News Release: Leaders from Boeing, Gulfstream and West Star Aviation Spotlight Investment, Innovation and Workforce Growth at Global Aerospace Summit

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[O’Fallon, IL / Sept. 1, 2026] – Leaders from Boeing, Gulfstream Aerospace Corp., and West Star Aviation recently highlighted significant investments in facilities, technology and workforce development initiatives that are expanding the St. Louis region’s role as a major center for aerospace manufacturing and aircraft maintenance. The discussion, titled “Building and Sustaining the Fleet: OEM, MRO and Defense Perspectives,” was part of the 2026 Global Aerospace Summit August 19 and 20 in O’Fallon, Ill., that showcased the region’s aerospace momentum.

The panel featured Chad Nicklaus, Director of St. Louis Site Integration and manufacturing leader for Boeing’s St. Louis operations; Tony Ray, Vice President and General Manager St. Louis Completions for Gulfstream Aerospace Corp; and Brian Bauwens, Director of Bombardier Business Development for West Star Aviation. The discussion was moderated by Mary Lamie, Executive Vice President of Multimodal Enterprises for Bi-State Development and head of its St. Louis Regional Freightway enterprise. The panelists offered perspectives spanning military aircraft production, business-aircraft completions and support, and maintenance, repair and overhaul, commonly known as MRO. Their comments illustrated the breadth of the bi-state St. Louis region’s aerospace sector that designs and manufactures new aircraft, equips and delivers business jets, and maintains aircraft throughout their operational lives.

Boeing Expands Capacity for Defense Programs

Nicklaus said Boeing’s St. Louis operations are today known as Boeing Fighter Land USA, bringing together manufacturing, engineering, supply chain, and supplier teams to design and build aerospace defense projects for domestic and international customers. Boeing has 18,000 employees and about $2 billion of active payroll in the region. Products and capabilities discussed during the session included the F-15EX, F/A-18 Super Hornet, T-7A Red Hawk, MQ-25 Stingray and ground-based flight-test simulators and weapon systems.

Demand for the F-15EX is prompting Boeing to invest $1.8 billion to expand its operations by St. Louis Lambert International Airport and increase its production rate, he said.

“We’re answering that call by actually investing in our capacity, hiring and expanding our operations, going from one aircraft a month to two aircraft a month,” Nicklaus said. “That’s 12 to 24. We want to be ready to answer the customers’ needs, stand up operations, ramp up, and be ready to go when things hit.”

He said Boeing also has invested $200 million in the new MQ-25 production facility at MidAmerica St. Louis Airport in Mascoutah, Ill., and is making broader investments in buildings, tools and the workforce needed to support future programs. “There’s a great future for the MQ-25 in that facility,” Nicklaus said. “We’re super excited to get that product to the fleet as soon as possible.”

Nicklaus said the investment and activity surrounding Boeing’s programs point to additional opportunities throughout the regional aerospace economy. He also touched on Boeing’s corporate citizenship, noting that the company spent $1.6 million in 2025 across numerous non-profit organizations and that employees volunteered 12,000 hours in the community, with a heavy focus on STEM education. 

Gulfstream Builds on Rapid Growth at St. Louis Downtown Airport

Ray described Gulfstream’s continued growth at St. Louis Downtown Airport, where the company had an established an MRO operation before adding aircraft-completions and outfitting capabilities. Its completions work includes interior installations, paint, avionics, cabinetry, carpeting and flight testing.

The expanded operation represented an investment of more than $30 million and added over 200 new jobs, according to Ray. Gulfstream delivered its first locally completed aircraft in 2023 and Ray said they expect another successful delivery year in 2026.

Gulfstream continues to invest in advanced manufacturing, flight-deck and cabin technologies, as well as the services required to support aircraft after they enter service. Ray also highlighted the company’s work involving sustainable aviation fuel (SAF) and testing intended to reduce contrail-forming emissions.

“Gulfstream was the first OEM [Original Equipment Manufacturer] to fly across the Atlantic Ocean utilizing SAF, which we're very proud of, and we followed that up with being the first OEM company to also fly with both engines on 100% SAF,” Ray said. “Sustainability continues to remain a pillar for us moving forward. We’re excited about what that means for us as an organization.”

He described St. Louis as an important part of Gulfstream’s global business, serving customers from North America, Asia, Europe, and the Middle East, among other markets.

“It’s a booming aviation hub, with a very skilled workforce, and we’re continuing to partner with and invest in this community,” Ray said.

West Star Aviation Invests in Facilities, Technology and Talent

Bauwens discussed West Star Aviation’s growing MRO presence at St. Louis Regional Airport in East Alton, Ill., where the company operates more than 600,000 square feet of facilities and now employs just over 700 people. West Star also operates a hangar at St. Louis Downtown Airport.

