Commerce Secretary Ellen McNair is leading an Alabama delegation that includes economic development professionals, company officials and community leaders from around the state on a mission to next week’s 2025 Paris Air Show, the aerospace industry’s premier business exposition this year.
The trade event, which attracts decision-makers from the world’s biggest aerospace, aviation and defense companies, commences Monday, June 16, at Paris-Le Bourget Airport, the famous landing site for aviator Charles Lindbergh’s historic solo transatlantic flight in 1927.
At Le Bourget, McNair will head a small working team from the Alabama Department of Commerce that will engage in scheduled appointments with top officials from leading companies within the sector to discuss growth and partnership opportunities.
“The Paris Air Show is one of the most important venues in the world for advancing aerospace investment, and Alabama is here to demonstrate that we are not only open for business – we’re ready for takeoff,” McNair said. “Our goal is to showcase the strengths that make Alabama a trusted destination for aviation and defense companies.”
The Commerce team will be joined at the trade event by economic development specialists and business leaders from Alabama communities including Huntsville/Decatur, the Mobile area, the Birmingham region, Montgomery and Auburn/Opelika.
Representatives from Auburn University, the University of Alabama in Huntsville and the Alabama Community College System will also be on hand in Paris for company meetings.
In addition, the Alabama team will be supported on site by Liz Filmore, Gov. Kay Ivey’s chief of staff; U.S. Sen. Katie Britt; U.S. Rep. Dale Strong; and U.S. Rep. Mike Rogers, who serves as chairman of the House Armed Services Committee.
‘Global attention’
Bob Smith, the Department of Commerce’s specialist on the aerospace industry, said the Alabama team aims to capitalize on an opportunity to renew relationships with industry leaders and forge new connections with companies considering U.S. locations for growth projects, all in a single location over the span of a few days.
Smith said the goal in Paris is to lay the foundation for growth within a sector that has attracted more than $4 billion in new capital investment and more than 10,000 job commitments during the past decade.
He said confidential discussions at previous international air shows in Paris and Farnborough, England, have kick-started Alabama growth projects from companies including GE Aerospace and GKN Aerospace, among others.
“Alabama continues to attract global attention because of our skilled workforce, pro-business environment and a deep commitment to innovation,” said Smith, assistant director of the department’s Business Development Division in charge of European Strategy.
“At the Paris Air Show, we’re building relationships that will translate into long-term investments and new opportunities back home.”
Global footprint
Several Alabama aerospace and defense firms are represented in the delegation. Two of them – SEA Wire and Cable and Alabama Aerospace – will be exhibiting their products at the “Made in Alabama” booth in the U.S Pavilion at the Le Bourget exhibition hall. Both are based in Huntsville.
SEA is a distributor specializing in cable, tubing, termination sleeves and cable harnessing products for demanding military and commercial applications.
Alabama Aerospace provides products such as fasteners and electromechanical components for the aerospace, military/defense and commercial aircraft industries.
“The Paris Air Show provides a world-class platform to showcase Alabama’s innovation and the expertise our companies bring to the global stage,” said Christina Stimpson, chief officer of the Department of Commerce’s Office of Global Business. “We’re proud to support SEA Wire and Cable and Alabama Aerospace as they join us at the Alabama booth to expand their international reach and build lasting relationships.
“Our mission is to open doors for Alabama businesses worldwide, and events like this are key to strengthening our global footprint,” Stinson said.
While at the air show, both companies will be working with Stimpson and Christoph Dörr, director of the Department of Commerce’s European Office in Stuttgart, Germany, to make direct connections with interested foreign buyers.
Other members of the department’s working team in Paris are Veronica Crock, a senior project manager, and Stefania Jones, chief external affairs officer.
Courtesy of Made in Alabama
