Increased production rates at Boeing Co., Airbus and other jet makers present both opportunities and challenges for local aerospace suppliers.
The Pacific Northwest Aerospace Association’s annual conference aims to provide local companies with insights into the changing aerospace and defense industries. The event will be held from Feb. 6 to 8 at the Lynnwood Convention Center.
“The PNAA conference offers increased access for attendees to local, national and international connections,” said Bill King, PNAA vice chairman.
The aerospace association is offering discounted fees for those who register by Saturday. Conference registrants can save between $20 and $85 by registering early.
“It’s an affordable way for small- to mid-sized aviation and defense suppliers to learn about the latest production challenges facing our industry,” said Kevin Steck, PNAA chairman and vice president of Composites Atlantic of Kent. “It is also a great opportunity for them to network with their peers to build relationships that will help meet the industry’s production needs.”
Large aerospace manufacturers including Boeing, Airbus, Bombardier and Lockheed Martin will be on hand. Brazilian plane maker Embraer will make its first appearance at the conference. Engine makers CFM and Pratt &Whitney also will be in attendance.
Aerospace analyst Richard Aboulafia of the Teal Group will provide an overview of the defense and commercial airplane markets. Aboulafia will join G2 Solutions’ Michel Merluzeau and Leeham Company’s Scott Hamilton for an analysts’ roundtable.
The two-and-a-half-day event begins at 1 p.m., Feb. 6, with a focus on the defense business. A representative of Insitu will discuss the Boeing subsidiary’s plans for producing unmanned aerial vehicles over the next five years. Other topics include an update of proposed changes to help American suppliers be more competitive globally, an F-35 update from Lockheed, and updates from EADS North America.
The conference continues Feb. 7 and 8 with presentations by Boeing, Airbus and LMI Aerospace. Other topics to be discussed include composites, advanced metals, workforce demands and supplier funding. The event wraps up with the suppliers fair Wednesday afternoon.
“Given what is going on in the aerospace industry with production rates, we expect interest in this year’s conference to be very strong,” said John Graham, PNAA board secretary.
Michelle Dunlop: 425-339-3454; mdunlop@heraldnet.com.
Aerospace conference
The Pacific Northwest Aerospace Association hosts its 11th annual conference for aerospace companies looking for insight into changes coming in the aerospace and defense industries.
When: Feb. 6 to 8
Where: Lynnwood Convention Center, 3711 196th St. SW, Lynnwood
Early bird registration ends Saturday.
Info: www.pnaa.net/events/annual-conference
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