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Air Capital by S AVA N N A H K I N G
Kansas’ legacy of innovation and collaboration elevates the state’s aerospace sector.
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Photo: Gett y Images
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ore than 450 aviation companies call Kansas home and benefit from a pro-business climate, low operating costs, access to innovative resources, a highly skilled workforce and robust transportation infrastructure. More than a century since the first plane was built in Kansas, the state’s most iconic industry is taking off. One of the five great aerospace clusters in the world, Kansas leads in aircraft design and manufacturing and has more than 34,000 people are employed in the sector across the state. Kansas landed several significant investments and expansions from aerospace companies this year thanks to the state’s robust higher education network and specialized workforce. Spirit AeroSystems opened its National Defense Prototype Center (NDPC) in October.
KANSAS: TO THE STARS
The NDPC is a joint project between Kansas’ largest aerospace company and Wichita State University’s National Institute for Aviation Research (NIAR). The new research center will significantly expand the company’s capabilities and production efficiencies in the defense and space market. The research center follows Kansas earning a designation as one of the 11 Defense Manufacturing Communities by the Department of Defense (DoD). The Defense Community Support Program encourages longterm community investments to strengthen national security innovation and expand the capabilities of the defense manufacturing industrial ecosystem. “NIAR has been a tremendous partner in the development of the National Defense Prototype Center and enabling Wichita as a center for defense growth,” said Duane Hawkins, Spirit AeroSystems executive vice
