Boeing, the world’s largest aerospace company has decided to gather its T-X Air Force training jet at its St. Louis facility. It expects to support around 1,800 jobs in the region.
Boeing T-X is a training system designed exclusively for the Air Force training mission. It will replace the service’s fleet of aging T-38 aircraft. The original purchase for 350 aircraft and the ground-based training and support, is valued at up to $16 billion. Initial operating capability is planned for 2024. The contract award is expected by the end of the year.
“The Boeing T-X trainer will keep Americans safe and create more jobs for Missourians,” said Missouri Gov. Eric Greitens. “Companies like Boeing, which are committed to growing and investing here, show the world that our state is open for business and ready to create new jobs.”
The jobs projection includes direct and indirect positions expected to be supported by the T-X work.
“Today’s announcement is further proof that Boeing’s St. Louis workforce is among the best and most innovative in the country,” said U.S. Sen. Claire McCaskill, a senior member of the Armed Services Committee. “Boeing’s T-X program is truly the future of the U.S. Air Force training and the right choice for training future generations of pilots right here in Missouri.”
“I’m proud that Boeing has trust in the highly-skilled workforce in my district, and I look forward to the economic opportunity these jobs will bring for our community and the Missouri supply chain,” commented U.S. Rep. Lacy Clay who represents Missouri’s first district that includes Boeing’s St. Louis facility.
U.S. Rep. Ann Wagner said, “This announcement is monumental, not only for Boeing employees, but for the region and state as well. When new opportunities like this arise, the economic multiplier effect creates new jobs and opportunities in St. Louis and across Missouri.”
The first two new, purpose-built T-X aircraft have proven the design’s low-risk, performance and repeatability in manufacturing.
“Our highly-skilled St. Louis workforce designed, assembled, and brought Boeing T-X to life and they continue to define the future, not just for our company, but for our customers and the global aerospace industry,” said Shelley Lavender, St. Louis senior executive and president of Boeing Military Aircraft.
