PARIS — On the eve of the Paris Air Show, Commerce Secretary Greg Canfield today urged a group of Alabama economic specialists to capitalize on opportunities to grow the state’s aerospace sector by advancing relationships that can spark new industry investment and jobs.
Secretary Canfield addressed the Alabama delegation at this year’s most important aerospace industry trade event at a breakfast event at Le Méridien Etoile hotel in Paris.
The Alabama group, consisting economic development specialists from existing aerospace clusters in the state and others that want to position their areas for future growth, is seeking to expand a key growth industry in the state.
According to the Aerospace Alliance, the number of aerospace, space and aviation establishments in Alabama grew 50% between 2011 and 2021, with a 5-year growth rate that is nearly double the national average. The organization represents Alabama and three other Southeastern states.
