ARKANSAS ECONOMIC DEVELOPMENT COMMISSION
See us at Farnborough International Airshow 2026 · Booth: 3125
At AEDC, we know economic advancement doesn't happen by accident. We work strategically with businesses and communities to create strong economic opportunities, making Arkansas the natural choice for success.
Little Rock, Arkansas, United States
Aerospace, Defense & Security
Products & Services
Aerospace & Defense Industry in Arkansas | AEDC
Arkansas Economic Development Commission
Aerospace and aviation represents Arkansas’ #1 export, and we are home to over 190 well-known aerospace and defense companies that include MRO, component parts, completion centers, and defense contractors as well as the Little Rock Air Force Base. The state is also home to the Highland Industrial Park, one of the nation’s fastest growing defense corridors, with companies like Aerojet Rocketdyne, Esterline, Lockheed Martin and Raytheon.
Arkansas State Delegate Directory
Arkansas Economic Development Commission
Learn more about team Arkansas, the companies, and community partners attending the Paris Air Show.
Aerospace in Arkansas
Arkansas Economic Development Commission
The aerospace and defense industry is soaring in Arkansas. The state is attracting investment and expansions, growing its workforce, and exporting essential aerospace and defense products.
Arkansas Executive Overview - Aerospace and Defense
Arkansas Economic Development Commission
Arkansas offers a robust business climate for aerospace and defense companies, providing a low cost of doing business and a talented workforce. This strong business climate, coupled with the state’s unparalleled quality of life and beautiful outdoors, makes Arkansas a prime destination for the aerospace and defense industry.
2025 Arkansas Economic Development Guide
Arkansas Economic Development Commission
The Arkansas Economic Development Guide covers a wide range of topics related to the state’s economic development efforts, from workforce development to lifestyle amenities. Topics include Arkansas’ economic diversity, tax cuts, foreign investment, remote work, and key industries, including steel, aerospace and defense, food and beverage, and others.
People
Bethany Duncan
Arkansas Economic Development Commission
Operations Manager, Business Development
Clint O'Neal
Arkansas Economic Development Commission
Executive Director
Cornelius Schnitzler
Arkansas Economic Development Commission
Director, Europe Office
Olivia Womack
Arkansas Economic Development Commission
Director, Business Development
Raven Johnson
Arkansas Economic Development Commission
Project Manager- Business Development
Rob Ator
Arkansas Economic Development Commission
Arkansas Secretary of Veteran's Affairs
Other Info
Why Arkansas?
Arkansas Economic Development Commission
Hear from executives of Europe-based companies talk about doing business in Arkansas. With a low cost of doing business, low cost of living, and a pro-business environment, Arkansas is the right choice for a growing number of successful companies across a wide range of industries, including Aerospace & Defense, Food & Beverage, Metals, Timber & Forest Products, Technology, Manufacturing, and others. Centered between Canada and Mexico, and located in the middle of the United States, Arkansas is strategically placed to reach tens of millions of people easily and cost-efficiently. Our unemployment rate consistently ranks below the national average.
Sébastien Deltheil, Senior Vice President and General Manager - Dassault Falcon Jet
Arkansas Economic Development Commission
Sébastien Deltheil, Senior Vice President and General Manager - Dassault Falcon Jet discusses the company's largest operation in the world, the Little Rock Completion Center and its long, successful history in Arkansas.
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About
At AEDC, we know economic advancement doesn't happen by accident. We work strategically with businesses and communities to create strong economic opportunities, making Arkansas the natural choice for success.
Arkansas is a pro-business environment that operates leaner and faster through a streamlined state government designed to act decisively on corporate interests.
Led by a governor who operates like a CEO, the state delivers nimble solutions that companies need to efficiently expand and thrive in a competitive global economy.
Products & Services: Economic Development / Government / Government Agency / Recruitment / Paris Air Show /SME Resources
Arkansas is a pro-business environment that operates leaner and faster through a streamlined state government designed to act decisively on corporate interests.
Led by a governor who operates like a CEO, the state delivers nimble solutions that companies need to efficiently expand and thrive in a competitive global economy.
Products & Services: Economic Development / Government / Government Agency / Recruitment / Paris Air Show /SME Resources
