Maritime and Aviation Industries Drive Economic Growth in Mobile, AL
From the depths of the Gulf to the skies above it, cutting-edge advancements are reshaping Mobile’s economic landscape.
“Mobile’s economy is experiencing rapid growth across multiple industry sectors, consistently punching above our weight when it comes to helping global brands grow and expand here,” says David Rodgers, vice president of economic development for the Mobile Chamber.
The 60-mile Alabama Gulf Coast chemical corridor, MAST, is a hub for world-class chemical companies. Coupled with the steady growth Mobile has seen in steel and specialty pipe production, this robust manufacturing sector provides a strong foundation that complements the expanding aerospace and maritime industries.
“Global brands like Airbus and Austal are putting Mobile on the map for international companies seeking to locate and expand,” Rodgers says.
Infrastructure advantages further solidify Mobile’s position as a prime destination for businesses.
Mobile Aeroplex at Brookley, home to the Airbus U.S. Manufacturing Facility, is an unmatched aviation hub, Rodgers says. It adjoins the deepwater Port of Mobile while offering direct rail access via CSX, on-site barge access, proximity to Interstate 10 and oversized runways capable of handling the world’s largest aircraft.
“Simply put, it has every infrastructure asset an aviation company could dream of for their operation,” Rodgers says.
A Hub for Advanced Manufacturing
Industry giant Austal USA is using revolutionary shipbuilding techniques to pioneer next-generation naval and commercial vessels. Austal’s Mobile shipyard employs state-of-the-art robotic welding, 3D modeling and modular construction techniques – ensuring faster production without sacrificing precision.
Austal USA secured a $450 million contract from General Dynamics Electric Boat, supporting U.S. Navy submarine production. This investment funds a new module fabrication facility. Combined with a recent $250 million assembly bay project, Austal USA’s Mobile expansion totals more than $700 million and will create 2,000 new jobs in the community.
“The U.S. Navy continues to invest in companies like Austal, reinforcing Mobile’s reputation as a premier shipbuilding hub,” Rodgers says. “Our maritime workforce consistently delivers high-quality ships on time and on budget. The presence of these global giants has also sparked advancements in emerging technologies, including autonomy and additive manufacturing, paving the way for the future of both the aviation and maritime industries.”
Similarly, the Airbus’ U.S. Manufacturing Facility is a testament to the city’s growing aviation sector. Here, state-of-the-art manufacturing lines produce A320 and A220 Family aircraft. The site’s second assembly line for A320 Family aircraft will enter service in 2025, showcasing the intricate connection between robotics and skilled labor.
Airbus celebrates 10 years of commercial aircraft manufacturing in Mobile in 2025. The company’s success over the last decade stands as a testament to the stakeholders who embraced the city becoming a global aviation hub and Alabama’s strong commitment to workforce development.
“As we work to meet the growing demand for commercial aircraft, Airbus in Alabama will continue to thrive because of the highly skilled Alabamians who make up our workforce, the strength of the families supporting them, and the Team Mobile and Team Alabama spirit leading our region into a golden era of industrial growth,” says Daryl Taylor, senior vice president of commercial aircraft operations for Airbus Americas.
New Passenger Terminal Under Way
The Mobile Airport Authority, Mobile International Airport (BFM) and Mobile Aeroplex at Brookley play key roles in facilitating the growth of aviation.
“The relocation of commercial passenger service from Mobile Regional to Mobile International (Brookley Downtown) Airport will continue to fuel economic growth within the Mobile MSA, the region and Alabama,” says Andy Wilson, executive director of the Mobile Airport Authority. “As Mobile experiences growing opportunities, the Mobile Airport Authority is committed to supporting the increased demand for air travel.”
Mobile International Airport is undertaking a major expansion, with a new passenger terminal under construction and set to open in 2026. When complete, all commercial air service will move from Mobile Regional Airport to this new facility, offering passengers the latest in transportation, amenities and convenience.
The terminal, designed for expansion and to accommodate future demand, is conveniently located just five minutes from downtown Mobile.
“We’re also building a 1,250-space parking garage and making significant investments in roadways and airfield improvements,” Wilson says. “These upgrades will improve access and efficiency for passengers, airlines and airport partners, and position Mobile to compete for new service and new economic opportunities.”
Mobile Regional Airport will continue its other operations after the transition, including the U.S. Coast Guard’s use of facilities. Rodgers believes Mobile’s future is bright. “Demand for maritime manufacturing and repair, as well as aviation manufacturing, stretches decades into the future, not just years,” he says. “As these sectors continue to grow, we can expect sustained investment from industry leaders and new players alike. At the same time, our community remains committed to strengthening the infrastructure needed to support this growth. Mobile has the people, location and industry expertise to thrive as a powerhouse for maritime and aviation innovation.”
Mobile, Alabama, Offers an Unmatched Logistics Network
Mobile is emerging as a premier logistics hub, thanks to its strategic location and world-class infrastructure.
A key driver of this growth is the South Alabama Logistics Park (SALP), the largest logistics park in the South, spanning 1,300 acres with 6 million square feet in Phase I. Positioned at a critical intermodal junction, SALP connects shipping, rail, trucking and air freight, offering businesses unmatched supply chain efficiency. Its proximity to two interstates (I-10 and I-65), two airports, five rail lines and 15,000 miles of inland waterways makes it an ideal location for distribution and manufacturing.
Another major development is RailPort Logistics Mobile, a 500+ acre CSX Platinum Select Site – the highest designation for rail-served industrial properties. Developed by Scannell Properties, the site will feature nine buildings (four rail-served) and a $15 million infrastructure investment, enhancing connectivity to the Port of Mobile and I-10.
Another key player in Alabama’s transportation economy is the Port of Mobile, which contributes about $100 billion in economic impact to the state each year. According to Forbes, Mobile is the second fastest-growing port in the U.S. over the past decade – second only to Corpus Christi. Its geographic location is ideal along the Mobile River that empties into Mobile Bay, from which barges and ships have convenient access to and from the Gulf of America, Atlantic Ocean, Mississippi River and beyond.
With these assets, Mobile is poised for long-term economic growth as a top-tier logistics and distribution hub.
