States woo aerospace companies at air show

Washington isn’t the only state at the Farnborough air show this week with a political contingent trying to pick up more aerospace business.

“Over the last two days, my staff and I have participated in nearly two dozen meetings with more than 50 aerospace company executives,” Gov. Chris Gregoire said in a statement Tuesday. “I’m pleased with the discussions we’ve had – and like past years, I am confident they will lead to future job growth in our state.”

On Monday, Gregoire announced a number of agreements that will benefit both Snohomish County and Washington state.

South Carolina Gov. Nikki Haley didn’t have any deals to announce today. But “South Carolina continues to be the buzz because of Boeing,” Haley said in this Charleston Regional Business Journal story. Boeing has a second 787 assembly ling in North Charleston; the original line is in Everett. (Both are eyeing 787-9 work).

“It’s a great opportunity for CEOs to talk to CEOs,” Haley said of the visit. “And we are talking about the fact that South Carolina is the new ‘it’ state.”

Another southern state making waves at Farnborough is Alabama, where Airbus recently announced plans to locate an A320 assembly plant in Mobile.

Mobile Mayor Sam Jones, who is at the air show, told Local 15 News that he thinks the region could land more aerospace companies to support Airbus in the near future.

“We think we have the opportunity to land some other prospects in a very,very short period of time,” Jones told Local 15 News.

“Airbus has to come up with their construction schedule, their plan for when they really want to put everything on the ground. Most of the suppliers will be following with their plans after they see Airbus’ plans,” Jones said.

Kansas also sent political leaders who hope “to bring jobs back,” Gov. Sam Brownback told The Wichita Eagle. Boeing announced in January its plan to close the company’s defense site in Wichita.

Here’s the video Washington state is showing at Farnborough:

Talk to us

> Give us your news tips.

> Send us a letter to the editor.

> More Herald contact information.

More in Business

The livery on a Boeing plane. (Christopher Pike / Bloomberg)
Former Lockheed Martin CFO joins Boeing as top financial officer

Boeing’s Chief Financial Officer is being replaced by a former CFO at… Continue reading

Izaac Escalante-Alvarez unpacks a new milling machine at the new Boeing machinists union’s apprentice training center on Friday, June 6, 2025 in Everett, Washington. (Olivia Vanni / The Herald)
Boeing Machinists union training center opens in Everett

The new center aims to give workers an inside track at Boeing jobs.

Some SnoCo stores see shortages after cyberattack on grocery supplier

Some stores, such as Whole Foods and US Foods CHEF’STORE, informed customers that some items may be temporarily unavailable.

People take photos and videos as the first Frontier Arlines flight arrives at Paine Field Airport under a water cannon salute on Monday, June 2, 2025 in Everett, Washington. (Olivia Vanni / The Herald)
Water cannons salute Frontier on its first day at Paine Field

Frontier Airlines joins Alaska Airlines in offering service Snohomish County passengers.

Amit B. Singh, president of Edmonds Community College. 201008
Edmonds College and schools continue diversity programs

Educational diversity programs are alive and well in Snohomish County.

A standard jet fuel, left, burns with extensive smoke output while a 50 percent SAF drop-in jet fuel, right, puts off less smoke during a demonstration of the difference in fuel emissions on Tuesday, March 28, 2023 in Everett, Washington. (Olivia Vanni / The Herald)
Sustainable aviation fuel center gets funding boost

A planned research and development center focused on sustainable aviation… Continue reading

Helion's 6th fusion prototype, Trenta, on display on Tuesday, July 9, 2024 in Everett, Washington. (Olivia Vanni / The Herald)
Helion celebrates smoother path to fusion energy site approval

Helion CEO applauds legislation signed by Gov. Bob Ferguson expected to streamline site selection process.

Support local journalism

If you value local news, make a gift now to support the trusted journalism you get in The Daily Herald. Donations processed in this system are not tax deductible.