Alabama’s business recruitment team concluded a successful mission at the 2024 Farnborough International Airshow, targeting over half a dozen growth projects and gaining fresh insights into trends shaping the future of aerospace, aviation, and defense.
During the airshow, Alabama’s delegation engaged in many scheduled appointments with industry executives and numerous informal discussions with aerospace company officials.
Among all the high-profile business, state and federal officials involved, President of the Mobile Chamber and former Congressman Bradley Byrne said one leader shined on the world stage.
“First of all, Lieutenant Governor Ainsworth is with us and I just can’t say enough about what he did during the airshow, not just to push Mobile, but to be able to push all of Alabama — he was terrific,” Byrne said.
“I mean, I can’t tell you how good he was at what he did — and I didn’t know that about him. What I knew was I had friendship with him. But I didn’t know he was that good. I was very impressed.”
Alabama is experiencing record growth because of our outstanding Department of Commerce. Thank you to @SenKatieBritt and @GovernorKayIvey’s team for working hard at the Farnborough Airshow to recruit more high-quality, 21st century jobs for Alabamians. @MadeinAL pic.twitter.com/5uCx76wiAS
— Will Ainsworth (@willainsworthAL) July 24, 2024
Byrne highlighted the productive meetings with major aerospace players, including Airbus and SP Aerospace, as well as newer companies with which Alabama has not previously had direct discussions. “We had a great reception Monday night in London with terrific attendance and good interaction,” Byrne said. He emphasized the strategic importance of maturing Airbus’s third production line next year, positioning Alabama as the fourth largest producer of commercial aircraft globally.
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Byrne explained the mutual benefits of attracting suppliers to Mobile, facilitated by close collaboration with Airbus. “The future for the aviation sector in Mobile is very broad,” he stated. “I’m just pleased with the entire local effort and the state effort to continue reaching out, bringing more businesses here, and expanding the ones we’ve already got.”
With 1,260 exhibitors from 44 countries, the Farnborough Airshow is celebrated for showcasing cutting-edge technologies revolutionizing the aerospace and aviation sectors. Alabama faced strong competition, with 33 other U.S. states also representing their aerospace sectors.
The Alabama team aimed to build on a decade of growth, where aerospace, defense, and aviation companies have invested over $4.3 billion and created almost 12,000 jobs in the state. Commerce Secretary Ellen McNair emphasized the unique opportunity Farnborough presents for renewing relationships and forging new connections with industry decision-makers.
Grayson Everett is the state and political editor for Yellowhammer News. You can follow him on X at @Grayson270
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