The company has expanded its infrastructure, added hangar capacity and invested in new scheduling and planning capabilities to manage the large number of aircraft moving through its operations. Bauwens said they currently have 117 aircraft on site and expect to deliver 40 – 43 of them by the end of August.

“For us, that’s huge innovation,” Bauwens said of the company’s new scheduling and planning systems.

He added that they also are looking at acquisitions as the company works to expand its engineering and repair capabilities to complete specialized modifications and keep more work in-house.

West Star is also pursuing additional foreign aviation authority certifications that would enable more internationally registered aircraft to receive service in the region. Bauwens said the effort can attract customers from outside the United States and generate additional business for regional suppliers and service providers.

“We’re trying to bring more money into the region,” Bauwens said. “We currently have 11 outside or foreign authority certifications where we can work on those airplanes from outside of our states or outside the U.S.”

Workforce Development Emerges as a Shared Priority

Despite representing different segments of the aerospace industry, all three panelists identified workforce availability as one of the most important factors influencing future growth.

Boeing recently marked the first anniversary of a mechanic apprenticeship program that combines classroom education with hands-on instruction using Boeing plans, drawings, and production tools. Nicklaus said 230 graduates had moved into regular production positions. Boeing’s longstanding partnership with St. Louis Community College has also produced a pathway for hiring approximately 1,300 production employees since 2007.

“Capturing skilled and capable people is so important to everything we all do,” Nicklaus said. “It’s really been a great pathway into the Boeing company and then onto better things, not only for Boeing, but for individuals’ careers.”

Gulfstream is working with schools, community colleges, universities, military programs and career and technical education partners to expose students and transitioning service members to aviation careers. Its partnerships include the Belleville, Ill.-based Center for Academic and Vocational Excellence, commonly known as the CAVE, and programs with Southwestern Illinois College, Lewis and Clark Community College and area school districts.

“This is an exciting time,” Ray said. “The types of careers and jobs available within our industry can be life-changing.”

West Star Aviation has developed the West Star Aviation Academy in partnership with Southwestern Illinois College. Bauwens said the program recently graduated its fourth class and has achieved an approximately 85% retention rate among its participants. Graduates enter the workforce with aviation credentials and opportunities to pursue additional certification and career advancement.

“The growing need for individuals in this is just so massive,” Bauwens said. “Come visit the sites, because that’s how we get people interested in this business.”

Collaboration Strengthens the Regional Aerospace Ecosystem

The panelists emphasized that workforce development and regional growth depend upon collaboration among aerospace employers, schools, colleges, universities, military installations, airports, governments, and economic development organizations.

While Boeing, Gulfstream and West Star Aviation serve different portions of the aerospace market, the companies share a need for skilled employees and benefit when aerospace professionals can build careers across multiple employers without leaving the region.

The session concluded with a shared message that collaboration, continued investment, and stronger awareness of aviation careers will be essential to supporting the region’s aerospace momentum.

The Global Aerospace Summit brought together aerospace manufacturers, suppliers and leaders in military, cargo movement, transportation, economic development, and other sectors for a two-day program focused on advancing innovation and strengthening the industry’s future. The event was presented by the Leadership Council Southwestern Illinois, Madison and St. Clair counties in  Illinois, and Bi-State Development’s St. Louis Regional Freightway.  To learn more, visit  https://leadershipcouncilswil.com/gas2026/. 

News Release: St. Louis Downtown Airport Strengthens Role as Regional Economic Engine in 2025

[ST. LOUIS/January 27, 2026]  St. Louis Downtown Airport (KCPS), a premier general aviation airport located just minutes from the Gateway Arch in St. Clair County, Illinois, grew in its role as a regional economic engine in 2025. Throughout the year, KCPS experienced significant tenant investments and improvements in airport infrastructure, while continuing to be an active regional player in workforce development and industry attraction.

In 2025, the airport welcomed investments by tenants that augmented its own, strengthening St. Louis Downtown Airport’s ability to meet growing demand and ensure it remains a leading destination for business aviation. Among the most recent tenant investments is a new corporate hangar facility recently opened on the airport’s west side by aircraft management company Gateway Jets. The state-of-the-art hangar features 100-foot bi-fold doors and can accommodate up to five Citation aircraft.

This project follows Gulfstream Aerospace’s $30 million expansion of its completions and outfitting operations at the airport, completion of which was celebrated in May 2025. The investment added new equipment and machinery, supporting a growing workforce that now exceeds 700 employees. Gulfstream’s operations in the region encompass maintenance, repair, overhaul and completions, with the facility supporting the completion of brand-new business jets from the heart of the Midwest.

