ST Engineering launches expansion at Pensacola airport, set to create 1,700 jobs

PENSACOLA, Fla. — One of the most profitable aerospace engineering groups in the world is expanding its presence in Pensacola.

ST Engineering broke ground Tuesday on its third aircraft maintenance hangar at the Pensacola International Airport.

The project is expected to bring nearly 2,000 new jobs when complete.

Mayor DC Reeves says it’s been a long journey to get to this point, but the mayor expressed Tuesday that it’s the start of something major for the area.

At least 1,700 new jobs are coming to Pensacola thanks to ST Engineering at Pensacola International Airport.

The company along with city and county officials broke ground on a new 167,000 square feet state-of-the-art hangar, equipped with two bays to service widebody aircraft.

Reeves says the plans took more than a decade, telling WEAR News that Pensacola International is in a league of its own in terms of growth for small airports.

“I think if you look at airports around the country, we’re not unique in that we’re growing, but unique in the rate that we’re growing,” Reeves said.

“The airport that just won best small airport in Newsweek had 1,400,000 passengers,” Reeves said. “We had 2,740,000 last year and we’re on our way to 3,000,000.”

The hangar is expected to be fully operational by mid-2026.

It’s part of ST Engineering’s planned “airframe maintenance, repair & overhaul complex” in Pensacola.

The project was co-funded by Triumph Gulf Coast, the City of Pensacola, Escambia County, the State of Florida, and other community partners.

The mayor compared the scope of the project to some of the city’s biggest moves lately, like the new Baptist Hospital property and the agreement with American Magic.

“I took this job saying the three most important things are safety, housing, and jobs,” Reeves said. “Creating jobs and opportunities here isn’t easy, it’s not just a phone call.”

“There are many factors that go into play, creating the right environment is number one. You’re also looking at those educational opportunities to continue to grow that workforce,” Reeves said.

A new aviation maintenance training academy on-site in partnership with Pensacola State College is also in the works.

The facility will be constructed by ST Engineering and train up to 150 aviation technicians a year.

The mayor says this is another positive step forward for the growing community.

“You have to have a ready workforce or people aren’t going to move here,” Reeves said.

“That’s where we can go to our high schools and middle schools and say we have the opportunity for you to be the breadwinner of your family by 20-21 years old,” He added. ” I believe for the city, this project is at the forefront of my mind. It will help create opportunities for Pensacolians.”

Both the mayor and officials with ST Engineering say the demand is high for aircraft technicians in our area. WEAR News is told there are currently several open positions waiting for qualified applicants.