Jefferson Reporter

U.S. Senator Katie Britt (R-Ala.), accompanied by a bipartisan Congressional delegation, recently attended the Farnborough Airshow in the United Kingdom to underscore Alabama's significant role in the aerospace and defense industry, which she described as crucial 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.”

Senator Britt was joined by Senators Jeanne Shaheen (D-N.H.), Jerry Moran (R-Kan.), John Boozman (R-Ark.), Deb Fischer (R-Neb.), John Kennedy (R-La.) along with Aerospace Industries Association President and CEO Eric Fanning for the opening of the 2024 Farnborough International Airshow. She also visited the "Made in Alabama booth" at Farnborough Airport exhibition hall where various Alabama companies showcased their products.

During her visit, Senator Britt addressed Alabamians including representatives from the Alabama Department of Commerce as well as economic development specialists and business leaders from across the state at a breakfast event marking the beginning of the airshow. She also delivered remarks at a North Alabama reception emphasizing regional contributions to national aerospace, defense, and intelligence capabilities.

Throughout her time at Farnborough Airshow, Senator Britt engaged with industry leaders and foreign officials advocating for sustained strategic investments in Alabama's aerospace sector. In 2023 alone, Alabama's exports of aerospace products rose by 23% reaching $2.1 billion. The industry supports over 45,000 jobs statewide generating $6 billion annually through more than 300 aerospace companies. Notably, Alabama ranks fifth nationally for its concentration of aerospace engineers.

Photos from this year's Farnborough Airshow can be accessed here.

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