
JetBlue
Description: JetBlue operates one of its three national training centers at Orlando International Airport (MCO), called its Orlando Support Campus.
L3Harris Technologies
Description: L3Harris Technologies (L3Harris) is an American technology company, defense contractor and information technology services provider.
Lockheed Martin Rotary and Mission Systems (RMS)
Company: Lockheed Martin Rotary and Mission Systems (RMS)
Visit WebsiteDescription: Lockheed Martin Rotary and Mission Systems (RMS) and Lockheed Martin Missiles and Fire Control (MFC) each have major operations in the Orlando region, employing a workforce of more than 14,000. RMS’ Training and Logistics Solutions (TLS) business is Lockheed Martin’s center of excellence for training and logistics products and services, serving the U.S. military and more than 65 international customers around the world. MFC is a recognized designer developer and manufacturer of precision engagement aerospace and defense systems for the U.S. and allied militaries.
Northrop Grumman
Description: Northrop Grumman is a global aerospace and defense technology company.
Thales
Company: Thales
Industry: Aviation, Aerospace and Defense
Company Size (Employees): 0-50
Description: Thales is a French multinational company that designs and builds electrical systems and provides services for the aerospace, defense, transportation and security markets.
SIMCOM Aviation Training
Company: SIMCOM Aviation Training
Visit WebsiteDescription: SIMCOM Aviation Training’s global headquarters and training facility is located in Orlando’s Lake Nona. The state-of-the-art facility includes 12 full-flight simulator bays and trains an estimated 10,000 pilots per year.
– Captain Warren Christie, Vice President at JetBlue
Learn More See More Success StoriesMajor Developments
It’s more than fun and games here. These companies mean business.
SIMCOM Expands Headquarters in Orlando
SIMCOM invested $109 million to expand its Orlando presence and build a new headquarters and training facility in Lake Nona. The expansion created 50 high-wage jobs in the region.
United Airlines Invests in MRO Facility
United Airlines is opening a state-of-the-art maintenance, repair & overhaul (MRO) facility at Orlando International Airport, investing $315 million and creating 300 jobs in the region.
It’s a Smart world After All
Finding the best tech talent in any industry is difficult; however, the variety of programs specific to aviation in Orlando directly feed the industry with indispensable talent.
Orlando’s seven-county region of Brevard, Lake, Orange, Osceola, Polk, Seminole, and Volusia counties, is home to numerous flight schools and advanced avionics programs.
The Theme Here is SUCCESS
Orlando’s aviation talent pipeline is fueled by top A&P schools, which enroll up to 1,200 students annually. This steady flow of skilled professionals helps meet the industry’s growing workforce needs.
Aviation Institute of Maintenance (AIM)
AIM is a hands-on trade school that builds an accredited network of aircraft maintenance technicians.
Aviator College of Aeronautical Science & Technology
Aviators College’s Aviation degree program emphasizes pilot training for the commercial airline industry.
Embry-Riddle Aeronautical University
College of Aviation departments include Aeronautical Science, Applied Aviation Science, Aviation Maintenance Science, Flight, and graduate studies.
College of Aviation
Central Florida Aerospace Academy
Central Florida Aerospace Academy, based at Lakeland Linder International Airport, offers courses in flight training, aircraft maintenance and avionics, engineering, UAS operations, and FAA Part 147 A&P Mechanics.
International Aerotech Academy
The Academy offers comprehensive airframe and powerplant (A&P) training, designed to provide students with the knowledge and skills necessary to become certified aircraft mechanics.
Epic Aviation
Epic Aviation trains commercial airline pilots and offers a Part 147 program for aviation mechanics.
Eastern Florida State College
Eastern Florida State College’s Aviation Center includes one of the most affordable routes to obtaining FAA certification.
Aviation Maintenance Technology
FLIGHT Training CENTERS
Affordably Expand
Your Footprint
Orlando offers unmatched aviation development opportunities, with over 4,000 acres of land available across its major airports.
Here are just a few options that might work for your new MRO or other operations:
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800+ acres available
at Orlando Sanford International Airport (SFB)
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160+ acres available
at Orlando Executive Airport (ORL)
Orlando International Airport (MCO)
MCO is the busiest airport in Florida and the 4th largest in the U.S. by landmass. MCO has thousands of acres intended for commercial and industrial use, including aviation support and large-scale development.
Orlando Sanford International Airport (SFB)
SFB, located 18 miles northeast of Orlando, has identified significant demand for the development of hundreds of acres of airport property. These opportunities are supported by community partners and key assets including higher education, rail access, and more.
THE ORLANDO YOU ONLY THOUGHT YOU KNEW
Get the Orlando Aviation Brief
Aerospace & Defense
Orlando is at the center of an enormous cluster of aviation, aerospace and defense companies.
Simulation
Simulation-based technology has been a key ingredient to Orlando’s economy since it was first developed to take man to the moon.
Digital Technology
Orlando’s dynamic technology industry continues to propel the innovative economy.
News About Aviation
Orlando: A World Leader in Simulation Technology
Why Lilium Established its First U.S. Vertiport in Orlando Success Story
German-Based Startup Lilium to Establish Nation’s First Advanced Aerial Mobility Region in Orlando Press Release
Aviation Training Firm SIMCOM Expands Headquarters in Orlando Press Release
Why JetBlue Trains its Pilots in Orlando Success Story
Aerostar’s Deidra Toye Takes Pilot Training to New Heights in Central Florida
