Textron Aviation Opens Second Plane Healthy Wellness Center & Pharmacy in Wichita to Enhance Employee Healthcare Access
Textron Aviation Inc., a renowned aircraft manufacturer and a subsidiary of Textron Inc. (NYSE: TXT), has announced the opening of its second Plane Healthy Wellness Center & Pharmacy, further reinforcing its commitment to employee well-being and healthcare accessibility. Located at the company’s east headquarters in Wichita, Kansas, this new state-of-the-art facility will serve as an additional healthcare hub for more than 9,500 Textron Aviation employees and their eligible dependents.
This strategic move comes on the heels of the company’s overwhelmingly positive experience with its first wellness center, situated on the Wichita West campus, which has quickly become a cornerstone of the company’s employee healthcare strategy since its opening in 2022.
A New Standard for Employer-Sponsored Healthcare
The second Plane Healthy Wellness Center & Pharmacy was developed with a clear objective: to empower employees with greater access to comprehensive, affordable, and convenient healthcare services tailored specifically to their needs. This expansion marks a continuation of Textron Aviation’s progressive vision for workplace health—where well-being is not treated as an optional benefit, but as an essential and strategic investment in human capital.
Owned by Textron Aviation and operated in partnership with Premise Health, a nationally recognized leader in employer-sponsored direct healthcare services, the new wellness center is designed to create a more personalized, accessible, and efficient care experience. With shorter wait times and a streamlined service delivery model, the center ensures that employees can access the support they need without the typical hurdles associated with traditional healthcare settings.
Building on the Success of the First Wellness Center
The decision to establish a second wellness center was strongly influenced by the resounding success of the original facility at the Wichita West campus. Since its inception in 2022, the first Plane Healthy Wellness Center has demonstrated remarkable engagement and satisfaction among the Textron Aviation workforce and their families. In 2023 alone, the facility managed over 19,000 individual visits and dispensed more than 32,000 prescriptions.
These figures underscore not only the growing demand for employer-sponsored healthcare services but also the effectiveness of the model in delivering high-quality care. The Wichita West center has consistently received glowing reviews from employees, earning an impressive Net Promoter Score (NPS) of 90—a level of satisfaction that far exceeds the healthcare industry average score of 58.
The NPS metric, widely used to gauge customer loyalty and satisfaction, serves as a strong indicator of how well the wellness center is meeting its users’ expectations. This exceptional score reflects both the quality of care provided and the convenience and value that the center represents for employees.
Comprehensive Healthcare Services Under One Roof
The new Plane Healthy Wellness Center & Pharmacy on the east campus mirrors the extensive service offerings of its predecessor, giving employees access to a wide range of healthcare resources in one centralized location. Services available include:
- Primary Care: Routine health evaluations, chronic disease management, preventive screenings, vaccinations, and general health assessments.
- Urgent Care: Immediate care for non-life-threatening illnesses and injuries, minimizing the need for emergency room visits.
- Pharmacy Services: A convenient drive-up pharmacy ensures fast and efficient prescription pick-up. On-site pharmacists can also offer consultations and medication guidance.
- Physical Therapy: Rehabilitation and treatment services designed to help employees recover from injuries or surgeries and improve mobility.
- Radiology Services: Diagnostic imaging tools such as X-rays to support accurate and timely diagnoses.
- Mental Health Services: Access to counseling, therapy, and mental wellness support aimed at addressing a wide spectrum of psychological and emotional needs.
- Wellness Coaching: Personalized programs that guide employees in areas like nutrition, exercise, stress management, and lifestyle improvements.
- Health Management Programs: Coordinated care plans for managing chronic conditions such as diabetes, hypertension, and cardiovascular diseases.
For additional convenience, virtual care options are available during regular business hours, allowing employees to connect with healthcare professionals from the comfort of their homes or workplaces. These virtual appointments are offered at the same cost as in-person visits, ensuring equitable access across all formats of care.
A Vision Rooted in Employee-Centric Values
According to Maggie Topping, senior vice president of Human Resources and Communications at Textron Aviation, this latest investment in health infrastructure is a direct reflection of the company’s core values and unwavering belief in the importance of employee well-being.
“At Textron Aviation, we embody our own human values—putting people at the forefront of everything we do,” said Topping. “Our employees are our greatest asset, and we are committed to providing them with the resources they need to thrive both personally and professionally. By opening our second wellness center, we are making a significant investment in our people, ensuring they have easy access to convenient and affordable care.”
This people-first philosophy has long been embedded in the company’s culture. With operations rooted in Wichita—widely considered the “Air Capital of the World”—Textron Aviation has continually worked to ensure that its presence in the region benefits not only the aviation industry but also the broader community through sustainable employment, corporate citizenship, and employee support programs.
A Broader Healthcare Trend in Corporate America
Textron Aviation’s investment in its second on-site wellness center is part of a broader trend in corporate America, where companies are increasingly looking to offer comprehensive in-house healthcare services. This shift is driven by multiple factors, including the rising costs of health insurance premiums, the burden of chronic illness on productivity, and the growing need for mental health support in the workplace.
Employer-sponsored clinics like those at Textron Aviation are emerging as a powerful solution to these challenges, offering companies the ability to reduce healthcare costs while simultaneously improving employee satisfaction, retention, and health outcomes. These centers can help employers manage population health more effectively by facilitating early intervention, continuity of care, and improved access to medical services.
Additionally, integrating mental and physical health services within the workplace helps destigmatize healthcare and promotes a culture of openness, resilience, and support.
As Textron Aviation continues to invest in its people and evolve its approach to employee benefits, the expansion of the Plane Healthy Wellness Center & Pharmacy network serves as a blueprint for other organizations aiming to reimagine corporate healthcare delivery.
By providing personalized care, ensuring shorter wait times, and offering a wide array of services under one roof, Textron Aviation is creating a healthcare experience that meets the real-life needs of its employees and their families. The result is not just a healthier workforce, but a more engaged and empowered one—ready to contribute to the company’s continued success.
With more than 9,500 employees now served by two dedicated health centers in Wichita, the company has effectively raised the bar for what employer-sponsored healthcare can look like in the 21st century. As industries across the nation grapple with how to support their employees’ well-being in a post-pandemic world, Textron Aviation’s model stands out as an example of how smart, compassionate investment in people can drive both health and business performance forward.
