Aerospace
Flying Forward in South Louisiana
Due in large part to its robust oil and gas industry, South Louisiana – located in South Central Louisiana along the Gulf of Mexico – boasts a thriving aerospace industry. The region’s major employers include a diverse mix of industry from healthcare to construction. Aerospace investments in the area include:
AvEx
A world leader in the niche market of aviation exterior painting, Avex has been located at Acadiana Regional Airport (ARA) in New Iberia for over 25 years. Taking advantage of ARA’s 8,000-foot runway, Avex serves the jet fleets of industry giants such as Boeing, FedEx, and Southwest Airlines.
Bristow Group's Americas Region
Comprising operations in North America, South America, Latin America and Trinidad, Bristow is headquartered in New Iberia. It has operated for over 50 years in North America, and primarily provides crew transport services to offshore drilling rigs and production platforms in the Gulf of Mexico. Clients consist of international, independent and major integrated oil and gas companies. Bristow maintains advanced flight-following systems and widespread and strategically located offshore fuel stations in the Acadiana region.
PHI, Inc.
Headquartered in Lafayette for over 60 years, PHI has flown over 12 million rotary wing flight hours, more than any private entity worldwide. In addition to operations in the U.S., the company operates in 43 countries across the globe. Every day, PHI helicopters fly up to 250 miles into the Gulf of Mexico’s international waters providing transportation, air medical, and technical services to offshore oil and gas companies.
Check out the advantages businesses like these enjoy:
- 4th lowest state for industrial electricity rates
- #7 Best cost of doing business in the nation
- Access to a growing workforce pipeline fueled by specialized classroom instruction and practical training at institutions like South Louisiana Community College and LSU Eunice
- Available industrial sites to locate and grow
Bold Incentives
South Louisiana values its aviation industry and aligns state and local resources to provide customized incentive packages for businesses looking to grow. A couple standard incentives are outlined below. You can find a full list of available incentives here.
High Impact Jobs Program
Louisiana’s High-Impact Jobs Program (HIP) offers qualifying companies up to five years of reimbursable grants for the creation of new jobs that pay above the parish (county) average wage, based on the parish where the project is located.
Industrial Tax Exemption Program
The Louisiana Industrial Ad Valorem Tax Exemption Program (ITEP) offers an 80% property tax abatement for up to 10 years on a manufacturer’s new investment.
Digital Interactive Media & Software
Louisiana’s Digital Interactive Media and Software Program (DM)—one of the strongest of its kind in the nation—helps innovative digital media and software development companies of all sizes gain a competitive edge.
Ready to Learn More About South Louisiana’s Aerospace Industry?
“After a thorough search of the Southeast U.S., I was impressed with both the local and state enthusiasm for our company’s mission…the company’s culture and operations coupled with the support of local agencies and the state are a definite recipe for success…”
– Jerry Hernandez
Owner & CEO
Aviation Exteriors (Avex)
