Textron Aviation celebrates 30 years in Independence while building for the future
Employees and expanded capabilities position the Kansas facility to support the next generation of aircraft and aviation professionals
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Textron Aviation is recognizing 30 years of aircraft manufacturing in Independence, Kansas, while looking ahead to the facility’s continued role in supporting customers, developing aviation talent and producing industry-leading aircraft.
Approximately 600 employees work across the 213-acre campus, where capabilities include assembly, paint, interiors, flight test and delivery. The site includes five buildings and more than 528,000 square feet of space, enabling the team to support aircraft through several important stages of production and delivery.
Thirty years is an important achievement, but what excites us most is the opportunity ahead, said McKee, senior vice president, Fabrication. The experience, adaptability and pride of the Independence team position this facility to keep advancing how we build aircraft and meet our commitments to customers. By continuing to develop our people, strengthen our capabilities and improve how we work, we are preparing Independence for its next chapter.
Todd McKee, SVP, Fabrication, Textron Aviation
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The company marked the anniversary on Saturday, Oct. 10, 2026, with a celebration for employees, retirees, families and community partners. The event recognized the people who built the foundation for the site’s success while looking ahead to the employees and capabilities that will shape its future.
These aircraft serve a range of customer needs, from flight training and personal transportation to business and demanding utility missions. The lineup reflects the Independence team’s established capabilities across piston, turboprop and jet aircraft.
Developing the workforce needed for the future is another important part of the company’s focus. Textron Aviation recently launched Kansas’ first state-registered aviation youth apprenticeship program, which includes an engine buildup apprenticeship based in Independence. The program combines classroom instruction with structured, on-the-job training to help students develop industry knowledge and career-ready skills.
As Textron Aviation continues to evolve its products and manufacturing operations, the Independence team remains focused on quality, execution and delivering for customers around the world.
Recognition reflects Textron Aviation’s commitment to supporting employees who serve in the National Guard and Reserve while advancing their civilian careers
Textron Aviation welcomed nearly 1,500 middle and high school students from 40 Wichita-area schools to explore aviation careers for National Manufacturing Day.
By combining education and industry experience, the new program creates early career opportunities for high school students while strengthening Kansas’ aviation workforce .
Textron Aviation today announced the rollout of the 500th Cessna Citation Latitude business jet from the company’s Wichita, Kansas, manufacturing facility.
