Engine makers to join aero event

Published 11:47 am Wednesday, February 2, 2011

Three jet engine makers will make appearances for the first time next month at an annual aerospace conference in Lynnwood.

Representatives from Rolls-Royce, Pratt & Whitney and CFM International will be on hand at the Pacific Northwest Aerospace Alliance’s 10th annual event Feb. 7 to 9. The conference typically draws aerospace giants including the Boeing Co., Airbus and EADS North America.

“We are pleased to broaden the topics for this conference and to attract more companies as presenters than in the past,” said Kevin Steck, PNAA Chair and vice president of Composites Atlantic of Kent.

Engine makers are facing heated competition to be approved on new jet programs and to gain airline business on already authorized programs. For example, CFM International and Pratt & Whitney will offer engines on Airbus’ A320 New Engine Option jet, due out in 2016. Of late, Rolls-Royce has drawn scrutiny as its Trent 900 engine, which is offered on Airbus’ A380, and its Trent 1000 engine, offered on Boeing’s 787.

For this year’s conference, the aerospace alliance will look at opportunities in aerospace for the entire supply chain in Washington. That includes defense work, an often overlooked segment of the aerospace industry in the state. The group will join with the Pacific Northwest Defense Coalition in focusing on defense issues for the first half-day of the conference.

“The defense industry is facing substantial budget cuts, but there are growth areas if you know where to look — and PNAA will help our attendees locate and understand these growth areas,” Steck said.

Commercial aviation, along with the state’s aerospace supply chain, also will get plenty of attention at the conference. Analyst Richard Aboulafia, with the Teal Group, will provide an overview of the entire aerospace industry.

Gov. Chris Gregoire will make a taped video appearance. And Rogers Weed, the director of the state Department of Commerce, will provide insight on the state’s direction for future aerospace business.

Local aerospace businesses also will participate in a suppliers’ fair on Feb. 9, which provides opportunity to meet face-to-face with major aerospace companies.

“This is an opportunity for small and mid-sized companies who want to play in the international arena to meet with large” manufacturers and their major suppliers, said Bill King, PNAA vice chairman.

For more information on the conference, visit pnaa.net.