Aerion Supersonic has finalised a multi-million-dollar investment with Space Florida to accelerate the hiring of employees and development of the company's new campus, Aerion Park, in Melbourne, Florida.

A new development that will be powered by clean energy, Aerion Park will incorporate the firm's global headquarters and integrated campus for research, design, production and support of supersonic aircraft. The new project represents a multi-year investment that is expected to generate at least 675 jobs in Florida by 2026.

“We are excited to partner with the State of Florida, Space Florida, Brevard County and the local Melbourne community to create a sustainable supersonic future,” says Aerion chairman, president and CEO, Tom Vice. “As well as an incredible aerospace legacy, the Space Coast is now home to a unique cluster of innovative technology companies in aviation and space. Backed by an excellent education system, a significant engineering and manufacturing talent pool, the right business climate with global access and the unique attributes of Orlando Melbourne International Airport, this is the ideal location for Aerion to continue our mission to build the global transportation networks of the future.”

“This is a truly transformational project for Florida that changes the game both for high speed air transportation as well for advanced aerospace manufacturing in the state,” adds Frank DiBello, president and CEO of Space Florida. “Florida has a rich history in the aviation industry from the first commercial air passenger service and it will now host production of the world's first commercial supersonic business jet. The decision to locate design, engineering and manufacturing of this technologically advanced supersonic flight vehicle here in Florida is a testament to the growing strength and global recognition of the importance of Florida as a world-leading aerospace state. Space Florida is pleased to have provided financing, structure and development assistance to this project.”

Aerion will break ground on the new campus later this year, and once complete, Aerion Park is expected to attract key aerospace suppliers within the supersonic technology ecosystem to bring business to Florida, creating additional roles for scientists, designers, engineers and aircraft builders.

The AS2 supersonic business jet will be the first aircraft to be designed, built, and tested at Aerion Park. Designed to be inherently environmentally responsible from first flight, the AS2 is the first supersonic aircraft designed to be powered by 100% synthetic fuel and reach supersonic speeds without the need for an afterburner. Manufacturing is scheduled to commence in 2023.