Embraer held a groundbreaking ceremony today to mark the start of construction on its new MRO facility at Perot Field Alliance Airport in Fort Worth | Image by Hillwood/press release
Embraer, a leading aerospace company, has begun construction on a facility at Perot Field Alliance Airport.
Embraer celebrated its new maintenance, repair, and overhaul facility at Perot Field with a groundbreaking ceremony on October 20, according to a press release. The commercial aircraft hangar, near Haslet, is set to open in 2027, bringing 250 jobs to the area.
Denton County Judge Andy Eads and Commissioner Bobbie Mitchell attended the groundbreaking ceremony.
“We are excited about Embraer’s investment,” Mitchell said to The Dallas Express. “We proudly welcome this state-of-the-art aircraft hangar to Denton County. It celebrates our shared commitment to innovation, economic growth, and the boundless possibilities of flight.”
The new hangar will boost Embraer’s nationwide capacity to serve its “E-Jets,” high-efficiency regional planes, by 53%, according to the release. Officials expect the investment to grow up to $70 million.
Embraer began operating from an existing hangar at Perot Field in June, in partnership with the City of Fort Worth, Denton County, and the State of Texas.
Mitchell said she supported a tax abatement of at least $57 million for the company’s investments, generating 550 full-time positions across the seven-year period, with an average salary of $70,000.
“May this hangar serve as a launchpad for dreams and a cornerstone of progress for generations to come,” Mitchell said.
The county’s partnership with real estate investment company Hillwood has made the area attractive to companies like Embraer, Eads said in the release.
“This expansion is a strong signal of Denton County’s rising role in the global aviation economy,” Eads said.
Hillwood Chairman Ross Perot Jr., the son of the late Dallas real estate mogul, said the investment defines the airport and the region as a whole.
“By aligning industry, government, and education around innovation, we’re building the infrastructure and talent base that will sustain the region’s aviation leadership for decades to come,” Perot said.
Fort Worth Mayor Mattie Parker said in the release that the groundbreaking was an “exciting milestone” for the region.
“The airport continues to serve as a hub of innovation and economic opportunity, and Embraer’s expansion further strengthens Fort Worth’s position as a global leader in aviation and advanced manufacturing,” Parker said. “This investment brings not only high-quality jobs but also highlights the strength of our business environment and the talent of our local workforce.”
Francisco Gomes Neto, Embraer president and CEO, said Fort Worth represents innovation, resilience, and opportunity.
“This moment marks a new chapter in Embraer’s journey in the United States,” Neto said. “This facility is a symbol of our long-term commitment to the U.S. market.”
Gov. Greg Abbott named Fort Worth the “Aviation and Defense Capital of Texas” in June, as The Dallas Express previously reported.
Fort Worth was instrumental in building B-24 and B-32 bombers in World War II and became home to Carswell Air Force Base, as The Dallas Express also reported. The F-16 and F-35 Lightning II were also developed in the city, home to an American Airlines office, Bell Textron helicopters, and DFW Airport.