 

“Here at St. Louis Downtown Airport, our tenants are thriving, and many are expanding their operations,” said Airport Director Sandra Shore. “These investments reflect the confidence businesses have in KCPS as a critical gateway for the region and a strategic location for growth.”

 

Complementing tenant investments, KCPS is advancing several major capital improvement projects. The airport recently completed $1.1 million in improvements to a key access road, enhancing connectivity for the airport and more than 700 employees who work onsite. Work is also progressing on the Taxiway Bravo reconstruction project. Phase one, which includes drainage and site improvements, is wrapping up at a cost of $2.5 million. Phase two, a $14 million reconstruction of 3,500 feet of taxiway, begins this spring. The third and final phase – reconstruction of the remaining 3,500 feet of taxiway – is scheduled for 2027. The total investment is estimated at $25 to $30 million, with completion expected by the end of 2027. Importantly, the airport will remain fully operational throughout construction.

 

Shore said the airport also has secured $3.6 million in state funding for a new general aviation terminal, with construction slated to begin mid-2026. The project involves tearing down the existing 55-year-old terminal and rebuilding a modernized facility that better meets the needs of today’s business aviation customers. The airport will remain open during construction, which will take approximately one year.

 

“All of these improvements ensure we can continue to serve our customers well into the future,” Shore noted. “We’re building the infrastructure that supports growth and strengthens our position as a leader in business aviation.”

 

Workforce development also remained a priority for St. Louis Downtown Airport in 2025 as the region’s aerospace and aviation industry continues to grow. The airport collaborated with St. Louis University (SLU) and Southwestern Illinois College (SWIC) on summer camps, academies and events, including Girls in Aviation Day, inspiring youth to explore careers in this vibrant ecosystem.  In October, KCPS partnered with SLU’s Flying Billikens to host the National Intercollegiate Flying Association’s (NIFA) 2025 Region VI and VIII SAFECON event, welcoming ten collegiate teams from across the Midwest. Competitors showcased their skills in navigation, short-field landing, power-off landing and other aviation exercises. Winners from the event hosted locally are set to advance to the national competition in May 2026.

 

Located in the communities of Cahokia Heights and the Village of Sauget in Southwestern Illinois, St. Louis Downtown Airport serves as the region’s front door for business aviation, supporting more than 25 tenants. Collectively, the airport and its tenants generate more than $422 million in annual economic impact and sustain well over 1,500 jobs.

“With its strategic location and robust infrastructure, St. Louis Downtown Airport continues to attract investment and jobs, reinforcing its role as a vital contributor to the regional economy,” said Mary Lamie, executive vice president of Multimodal Enterprises for Bi-State Development, which owns and operates the airport as one its enterprises. “KCPS is more than an airport—it’s an economic powerhouse and a catalyst for growth.”

 

To learn more about St. Louis Downtown Airport, visit www.stlouisdowntownairport.com.

Jerry Vallely
Public Affairs Manager
314-982-1458 (O) | 314-486-5553 (C) 

News Release: Industry Leaders Highlight Investments, Growth and Trends at Global Aerospace Summit

[Edwardsville, IL/August 28, 2025] The future of aerospace and its transformative impact on the St. Louis region were the focus of a compelling panel discussion on day two of the Global Aerospace Summit held in O’Fallon, Ill., August 14. The session featured Tony Ray, Vice President and General Manager - St. Louis Completions, for Gulfstream Aerospace Corp., and Ray Sharp, Director of Maintenance at West Star Aviation’s East Alton campus. It was moderated by Mary Lamie, Executive Vice President of Multimodal Enterprises for Bi-State Development, and provided powerful insights into the industry’s growth, workforce development and sustainability efforts.

Tony Ray, who recently marked his 20^th anniversary with Gulfstream, highlighted the company’s deep investment in the region, including a recently completed $30 million expansion of the company’s completions and outfitting operations at St. Louis Downtown Airport. The investment added new equipment and machinery, supporting a growing workforce that now exceeds 700 employees. In total, Gulfstream’s operations in the region encompass maintenance, repair, overhaul and completions, with the facility supporting brand-new business jets from the heart of the Midwest.

“This is a booming aviation hub in the center of the United States, and we're excited to be a part of that,” said Ray. “One of the things that has attracted us to this region is the workforce that's here. It is skilled and capable, and they are passionate about building airplanes.”

Ray Sharp, a seasoned aviation professional with nearly three decades of experience, echoed the theme of expansion, highlighting West Star Aviation’s strategic development strategy. The company recently unveiled a new 40,000-square-foot hangar and is approaching 650 employees, including 500 highly trained technicians. With new facilities also underway in Grand Junction, Colo., and Chattanooga, Tenn., West Star is expanding its national footprint while continuing to strengthen its presence in the St. Louis region.

