On Tuesday, June 5, the 2018 Chair of the Chamber’s Aerospace Committee, Tyler Schroeder, joined Interim CEO of Port San Antonio, Jim Perschbach, in presenting an overview of the aerospace industry to the City of San Antonio’s Economic and Workforce Development Committee, chaired by Councilwoman Rebecca Viagran.
In 1995, the closure of Kelly Air Force Base was announced as part of the Base Realignment and Closure (BRAC), which is a congressionally authorized process that has been used by the Department of Defense to efficiently and effectively support forces, increase operational readiness, and facilitate new ways of doing business. The Greater Kelly Development Authority was created in 1997, developing into what is now Port San Antonio, which employs approximately 13,000 people, many in the aerospace industry, and has a $5.2 billion annual economic impact on the city. Port San Antonio historically has focused most of their assets in the aviation sector but has outlined a vision to marry those with cybersecurity.
The aerospace industry has a long history in San Antonio, and recent announcements by Boeing and StandardAero illustrate the sustainable growth in engine maintenance, repair and overhaul (MRO) work for the next several years. The Aerospace Committee presented to Council the opportunity to diversify work and expand the footprint and impact that the industry has on the community. The assessment that was commissioned by the Chamber earlier this year will further define the opportunity for business expansion, compare San Antonio’s ecosystem to that of competitive communities across the country, identify barriers to growth, and study the workforce needs and readiness. The assessment is scheduled for completion later this year, which will inform growth strategies for the near future.
For questions regarding the aerospace industry, contact Belinda G. Hartwig at bhartwig@sachamber.org or 210-229-2199.
