Alabama Commerce Sec. Greg Canfield is leading a team of Alabama economic development specialists at next week’s Farnborough International Airshow in London, a show that in the past has spawned aerospace and defense announcements in the state.
Industry leaders from around the world are expected to attend the conference at the exhibition venue at Farnborough Airport.
Canfield said the Farnborough Airshow is an opportunity for Alabama’s economic development team to forge new relationships with industry leaders and strengthen existing connections through focused meetings in a single location.
“The aerospace industry represents one of the Alabama team’s primary targets for growth opportunities, and the sky is our limit as far as possibilities go within this sector,” he said.
“At Farnborough, we will speak with C-Suite executives at some of the world’s most technologically advanced aerospace companies as we continue to position Alabama for future economic growth.”
Canfield and Bob Smith of the Department of Commerce are also expected to meet with executives from Boeing, Airbus, GE Aviation, Lockheed Martin and United Launch Alliance, all of whom have an Alabama presence.
In the past, European air shows, which have traditionally rotated between Paris and the U.K. location, have kick-started Alabama investment projects from GE Aviation, GKN Aerospace and other companies. In addition, BAE Systems, Carpenter Technology Corp. and Winkelmann Flowform Technology have announced growth plans in Alabama at these shows.
“Alabama can provide aerospace companies everything they need to succeed. We have a motivated and skilled workforce, as well as first-class job-training programs. We can offer a pro-business environment, and we know how to help aerospace companies thrive,” Canfield said.
