LABORFORCE

The aerospace industry in 2006 proved to be a vital and growing part of the San Antonio economy. San Antonio was the birthplace of military aviation, and for many decades Kelly Air Force Base was one of the largest military repair and maintenance facilities in the world. The conversion of Kelly AFB into KellyUSA, now Port Authority SA in 2006, has brought some of the world's largest aerospace corporations to the area and significant sources of highly skilled employment. The civilian aviation industry has grown in recent years, with significant maintenance and manufacturing activities at San Antonio International Airport and a steady expansion of air transportation services.

The aerospace industry is featured as one of the region's driver industries in the city of San Antonio's economic development strategic plan.

• In 2004, the economic impact of the aerospace industry in San Antonio was more than $3.3 billion.
  
  
• The aerospace industry paid $406 million in wages to 9,535 workers.
  
  
• Salaries in the aerospace industry exceed the San Antonio average by a substantial margin.
  
  
• Despite a challenging environment following 9/11, the aerospace industry in San Antonio is robust and thriving.
  
  
• Over 1,900 Aircraft and Powerplant Mechanics are registered in San Antonio.