Companies from Amazon to Atlas Air know that before they put a plane in the air, they need to have strong ground support. And the aerospace industry in Northern Kentucky can find a high level of support across the region. 

The aviation sector in Kentucky is a rapidly growing industry.

  • There are more than 100 Kentucky aerospace companies currently in operation.
  • Over 23,000 people are employed in Kentucky aerospace companies.
  • More than $10 billion in products and parts for the aerospace industry were exported from Kentucky in 2022 alone.

In addition to established aviation companies in Kentucky, there are educational opportunities and new businesses expanding the aviation sector across the region. With continuing investments, the number of Northern Kentucky aviation jobs is only going to continue to increase. In this article, we’ll look at the assistance and opportunities that are helping aviation companies in Kentucky soar to new heights.

The Aviation Sector in Kentucky: A Snapshot

The success of the aviation industry in Northern Kentucky is based in two places:

  • Aerospace companies
  • Airports

Airports

Northern Kentucky is home to the Cincinnati/Northern Kentucky International Airport (CVG). It was recently rated by Skytrax as the second-best regional airport in North America. With a cargo growth rate of over 150% across the past five years, it is also one of the fastest-growing cargo airports in the world. 

At CVG and the Louisville Muhammad Ali International Airport, there are three major air cargo hubs operated by Amazon, DHL, and UPS. These three cargo carriers, along with multiple passenger, additional cargo carriers and tour operators, add fuel to aviation growth in Northern Kentucky.

Aerospace companies

Northern Kentucky is home to more than commercial and cargo air carriers. There are also many aviation companies in Kentucky that provide education and innovation, manufacturing, maintenance, and support services to the aviation industry.

Many Kentucky aerospace companies are making significant investments to grow the industry across the region.

Northern Kentucky’s Aviation Advantages

Northern Kentucky holds a unique place in the aerospace industry and there are several reasons why.

Strategic location

One of the reasons that Kentucky has become a vitally important air hub is the region’s centralized location and easy access to rail, roads, and waterways. This makes the import and export of materials cost-effective. 

Educational programs

Northern Kentucky has multiple educational opportunities for people looking to get into the industry and for industry vets looking to reskill. Within a 75-mile radius of Northern Kentucky, there are:

  • 25 four-year colleges and universities
  • 11 technical and community colleges
  • Multiple private aviation skills specialty schools

Some of the programs students can take advantage of include:

These educational opportunities create a knowledgeable labor force to lay the foundation for the future success of aviation businesses in Kentucky.

Experienced labor market

There are 8,000 people working in the aviation and aerospace industry in Northern Kentucky, and more than 13,000 throughout the entire state. 

While many more skilled employees are needed in this fast-growing industry, the region stands ready to respond. There is a regional labor pool of 1.5 million people including 5,500 recent university graduates with an engineering degree. 

Business incentives

Aviation companies looking to grow their footprint in Northern Kentucky can take advantage of a number of different business incentives that offer them distinct cost advantages to grow.

Government support

Kentucky State Representative Ken Fleming (R-Louisville) worked with Kentucky State Senator Brandon Storm (R-London) to pass the Aerospace Education Reinvestment Opportunity Act (AERO). Signed into law in April of 2024, the law is intended to increase educational opportunities for aviation careers including aerospace engineering in Kentucky.

Key Aviation Companies in Kentucky

According to a recent report, the logistics and freight side of the aviation and aerospace business in Kentucky accounted for over $16 billion in revenue in 2022. And that doesn’t include maintenance, manufacturing, R&D, and other aviation-focused businesses in Kentucky. 

The following aviation companies are among those currently adding to Kentucky revenue numbers:

  • GE Aerospace – Engine Services is an aviation technology company with locations in Northern Kentucky. GE develops jet and turboprop engines along with integrated flight systems. 
  • Unilode Aviation Solutions is at the forefront of aerospace innovations through digitalization, inflight equipment management, and Unit Load Devices (ULDs).
  • VSE Aviation Services offers aviation maintenance, repair & overhaul (MRO) services for: 
    • Commercial
    • Military
    • Business
    • General aviation providers
    • Rotorcraft 
  • Thoroughbred Aviation Maintenance provides mechanical maintenance, avionics repair, aircraft painting, and parts. They offer mobile and on-site services.

The Future of the Aviation Industry in Northern Kentucky

With government and corporate investments, the future prospects for the aviation industry in Northern Kentucky are strong. For example, multiple projects are taking place at CVG: DHL is expanding its footprint with a $292 million maintenance facility and airport improvements, the Commonwealth of Kentucky appropriated $20 million for site development at Hangar Row, and $3.6 million in Kentucky site development funds were allocated for the Global Logistics Park. 

But aviation companies in Kentucky are not only expanding, they are innovating. Some of the future prospects in the aviation industry may be coming from engagements like:

  • Aerospace Composites Solutions is developing lightweight designs with extra resilience for use in aerospace projects.
  • The next generation of eVTOL (electric vertical takeoff and landing) aircrafts that are being developed by Joby Aviation.
  • GE Aerospace where they are developing a “three-stream adaptive cycle engine” that will revolutionize propulsion.
  • Developing new automation solutions for space-based health and technology systems which is the focus of Space Tango. 

The Aerospace Industry in Northern Kentucky

The fast-growing aviation sector in Kentucky is also constantly evolving. As new aerospace innovations are made, companies adjust to provide the needed services, parts, and technologies. At each step in the innovation process, from startup to expansion, BE NKY Growth Partnership is there to support the aviation industry in Northern Kentucky.

Contact BE NKY Growth Partnership to discuss how to expand your business in the aviation sector in Kentucky.