FastSites investment will support new aviation maintenance capacity, 845 potential jobs and continued aerospace growth in Louisiana’s Acadiana Region
NEW IBERIA, La. (June 9, 2026) — A strategic state investment through Louisiana’s FastSites program is positioning Acadiana Regional Airport for major aviation sector growth, supporting a more than $74 million hangar and site development project that will enable Aviation Exteriors Louisiana LLC (AVEX) to expand its maintenance, repair and overhaul operations in Iberia Parish.
The project, led by the Iberia Parish Airport Authority, includes the construction of a new 132,290-square-foot aircraft maintenance hangar and related site and infrastructure improvements at Acadiana Regional Airport’s P1 Site. AVEX will lease the new facility to increase its aircraft maintenance, structural repair, finishing and transport category aircraft service capacity.
Louisiana’s $10 million FastSites investment will help advance critical infrastructure improvements at the airport, accelerating development timelines and strengthening the state’s inventory of project-ready industrial and aviation assets.
Aviation Expansion Expected to Create 845 Potential Jobs in Acadiana
The AVEX expansion is expected to create 249 direct new jobs while retaining 183 existing positions in New Iberia. Louisiana Economic Development estimates the project will also support 596 indirect new jobs, bringing the total potential job impact to 845 new job opportunities in the Acadiana Region.
Project highlights include:
- More than $74 million in hangar and site development
- A new 132,290-square-foot aircraft maintenance hangar
- 249 direct new jobs expected
- 183 retained jobs
- 596 indirect jobs estimated by Louisiana Economic Development
- 845 total potential job opportunities in the Acadiana Region
- Construction expected to be completed in the fourth quarter of 2027
- A $10 million FastSites investment that will be fully returned to the fund by 2034
“FastSites is about making disciplined investments that create long-term returns for Louisiana and our people,” said LED Secretary Susan B. Bourgeois. “As development moves forward, those dollars return to the state and can be reinvested into the next generation of sites and infrastructure projects, creating a sustainable model that continues positioning Louisiana to win. We are proud to support AVEX’s continued growth and are grateful for their continued commitment to our state.”
New Hangar Will Support Aircraft Maintenance, Repair and Finishing Capacity
As part of the expansion, the Iberia Parish Airport Authority will construct and own a new three-bay aircraft maintenance hangar capable of servicing B767-size aircraft. The facility will also include expanded administrative offices, shops, warehousing and training facilities.
The added space will allow AVEX to increase capacity for:
- Transport category aircraft maintenance
- Structural aircraft repairs
- Full aircraft paint services
- Aircraft finishing work
- Passenger-to-freighter conversion capabilities
- Workforce training and operational support
“This expansion represents more than just physical growth—it’s a commitment to our people and our community,” said Aviation Exteriors Owner and CEO Jerry Hernandez. “From day one, our mission has been to create opportunities, invest in local talent, and build something that delivers lasting economic value. This new hangar allows us to do even more of that. We are proud to grow here in New Iberia, creating meaningful careers while contributing to the economic vitality of this community. It’s truly a win-win for AVEX, state of Louisiana, Iberia Parish and a great development opportunity for the Acadiana Regional Airport.”
FastSites Investment Advances Project-Ready Aviation Infrastructure
Acadiana Regional Airport’s P1 Site was certified through the LED Certified Sites program and later selected as one of 19 sites statewide to move forward in the inaugural FastSites round. The state’s investment builds on that certification by advancing airport infrastructure directly tied to AVEX’s expansion.
The FastSites investment is structured to return capital to the state as development moves forward. Under the Cooperative Endeavor Agreement, 100% of the $10 million investment will be returned to the fund by Aug. 1, 2034, allowing Louisiana to reinvest those funds into future site and infrastructure projects statewide.
“FastSites changes the way Louisiana competes for projects like this,” said Louisiana State Representative Beau Beaullieu. “Rather than letting infrastructure become a barrier to Aviation Exteriors’ expansion, this investment is helping turn a prepared site into new aviation maintenance capacity and new opportunities for our people.”
