A $10 million state investment is helping launch a major aviation expansion at Acadiana Regional Airport, with aircraft maintenance firm Aviation Exteriors Louisiana LLC set to add hundreds of jobs.
The funding, delivered through Louisiana’s FastSites program, supports a broader project valued at more than $74 million. The Iberia Parish Airport Authority will build and own a new 132,290-square-foot aircraft maintenance hangar, which Aviation Exteriors—known as AVEX—will lease to expand its maintenance, repair and overhaul operations.
Known as the East Side Development Project, the expansion is expected to create 249 direct new jobs while retaining 183 existing positions. Louisiana Economic Development projects another 596 indirect jobs, putting the total potential impact at 845 new opportunities across the region.
“This expansion represents more than just physical growth—it’s a commitment to our people and our community,” said AVEX Owner and CEO Jerry Hernandez. “We are proud to grow here in New Iberia, creating meaningful careers while contributing to the economic vitality of this community.”
The airport’s P1 Site was certified through LED’s Certified Sites program in 2016 and later chosen as one of 19 sites statewide to advance in the inaugural FastSites round. Unlike a traditional grant, the investment is structured for repayment: under a Cooperative Endeavor Agreement, the state expects to recoup 100% of its $10 million by Aug. 1, 2034, freeing the money for future projects.
“FastSites is about making disciplined investments that create long-term returns for Louisiana and our people,” LED Secretary Susan B. Bourgeois said. “[Those] dollars return to the state and can be reinvested into the next generation of sites and infrastructure projects.”
The project centers on a three-bay hangar large enough to service Boeing 767-size aircraft, along with expanded offices, shops, warehousing and training space. The added room will let AVEX take on more transport-category maintenance, structural repairs and finishing work.
Founded in 1990 as a commercial aircraft painting business, AVEX has grown into a full-service provider serving commercial, corporate and military aircraft. The state also offered workforce training through LED FastStart and a $1 million performance-based grant tied to equipment and infrastructure investments. The company is expected to participate in the Quality Jobs program.
Local leaders cast the groundbreaking as a payoff for years of site-readiness work. “The East Side Development Project is a huge step in developing an economic and workforce development driver for the Acadiana Region,” said airport Executive Director Maurice “Moe” Songy. One Acadiana President and CEO Troy Wayman said the project shows why the region has made site readiness a core part of its economic development strategy.
Site preparation is underway, with construction expected to finish in the fourth quarter of 2027.
