Brevard Business News 04/15/2026
New aviation firm in Vero Beach signals significant investment in Treasure Coast growth, builds on region’s legacy in aerospace
Catalina Aircraft Co. has established operations here, focused on designing and building amphibious aircraft for firefighting, maritime patrol, search and rescue, and commercial transport.
Catalina Aircraft Co. is developing the Catalina SPAR, a Federal Aviation Administration Part 25 Transport class amphibious aircraft platform designed to operate seamlessly from land and water in coastal, island and remote environments.
“The Catalina name represents the most capable amphibious aircraft ever built. We’re carrying that forward with a modern platform designed for today’s missions, and we believe Vero Beach is the right place to do it,” said Benjamin Folger, CEO of Catalina Aircraft Co.
Catalina Aircraft Co.’s investment reflects a broader opportunity to strengthen aviation and manufacturing along the Treasure Coast and Space Coast, with established infrastructure, a growing workforce pipeline and strategic access to coastal and global markets.
The Catalina name carries deep significance in aviation history. The original Catalina PBY flying boats played a critical role in World War II, serving in long-range patrol, search and rescue and anti-submarine missions across every theater of war. Known for their range, versatility and reliability, they became the most widely used amphibious aircraft of their time with some still flying today.
That legacy aligns closely with Vero Beach’s own aviation history. During World War II, the local airport operated as a U.S. Naval Air Station, training more than 2,700 aviators and logging over 237,000 flight hours. In the decades that followed, the site became home to Piper Aircraft, further establishing the region as a center for aviation manufacturing and development.
Today, Catalina Aircraft Co. represents a continuation of that trajectory, bringing new energy, long-term tech-industry potential and renewed relevance to the region’s aviation economy.
Catalina Aircraft Co. is focused on long-term growth within the region, with an emphasis on workforce development, regional partnerships and sustained economic contribution.
About Catalina Aircraft Company
Catalina Aircraft Co. is developing aircraft designed for transport, patrol, firefighting and rescue operations, with an emphasis on performance, adaptability and mission capability. The company is committed to supporting regional economic growth and contributing to the future of aviation on the Treasure Coast.