Alabama Business Team Seizes Opportunities at 2025 Paris Air Show
What kicked off with a packed agenda of 21 pre-scheduled meetings transformed into a dynamic flurry of potential for the Alabama Business Team at the recent 2025 Paris Air Show. State representatives engaged with executives from more than 36 aerospace companies, exceeding expectations and paving the way for future investments.
During these discussions, there was talk of substantial projects that could potentially bring in $500 million worth of leads and create around 500 jobs in Alabama, alongside a further 400 job opportunities statewide.
Related: Alabama University Boosts Aerospace Adoption at Paris Air Show
Commerce Secretary Ellen McNair emphasized that Alabama’s mission at the Paris Air Show underscored the importance of face-to-face meetings and highlighted the unified approach of the state delegation. “Our team felt honored to showcase Alabama’s considerable strengths in aerospace, defense, and advanced manufacturing,” McNair noted. She expressed her gratitude for the robust support from Congressional leaders, underlining Alabama’s leadership on an international scale.
“This mission demonstrated the power of collaboration, linking community members, universities, and economic development partners from across Alabama, all committed to growth and innovation,” she remarked. “The momentum we’ve cultivated in Paris will persist in driving positive outcomes for Alabama.”
“Aerospace State”
Bob Smith, an aerospace industry expert at Commerce, pointed out that many of the discussions at the airshow revolved around ongoing projects within the state.
“Having state leaders interact directly with company executives is something that doesn’t typically happen in the regular project flow,” Smith stated. “This trade show has offered that rare opportunity, and we really took advantage of it this year.”
US Senators Katie Britt, Dale Strong, and Mike Rodgers actively supported the state’s delegation last Monday at the “Alabama in Alabama” booth.
In addition, representatives from the University of Alabama and Community Colleges were present, along with Community Leaders from Across the State.
Smith, alongside Veronica Clock, a senior project manager focused on aerospace and defense, discovered new leads and opportunities during the event. “Any aerospace company looking for suppliers, contract options, or new products views Alabama as a go-to aerospace state capable of providing the necessary workforce and infrastructure,” Smith mentioned.
“Our Alabama brand was well represented at this year’s show,” he added.
Crock mentioned, “This year’s show was quite productive. I believe our strategy was effective; we worked closely with the community and state agenda, as well as potential customers.”
Industry Trends
This year’s airshow saw a notable increase in attendance, reflecting the fresh global momentum in the aerospace industry.
Alabama teams gained insights into industry trends, with a significant emphasis on new technologies. Topics of discussion included sustainable synthetic fuels for hydrogen propulsion, hybrid electric aircraft, and both fixed-wing and rotary platforms.
However, challenges remain prominent. Manufacturers and OEMs highlighted persistent supply chain issues that continue to hinder aircraft deliveries. Some analysts warn that the global sector may be looking at a six or seven-year timeframe to catch up with current demand.
Looking to the future, the global commercial aircraft fleet is projected to double to nearly 50,000 over the next two decades, with 80% of the current fleet needing replacement.
The strongest demand appears to be for single-aisle aircraft, the very type that is anticipated to be crucial for the sector’s growth.
