U.S. Senator Katie Britt to Join Bipartisan Congressional Delegation to Farnborough Air Show, as Alabama’s Aerospace, Aviation and Defense Dominance Soars
WASHINGTON, D.C., July 19, 2024 – U.S. Senator Katie Britt (R-Ala.) today announced she will join a bipartisan Congressional delegation, led by Senators Jeanne Shaheen (D-N.H.) and Jerry Moran (R-Kans.), to the Farnborough Air Show in the United Kingdom.
Farnborough is the largest biennial trade show in the world and will showcase aerospace manufacturers and suppliers from Alabama and across the globe. Last year, Alabama exports of aerospace products and parts jumped 23% to $2.1 billion. The industry supports more than 45,000 jobs and generates $6 billion in economic activity annually in the state, spanning over 300 aerospace companies.
“Made in America takes on an even loftier meaning when it’s Made in Alabama, especially when it comes to aerospace, aviation, and defense. Whether its rockets designed and assembled in North Alabama, commercial aircraft manufactured in Mobile, helicopters produced in Troy, or even groundbreaking advancements in missile defense systems, hypersonics, and additive manufacturing, the future of flight is being powered by the ingenuity, skill, and grit of Alabamians,” said Senator Britt. “I am looking forward to attending the 2024 Farnborough Airshow and helping showcase what makes our great state such a sweet home to do business.”
Senators John Boozman (R-Ark.), Mark Kelly (D-Ariz.), Deb Fischer (R-Nebr.), and John Kennedy (R-La.) are also joining the trip.
In addition to a team from the Alabama Department of Commerce, economic development specialists and business leaders from communities across the state are attending Farnborough. These include Huntsville, Mobile, the Birmingham region, Montgomery, and Auburn/Opelika. Representatives from Auburn University and the University of Alabama in Huntsville will also be at the air show.
Background:
Every two years, the aerospace, aviation and defense industries are invited to Farnborough International Exhibition & Conference Centre for the Farnborough International Airshow, where civilian and military aircraft are demonstrated to potential customers and investors in Farnborough, Hampshire, England.
The state of Alabama has a long history of supporting U.S. aerospace technology and manufacturing. In 2022, Airbus announced an expansion project at its Mobile factory, the company’s only U.S. manufacturing facility, to support increased production of its A320 Family passenger aircraft. This 350,000-square-foot third final assembly line (FAL) will also generate 1,000 jobs at Airbus Mobile over the next few years, a testament to the strength and capabilities of Alabama’s workforce.
Last year, Sikorsky, a Lockheed Martin company with a facility in Troy, delivered its first MH-60T helicopter airframes for the U.S. Coast Guard. This $374 million contract awarded to the Alabama facility created around 70 new jobs in the Wiregrass region. As Ranking Member of the Senate Homeland Security Appropriations Subcommittee, Senator Britt supports funding for this program.
Alabama is not only renowned for its hub of globally recognized aerospace, aviation, and defense-related companies. Auburn University, Tuskegee University, the University of Alabama, the University of Alabama in Huntsville, and several community colleges offer exceptional degrees and programs to power the next generation of Alabama’s aerospace and aviation workforce.
Notably, Senator Britt recently secured $6.7 million in funding for Tuskegee University to launch its new flight school program. The program will offer a degree in Aviation Science, aimed at addressing a nationwide industry shortage, and support the next chapter in Tuskegee’s legacy of aviation excellence.
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