Riverside Municipal Airport will host its first Community Aerospace Expo on Saturday from 9 a.m. to noon, featuring interactive exhibits, aviation simulators and static aircraft displays designed to connect local residents with aerospace career opportunities.
Councilmember Steven Robillard, who represents the airport district, is spearheading the inaugural event as part of his efforts to raise the airport’s profile among residents and as a business destination.
"This expo is about more than showcasing aircraft — it’s about opening doors," Robillard said. "Riverside is home to a growing aerospace industry that offers high-paying, high-impact careers. We want every young person in our city to see what’s possible and to know that those opportunities are within reach."
The free event will include college and career information booths staffed by industry professionals from regional aerospace companies and educational institutions.
According to a press release by Tomas Alves, staff for Councilmember Robillard, Riverside’s aerospace ecosystem includes Collins Aerospace, numerous flight schools, one of the busiest FAA-contracted airports in the nation, and neighboring defense industry stakeholders at NAVSEA and March Air Reserve Base.
The expo addresses critical workforce needs in an industry facing significant shortages. Alves noted the aerospace industry currently has an accumulated shortage of 34,000 pilots for major airliners, with that number continuing to grow annually. Commercial pilots earn an average of $211,000 per year, while the broader aerospace sector is expected to offer 87.7 million jobs over the next decade.
Career opportunities extend beyond piloting to include aircraft technicians, designers and airport operations specialists.
"Whether you’re a parent, student, educator or just an aviation enthusiast, there’s something for everyone," Robillard said in his invitation to residents. "Riverside is uniquely positioned to lead in the next wave of aerospace development — and this expo is part of our effort to ensure that growth includes every corner of our community."
The councilmember has been working to promote the municipal airport as both a community asset and business hub in his district.
"We’re investing in our future — not just by growing the industry, but by growing the pipeline of local talent that will sustain it for generations to come," Robillard said.
The event aims to engage students from communities historically underrepresented in STEM fields as part of making aerospace industry growth inclusive.
More information: The Aerospace Expo takes place Saturday, May 31, 2025, starting at 9:00 a.m. at Riverside Airport (6951 Flight Rd). For full event details, visit raincrossgazette.com/calendar.
