Wind Tunnel at NASA Langley Research Center

Innovation Lives Here

Virginia’s Advantage for Project Atlas

Virginia’s vibrant industrial and technological ecosystem provides an ideal home for aerospace companies. The Commonwealth’s aerospace industry ecosystem spans subsectors from headquarters to manufacturers, suppliers, and fixed-base operations (FBO) companies. Virginia is also home to 30 military installations, including the Pentagon, and major hubs of public and private R&D, including the National Institute of Aerospace, the Virginia Modeling, Analysis, and Simulation Center, and NASA’s Langley Research Center.

Molly Olson
Senior Business Manager, Business Investment
Virginia Economic Development Partnership
804.979.8323 (mobile)
molson@vedp.org

Adam Henry
Director, Mega Projects, Business Investment
Virginia Economic Development Partnership
804.845.1056 (mobile)
ahenry@vedp.org

America's Top State for Business

In 2024, Virginia was named America’s No. 1 Top State for Business by CNBC for its business-friendly regulations, stable tax environment, and competitive cost of doing business.

 

Hampton Roads is at the Center of Virginia's World-Class Aerospace Ecosystem

Hampton Roads' Strategic Location for Project Atlas

Hampton Roads, Virginia, is home to more than 1.8 million people, and is the largest metropolitan area between Washington D.C. and Charlotte, North Carolina. Located midway between Maine and Florida, the region’s central location provides access to 47% of the U.S. population, more than 130 million consumers, within a day’s drive. Additional assets include 10 civil and 7 military airports and a highly trained workforce in aviation operations and maintenance.

Port of Virginia

The Port of Virginia in Hampton Roads is a global trade hub, housing the world’s largest naval base and the sixth-largest containerized operation in the U.S.

Military

Hampton Roads is known for its strong military presence, with 19 military installations and over 120,000 active and reserve military personnel.

Quality of Life

Hampton Roads offers a high quality of life, with residents rating their living experience as excellent or good.

Workforce

Hampton Roads has a dynamic workforce of approximately 895,000, enriched by graduates and transitioning military personnel.

Clean Energy

Hampton Roads pioneers sustainable progress through clean energy, driving the region towards a greener future with innovation and environmental stewardship.

Air Commerce Park at Newport News/Williamsburg Airport (PHF)

Air Commerce Park located on Newport News-Williamsburg Airport’s 1800-acre property features multiple taxiways, multiple aprons and two runways: 8003’x150’ and 6526’x150’. Industrial sites with taxiway access have been identified for Aviation-related R&D, office, manufacturing and assembly development. There are 1,600 acres; 550+ contiguous acres available for development.

Denbigh High School Aviation Academy, Newport News
Denbigh High School Aviation Academy, Newport News

Regional Talent and Workforce Will Ensure the Future Success of Project Atlas

For many employers, a capable and talented workforce is the most vital component of their company success. Hampton Roads has a talent pipeline like very few other regions in America. The existing labor force is consistently enhanced by graduates from the region’s many colleges and universities as well as military personnel exiting the service and entering the private sector.

Aery has enjoyed the partnership with the Newport News community and airport staff. Their collective support and pro-business environment persuaded Aery to invest more than $15 million into the construction, expansion, and upfit of the buildings for this new state-of-the-art facility, which also includes an investment in machinery, tools, furniture, fixtures, and business personal property. Aery is happy to call Newport News its home for decades to come.

Scott Beale Aery Aviation Executive Vice President

Virginia Will Tailor a Custom Solution to Meet Project Atlas’ Specific Needs

Busch Gardens Williamsburg

1

State for Quality of Life in the U.S.
Rudee Inlet, Virginia Beach

1

State for Outdoor Activities in the Southeast/Mid-Atlantic