LAKELAND, FL - APRIL 2, 2025 - Vulcanair Aircraft North America is on schedule to open a new aircraft manufacturing facility in Elizabethtown, North Carolina, on September 1, 2025. This milestone marks the first factory dedicated to the production of training aircraft in the United States in more than 25 years. Supported by $12.2 million in state and federal investment grants, the facility will create high-quality jobs, with a strong focus on hiring military veterans transitioning to civilian careers.
"The Town of Elizabethtown has been an invaluable partner in bringing this project to life," said Chris Benaiges, CEO of Vulcanair Aircraft North America. "We're excited to become part of a community dedicated to economic growth while revitalizing U.S. training aircraft manufacturing."
Construction of the 36,000-square-foot factory began in January 2025 and is progressing on schedule for the September 1 grand opening. The facility will serve as the North American assembly site for the Vulcanair V1, a high-wing training aircraft currently produced in Naples, Italy, that is intended to meet increasing demand from growing U.S. flight schools and aviation training programs. Once fully operational, the plant will have the capacity to produce up to 100 aircraft per year.
Hiring will begin in late May starting with leadership roles, followed by broader recruitment for production positions in June. Military veterans will be prioritized, given the facility's proximity to seven major military bases, including JSOC (Joint Special Operations Command) and SOCOM (United States Special Operations Command).
"Approximately 40% of active-duty military personnel remain in the area when they separate from military service," said Ken Hadaway, COO of Sovereign Aerospace, Vulcanair's project partner. "North Carolina is one of the few states that does not tax military retirement income. And, given the extensive resources, training, and education that they receive during their service, they're ideal employees. We plan to hire some of these military veterans as we begin production at the Elizabethtown factory this summer. Nearly 42% of veterans have some form of aviation training, so this is an ideal region for our aircraft manufacturing facility."
As the anchor tenant of the Elizabethtown Aerospace Industrial Park at Curtis L. Brown Jr. Airfield, Vulcanair Aircraft North America will be a key driver of economic growth in Bladen County. The facility has been designed for further expansion, with the potential to grow to 80,000 square feet to meet future demand.
Bladen County's Tier 1 economic development designation highlights the significance of this investment, while state funding reinforces North Carolina's commitment to strengthening its aerospace sector.
As the anchor tenant of the Elizabethtown Aerospace Industrial Park at Curtis L. Brown Jr. Airfield, Vulcanair Aircraft North America will be a key driver of economic growth in Bladen County. The facility has been designed for further expansion, with the potential to grow to 80,000 square feet to meet future demand.
"The support from local leaders and the aviation community has been instrumental in making this vision a reality," added Benaiges. "We're honored to contribute to Elizabethtown's economic development while advancing aviation and manufacturing in America."
For updates on the factory grand opening, visit vulcanairusa.com.
Vulcanair Aircraft North America is the exclusive assembler and distributor of Vulcanair Aircraft in the United States. Specializing in high-wing training and utility aircraft, Vulcanair provides reliable, cost-effective solutions for flight training programs and government flight operations worldwide.
Stephen Pope
Director of Communications
Vulcanair Aircraft North America
[email protected]
973-670-5327