The vertical takeoff aircraft operation Paragon VTOL Aerospace plans to build a manufacturing hub on designated industrial land at South Padre Island International Airport, in Brownsville, Texas.

According to city officials, Paragon VTOL is also developing flight management software systems to assist future air traffic controllers and is making plans to develop a vertiport for vertical liftoffs, landings, and service.

“The reason I selected Brownsville is because of the community,” said VTOL Founder Dwight Smith. “Look at the people of Brownville and you feel the sense of opportunity to build together.”

Smith noted the company has acquired a capital commitment of over a billion dollars just for the micro grids that will power the vertiports.

“Paragon VTOL will be safely testing new urban air mobility and transportation, beginning with drones, and eventually producing vertical takeoff and landing aircraft,” said Helen Ramirez, Deputy City Manager and CEO of the Greater Brownville Incentives Corporation.