National Championship Air Races Bolster Business in Roswell, New Mexico

Courtesy of Reno Air Racing Association

For the first time in nearly six decades, the Reno Air Racing Association relocated its showcase event. The National Championship Air Races are now held in Roswell and Chaves County, New Mexico, at the Roswell Air Center. 

“We’re thrilled to bring our honored tradition of racing to Roswell and are confident that they have both the enthusiasm and resources to expand the future of our races for many generations to come,” Fred Telling, CEO and chairman of the board for the RARA, said in a news release. 

The region’s investment in aerospace infrastructure not only helped land this special event, but also a growing number of businesses. For example, CAVU Aerospace, an aircraft asset management company specializing in disassembly and recycling, recently expanded its operations in Roswell. 

“Our terrain, weather and the culture in southeast New Mexico is unmatched,” says Michael Espiritu, president and CEO of the Roswell-Chaves County Economic Development Corp. “The Roswell Air Center has one of the country’s longest runways at 13,000 feet. The vast airfield – a former U.S. Air Force Strategic Command Base – provides enormous room for companies to grow and expand.” 

©Journal Communications/Stephanie DeFranco

The Roswell Air Center, situated on more than 5,000 acres, has about 40 general aviation aircraft, three maintenance, repair and overhaul (MRO) entities, a paint shop and other features that make it a desirable destination for aerospace companies. 

Other aviation companies located at the Roswell Air Center include Dean Baldwin Painting and AerSale Aerospace. “Companies can expect a solution-driven business community that seeks results to best support and serve the companies located here,” Espiritu says. “Other aviation companies, such as Boeing and Honda, also annually test their aircraft here at the Roswell Air Center.” 

Access to top-notch talent is another boon for the Roswell Air Center. Eastern New Mexico University – Roswell offers an Federal Aviation Administration-certified airframe and powerplant (A&P) school – only one of two in the state. All of these attributes have set up Roswell and Chaves County for continued and future successes in the aerospace industry. 

“With the National Championship Air Races located here, we anticipate a stronger aviation business presence because of the international exposure from the annual event,” Espiritu says. 

“This, in turn, will have the potential to generate other business opportunities as well in the service and retail sectors. Roswell will rapidly grow to accommodate and support the needs of future aviation.” 

For more information about the National Championship Air Races, visit airrace.org.