“At West Star in East Alton, we’re a comprehensive full-service MRO provider with over 78 years of industry experience and a large campus that offers a wide range of capabilities,” said Sharp. “One of our core strengths is providing airframe and engine maintenance specifically for business jets. In addition to our extensive maintenance services, we offer strategically positioned services for paint, interior refurbishments, and all avionics and connectivity needs. Our mobile response team, consisting of over 200 technicians in strategic locations throughout the U.S., can quickly address any maintenance requirements that arise. We take immense pride in the future direction of West Star and our ongoing commitment to being a true one-stop shop for our customers, staffed by experienced technicians who have been in the industry for many years.”

Lamie noted investments being made in the bi-state area by Boeing - the region’s largest manufacturing employer with close to 17,000 employees. This includes the soon-to-open $200 million facility adjacent to MidAmerica St. Louis Airport in St. Clair County, Ill., where the MQ-25 unmanned aerial refueling aircraft will be manufactured, and a $1.8 billion expansion project near St. Louis Lambert International Airport that recently broke ground.

With all this growth taking place, the panelists shared insights into the wide range of career opportunities available within their organizations and the collaborative efforts underway with educators to support ongoing recruitment, providing industry insight on a topic that was a recurring theme throughout the Summit.

Tony Ray emphasized Gulfstream’s focus on hiring for roles in maintenance, repair and overhaul, as well as positions in avionics – areas he described as vital to the company’s operations. He also noted Gulfstream’s interest in recruiting individuals with backgrounds in cabinet installation and upholstery.

Additionally, Gulfstream’s high school apprenticeship program provides students with a unique opportunity to gain hands-on experience in aircraft interiors while continuing their education and, upon graduation, participants are eligible for full-time employment. The company’s commitment to workforce development is evident through its partnerships with local schools and universities, including Belleville Township High School, Cahokia High School, East St. Louis High School, Southern Illinois University (SIU), Southwestern Illinois College (SWIC) and Lewis & Clark Community College.

Ray Sharp highlighted the West Star Aviation Academy (WSAA), an innovative program designed to bolster the company’s workforce in collaboration with SWIC. From a competitive pool of 400 applicants, only 25 apprentices were selected for the most recent class, demonstrating a rigorous selection process. “It reflects West Star’s commitment to choosing individuals who are not only passionate about aviation but also dedicated to excellence and attention to detail,” Sharp said.

The WSAA features classroom instruction alongside hands-on airframe maintenance training, mentorship, and job shadowing, equipping participants with the skills needed for industry success.

The program seeks to remove barriers to employment and FAA licensing, with graduates committing to long-term careers at West Star Aviation as job-ready, certified professionals.

Additionally, students are paid during their training and receive full benefits—an opportunity not typically available to those attending other schools. So far, fifty students have graduated from the first two classes and are now employed at West Star Aviation.

Lamie also acknowledged Boeing’s engagement in various other collaborations to help grow their pipeline of future workers, including a newly revamped apprenticeship program with St. Louis Community College and an ongoing partnership with the Center for Academic and Vocational Excellence (The CAVE). These initiatives are among the key differentiators contributing to the aerospace industry’s continued success in the bi-state area.

When asked about transformative trends or innovations currently shaping the aerospace industry, Tony Ray touched on the role sustainability plays as a key pillar of Gulfstream’s strategy and the company’s leadership in sustainable aviation fuel (SAF). The company has flown nearly 3 million nautical miles using SAF blends and was the first to complete a trans-Atlantic flight on 100% SAF. Gulfstream St. Louis has also transitioned to electric ground power units and logistics vehicles, furthering its commitment to reducing carbon emissions.

“It’s the future of aviation and we're extremely proud to be a part of that locally here in St. Louis,” said Ray.

Sharp noted the importance of West Star Aviation’s investment in software tools that enhance real-time aircraft maintenance tracking, allowing customers to monitor progress, approve repairs remotely and manage costs more effectively.  “Having the tools available to lay out a plan and an attack method gives us the ability to streamline that process to help us become more effective with all our teams, and hopefully reduce the downtime of that aircraft,” he said.

The inaugural Global Aerospace Summit was presented by the Leadership Council Southwestern Illinois in partnership with Madison County, St. Clair County, and Bi-State Development’s St. Louis Regional Freightway. It drew 400+ industry leaders, educators, government officials, workforce development experts and career seekers who learned about the St. Louis region’s aerospace assets, its potential for continued growth and innovation and various initiatives to grow the workforce. To learn more about the Global Aerospace Summit, visit https://leadershipcouncilswil.com/gas2025/.