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Area Development - Site Selection, Facility Planning and Workforce Development

Aerion Supersonic Plans $300 Million Campus in Melbourne, Florida

04/28/2020
Aerion Supersonic will locate its new $300 million global headquarters and integrated campus for research, design, build and maintenance of the company’s supersonic aircraft at Aerion Park in Melbourne, Florida.

According to The Economic Development Commission of Florida’s Space Coast the new project is expected to generate at least 675 jobs in Florida by 2026. Aerion will break ground on the new campus later this year ahead of manufacturing of the AS2 business jet commencing in 2023.

In addition to the 675 new jobs Aerion will bring to the state, Aerion Park is expected to attract key aerospace suppliers within the supersonic technology ecosystem to bring business to Florida, creating additional roles for scientists, designers, engineers and aircraft builders.

The EDC coordinated with state and local partners, managing the competitive response to the request for proposals, including the targeting of a $3.9 million Florida Job Growth Grant for infrastructure improvements at Orlando Melbourne International Airport. Team partners included Enterprise Florida, Space Florida, the Orlando Melbourne International Airport, Brevard County and the City of Melbourne.

“Brevard County is home to the pioneers of space exploration and now the pioneers of sustainable supersonic transportation.” said EDC President and CEO Lynda L. Weatherman. “Aerion Park raises the profile of Florida’s Space Coast as the premier site for the most innovative aerospace companies in the world and is an example of what can be accomplished, even in the most challenging times, when the EDC and its state and local partners work together.”

"The Space Coast has become a hub for the aviation and aerospace industry, and my administration continues to make it a priority to expand this high-wage and important business sector," said Governor Ron DeSantis. "We are thrilled that Aerion has selected Melbourne for its new global headquarters and look forward to the company's success."

“We are building the next generation of high-speed transportation networks that will revolutionize global mobility without leaving a carbon footprint on our world,” said Aerion Chairman, President & CEO Tom Vice. “Our AS2 business jet, the world’s first privately built supersonic aircraft, is the first stage in that exciting endeavor. Having evaluated a number of potential locations for our new home, we are excited to partner with Florida and the Melbourne community to create a sustainable supersonic future.”

"Governor DeSantis, Space Florida, the Economic Development Commission of Florida’s Space Coast, and private industry are actively taking steps to help our community recover from a once-in-a-lifetime pandemic,” said Chair of the Brevard County Board of County Commissioners Bryan A. Lober, Esq. “One of the earliest such steps is the introduction of an estimated 675 high-wage jobs to Brevard County in crafting the Aerion AS2 supersonic business jet, which will help solidify not only our economy, but also our reputation as the world’s preeminent location for the aerospace industry.”

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