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U.S. Senator Katie Britt, R-Ala., recently led a bipartisan Congressional delegation to the Farnborough Airshow in the United Kingdom, underscoring the crucial role of Alabama’s aerospace and defense industry in bolstering 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,” Senator Britt stated. She emphasized her pride in Alabama’s contributions to defending freedom and ensuring the readiness of American warfighters. “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.”
Joining Senator Britt were Senators Jeanne Shaheen, D-N.H., Jerry Moran, R-Kan., John Boozman , R-Ark., Deb Fischer, R-Neb. , and John Kennedy, R-La., along with Aerospace Industries Association (AIA) President and CEO Eric Fanning, as they opened the 2024 Farnborough International Airshow. Senator Britt also visited the “Made in Alabama booth” at the Farnborough Airport exhibition hall, where Alabama companies showcased their cutting-edge products.
Senator Britt’s engagement with Alabamians at the airshow included a breakfast event where she spoke with a team from the Alabama Department of Commerce, economic development specialists, and business leaders from across the state. She further highlighted North Alabama’s significant contributions to the nation’s aerospace, defense, and intelligence capabilities during a reception for the region.
Throughout the airshow, Senator Britt met with industry leaders and foreign officials to advocate for continued strategic investments in Alabama. The state’s aerospace sector experienced a significant boost last year, with exports of aerospace products and parts increasing by 23% to $2.1 billion. The industry supports over 45,000 jobs and generates $6 billion in economic activity annually, spanning more than 300 aerospace companies. Notably, Alabama ranks fifth in the nation for the highest concentration of aerospace engineers, showcasing the state’s prominence in this critical field.
