U.S. Senator Katie Britt Showcases Alabama Leadership in Aerospace, Defense at Farnborough Airshow

WASHINGTON, D.C., July 23, 2024 – U.S. Senator Katie Britt (R-Ala.), along with a bipartisan Congressional delegation, recently traveled to the Farnborough Airshow in the United Kingdom where she highlighted the importance of Alabama’s aerospace and defense industry to American competitiveness and national security.

“From making planes and helicopters, to leading world-class flight training, to building the most powerful rocket in world history – twice, Alabama is a pillar of the past, present, and future of aviation and aerospace excellence,” said Senator Britt. “I am especially proud of the role our state plays in defending freedom from the forces of tyranny and ensuring our warfighters are the best equipped, resourced, and trained in the world. The incredible showing of Alabama innovation and ingenuity on display at the Farnborough Airshow highlights why our great state is emerging as an international epicenter across these key sectors. Through my role on the Senate Appropriations Committee, I will continue working to make strategic investments that modernize America’s aerospace, defense, and intelligence capabilities and bring Alabamians’ hard-earned taxpayer dollars home while contributing to our national security and strengthening our future.”

Sen. Britt joined Sens. Jeanne Shaheen (D-N.H.), Jerry Moran (R-Kan.), John Boozman (R-Ark.), Deb Fischer (R-Neb.), and John Kennedy (R-La.) and Aerospace Industries Association (AIA) President and CEO Eric Fanning to open the 2024 Farnborough International Airshow. She also visited the “Made in Alabama booth” at the Farnborough Airport exhibition hall where Alabama companies exhibited their products.

Over the weekend, Sen. Britt spoke to Alabamians, including a team from the Alabama Department of Commerce and economic development specialists and business leaders from communities across the state, at a breakfast kicking off the airshow. She also delivered remarks at a North Alabama reception where she emphasized the region’s contributions to our nation’s aerospace, defense, and intelligence capabilities.

Throughout the airshow, Sen. Britt met with industry leaders and foreign officials to advocate for continued strategic investments in Alabama. 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. Alabama also ranks fifth in the nation for the highest concentration of aerospace engineers.

Photos from the 2024 Farnborough Airshow can be found here.

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