Aurora Flight Sciences expands headquarters and opens new Aerospace and Autonomy Center at MIT

Aurora Flight Sciences, a pioneer in unmanned aircraft and autonomous flight, will invest more than $13.75 million to expand operations at its Manassas, VA headquarters. The company, which was acquired by The Boeing Company in 2017, plans to build a robotics and integration facility that will consist of a manufacturing unit, a research and development lab, a hangar and office space. The project will create 135 new jobs.

Aurora develops robotic cockpit solutions such as the ALIAS automated flight system. SOURCE: Aurora Flight Sciences

Boeing and Aurora have also announced agreement to lease about 100,000 square feet in a new office building MIT is planning in Cambridge, MA. It will serve as a new Aerospace and Autonomy Center for the UAV manufacturer.

Aurora operates production plants in Bridgeport, West Virginia and Columbus, Mississippi, and has R&D Centers in Cambridge, MA, Dayton, OH and Menlo Park, CA, as well as a European office located in Luzern, Switzerland.

 “Since choosing the Manassas Airport to locate our headquarters nearly 27 years ago, we have prided ourselves in bringing new technology to the region and becoming one of the largest employers in the City,” said Founder and CEO of Aurora Flight Sciences John Langford. “Now as part of The Boeing Company, we are able to continue our expansion in developing next-generation autonomous systems that will transform transportation.”

The Virginia Economic Development Partnership worked with the City of Manassas to secure the project for Virginia. Former Governor Terry McAuliffe approved a $500,000 grant from the Commonwealth’s Opportunity Fund to assist Manassas with the project. The company will also be eligible to receive Sales and Use tax exemptions on manufacturing equipment, as well as a Major Business Facility Job Tax Credit. Funding and services to support the company’s employee training activities will be provided through the Virginia Jobs Investment Program.

“Unmanned aircraft and autonomous flight are key components of an emerging tech market that is vital to Virginia’s economic future,” said Senator Jeremy McPike. “I’m proud to support Aurora Flight Sciences, based right here at Manassas airport, on their continued expansion in the aerospace industry.”