West Virginia’s Greenbrier Valley has been certified AEROready™, identifying our region as an ideal location for aerospace manufacturers and aircraft maintenance centers. That’s no surprise for several reasons. Our location and transportation infrastructure provides easy access to the major aerospace OEMs in the southern U.S., including Boeing, Airbus, Lockheed Martin, and Gulfstream, and we’re already home to a Collins Aerospace facility.
Large, Skilled Labor Shed
Our region’s labor shed encompasses more than 282,000 people, many of whom grew up around industries where they acquired easily transferable skills and an appreciation for taking pride in a job well done. That labor shed remains strong thanks to the efforts of local education providers focused on developing skills in areas such as aerospace engineering, global supply chain management, machining, industrial technology, welding, and business management.
Aviation Assets
Greenbrier Valley Airport (KLWB) in Lewisburg boasts a 7,000-foot runway that can accommodate most jets. The airport offers nonstop flights to Chicago O’Hare and Washington Dulles, and its ILS approach and 24-hour FBO support corporate aviation. The airport has space within its gates for lease including hangers, and more than 80 acres that can be developed to runway level.
Nearby Charleston Yeager Airport (KCRW) offers nonstop flights to major cities, support for general aviation, and is a Customs and Border Protection Port of Entry. And just across the state line, there’s Roanoke-Blacksburg Regional Airport (KROA), with commercial flights to major destinations and a large cargo facility served by most major cargo carriers.
Learn more about the airport assets here.
Trucks & Trains
It’s easy for aerospace companies to source raw materials and components, thanks to our region’s robust transportation network. Interstate 64 connects our region with Interstates 77, 79, and 81 and other U.S. and state highways, as well as Norfolk’s deepwater port and river ports in Charleston and Huntington, speeding shipments of finished products to customers. Rail users benefit from access to both CSX and Norfolk Southern mainlines, with opportunities to add spurs.