Acadiana Regional Airport Project Strengthens Aerospace and Workforce Development
The East Side Development Project is expected to serve as a major economic and workforce development driver for the Acadiana Region. Local and regional leaders said the project reflects years of coordination among federal, state and local partners to advance aviation growth at the airport.
“The East Side Development Project is a huge step in developing an economic and workforce development driver for the Acadiana Region,” said Acadiana Regional Airport Executive Director Maurice “Moe” Songy. “We commend the federal and state funding sources that have made this dream a reality, and this couldn’t be possible without the dedication of our federal, state and local political delegations to bring this project to fruition. Hopefully, this project will lead to continuous growth for Aviation Exteriors, the Acadiana Regional Airport and the Acadiana Region as a whole. I thank the Iberia Parish Airport Authority commissioners and employees for their hard work developing this project.”
Founded in 1990 as a commercial aircraft painting business, AVEX has grown into a full-service aviation maintenance, repair and overhaul provider at Acadiana Regional Airport. The company serves commercial, corporate and military aircraft through heavy maintenance, structural repairs, aircraft paint services and passenger-to-freighter conversion work.
“This groundbreaking marks an exciting step forward for the Acadiana Regional Airport and Iberia Parish,” said Iberia Industrial Development Foundation President and CEO Mike Tarantino. “The East Side Development Project reflects our continued commitment to growing our aviation sector and supporting companies like Aviation Exteriors that are creating quality jobs and driving investment in our community.”
Louisiana Incentives Support AVEX Expansion in New Iberia
To further support the project, Louisiana offered AVEX a competitive incentives package that includes the comprehensive workforce development solutions of LED FastStart and a $1 million performance-based grant tied to equipment investments and infrastructure improvements. The company is also expected to participate in the state’s Quality Jobs program.
“This announcement is a powerful example of why One Acadiana has made site readiness a core part of our regional economic development strategy,” said One Acadiana President and CEO Troy Wayman. “We commend LED and the state legislature for recognizing the importance of site development funds and for selecting ARA’s P1 in the first round of FastSites investments. AVEX’s expansion on a site certified through our program in 2016 demonstrates how these efforts work together. We are proud to celebrate this milestone and remain committed to expanding Acadiana’s inventory of shovel-ready sites to compete for new jobs and investment.”
Site preparation has already begun, and construction is expected to be completed in the fourth quarter of 2027.
Individuals interested in AVEX job opportunities, hiring events and news updates can register for notifications through the company. Louisiana companies interested in contract and vendor opportunities related to development projects statewide are encouraged to register at SourceLouisiana.com.
About AVEX
AVEX is an aviation maintenance, repair and overhaul provider based in New Iberia, Louisiana. The company specializes in aircraft heavy maintenance, structural repairs and full paint services. AVEX is dedicated to redefining excellence in aviation services through quality, performance and the development of industry-leading talent. For more information, visit avexmro.com.
About FastSites
FastSites is a Louisiana Economic Development initiative designed to transform land and existing infrastructure into project-ready sites that position Louisiana to compete for new economic development opportunities. Backed by the $150 million Site Investment and Infrastructure Fund created by Act 365 of the 2025 Regular Legislative Session, FastSites supports proactive site development by investing in infrastructure, due diligence and other readiness activities that reduce time, risk and cost for future projects. Learn more at OpportunityLouisiana.com/FastSites.
About Louisiana Economic Development
Louisiana Economic Development is responsible for driving capital investment, job creation and economic opportunity for the people of Louisiana and employers of all sizes. Learn more at OpportunityLouisiana.com.
Media Contacts
Megan Landry-Lalande
AVEX Manager of Human Resources
Megan@avexmro.com
337.551.4027
Jacey Wesley
LED Strategic Communications Manager
Jacey.Wesley@la.gov
225.342.5536
