On June 24, two major aerospace companies announced new developments at Perot Field Alliance Airport in Fort Worth, Texas. Embraer opened a commercial maintenance facility, while MTU Maintenance confirmed plans to expand its engine services operation through a new 30-year lease.
- Stock Code
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ERJ
- Business Type
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Planemaker
- Date Founded
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August 19, 1969
- CEO
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Francisco Gomes Neto
The two projects will bring nearly $200 million in investment and create around 1,500 new aviation jobs. The announcements come just days after Fort Worth was officially designated the “Aviation and Defense Capital of Texas,” and highlight the city’s growing role in the national aerospace and Maintenance, Repair, and Overhaul (MRO) network.
Embraer Launches MRO Operations At Perot Field Alliance Airport
Embraer has officially commenced operations at its existing maintenance hangar at Perot Field Alliance Airport. The facility became its 13th company-owned service center globally. It plans to complete the construction of the second hangar by 2027. Once fully operational, the site is expected to increase its service capacity in the US by more than 50%.
In recent years, the manufacturers has experienced strong demand for its Embraer Services & Support business. Last year, it reported a record $4.6 billion backlog, which Embraer says was driven by long-term contracts. For the Fort Worth facility, the company has already secured its first customer.
On June 26, it signed an agreement with a US regional carrier, CommuteAir, to provide MRO services for its fleet of 59 ERJ145s. Furthermore, the $70 million MRO facility is expected to create approximately 250 new aviation jobs in the region. Frank Stevens, Vice President, Global MRO Centers, Embraer Services & Support, said:
“We are very excited to start operations at our new MRO facility in Fort Worth. The support from the City of Fort Worth, Denton County, and the State of Texas has been essential for launching this operation. We will continue working to expand Embraer’s capacity, capability, and footprint in the U.S.”
MTU Engines Extends Lease Deal At Perot Field Alliance Airport
MTU Maintenance Dallas, which operates MTU’s North American on-site service hub, is also expanding its footprint at Perot Field. The company signed a 30-year lease agreement with the city to upgrade and expand its existing facility at the airport. It plans to invest around $120 million to modernize the 43,000-square-meter site, which will be renamed MTU Maintenance Fort Worth, effective September 1, pending regulatory approvals.
The project is expected to create approximately 1,200 new jobs, most of which will be highly skilled technical roles. Local institutions, including Tarrant County College’s Northwest Center of Excellence for Aviation, Transportation and Logistics, are expected to play a key role in workforce development. MTU’s leadership says the move reflects a long-term commitment to strengthening its North American footprint and supporting a growing pipeline of engine programs.
As part of the expansion, MTU plans to upgrade the Fort Worth facility from an on-site service center to a full disassembly, assembly, and test facility. Additionally, the company also plans to expand the facility’s engine portfolio. In April, it announced the addition of CFM International LEAP engines, which power the Airbus A320neo, Boeing 737 MAX, and COMAC C919, as well as the General Electric GEnx engines used on the Boeing 787 and 747-8.
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Fort Worth Has Become A Key Aerospace And Defense Hub
Over the years, Fort Worth has become one of North America’s leading aerospace and defense hubs. The city supports a wide range of operations, from aircraft manufacturing and missile production to drone development, unmanned systems, and commercial maintenance. It is home to major players like Bell and Lockheed Martin, as well as companies such as Embraer and engine MRO providers like MTU Maintenance.
This reflects years of coordinated development across military and commercial sectors. Recently, Governor Greg Abbott signed a resolution, officially designating Fort Worth as the “Aviation and Defense Capital of Texas.” The move followed sustained growth at Perot Field Alliance Airport, which has attracted long-term commitments from manufacturers and MRO providers alike. And, the expansions by Embraer and MTU only reinforce the city’s role as a national center for aerospace infrastructure.
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