Updated at 7 PM Paris time.
PARIS — We’re ready to wrap up Day 1 at the 2025 Paris Air Show.
After a full day of scheduled appointments and impromptu meetings at the 2025 Paris Air Show, Alabama’s team is encouraged that the talks advanced relationships with aerospace companies and could pay off with future growth projects.
“We’re at the Paris Air Show to strengthen relationships, pursue new investment, and position Alabama as the go-to destination for aerospace growth in the U.S,” said Bob Smith, Commerce’s specialist on the aerospace industry.
“We feel like we made a lot of progress moving toward our objectives today, and we’re looking forward to making even more progress on Tuesday,” he added.
Alabama economic developers attending the air show said they believe their efforts will help clear the way for future growth within the sector, bringing new industry investment and jobs to their communities.
At an Alabama Aerospace reception this evening, Opelika Mayor Gary Fuller said he’s glad to see the broad-based support at the Paris Air Show for growing Alabama’s aerospace/aviation sector.
He said he optimistic that Opelika can benefit from that growth — and that is why his team is in Paris.
“We had a wonderful day today making contacts, and I expect more of the same tomorrow. Alabama is in a great position to continue growing with aviation and aerospace,” he said.
“We’re so thankful for Airbus — they kind of put us on the map a few years ago,” he added. “We’re excited about the future and glad to be here at the air show.”
Updated at 2 PM Paris time.
PARIS — Amid the rush of appointments at the air show, Commerce Secretary Ellen McNair is bullish on Alabama’s growth prospects in the aerospace, aviation and defense sectors.
In a recent chat with Made in Alabama, she addressed her goals at Paris and shared her thoughts on where the industry is headed in the state.
What do you hope to achieve at Paris this week?
“We’re just going to let the industry know that Alabama is ready for whatever challenges are emerging. We’ve got a great workforce, possess the know-how and have the infrastructure in place to support industry growth. We have a rich history in aerospace — and a future that’s very bright.”
Are there growth opportunities for Alabama’s aerospace sector?
“I see high-growth opportunities for Alabama’s aerospace industry, both in terms of new capital investment and job creation. Our sector is broad and vast, with core competencies in just about every activity conducted within the industry. In addition, the companies operating in Alabama are nimble and able to capitalize on the new technologies that are shaping the future of the industry.”
Why have the world’s most important aerospace companies located in Alabama?
“Alabama is attractive to companies in aerospace and aviation because of the range of competencies that can be found in our state. We have an extremely high concentration of aerospace engineers, and their talent is centered not only on space exploration but also on missile platforms and commercial aircraft design. In addition, Alabama has a strong manufacturing heritage.
“‘Made in Alabama’ really means something to us.”
Updated at 1 :30 PM Paris time
PARIS — At Le Bourget, the state’s team and economic development specialists from around the state have a convenient mothership — the “Made in Alabama” exhibit booth, which functions as a friendly hub for those on the mission.
Over the years, the booth has become a destination for Alabama’s Congressional members, including U.S. Senator Katie Britt, who stopped by this morning, along with U.S. Reps. Dale Strong and Mike Rogers, who chairs the powerful House Armed Services Committee.
Over the years, the booth has also attracted a NASA administrator and many foreign government and military officials. A high-ranking Romanian military officer is scheduled to drop by later today.
Today, U.S. Transportation Secretary Sean Duffy came by the booth and spoke with Alabama mayors including Steven Reed of Montgomery and Gary Fuller of Opelika.
A few minutes later, Tom Kallman of Kallman Worldwide, the organizer of the U.S. Pavillon, presented Huntsville officials with a plaque for participating in the international air shows for 30 years.
“These guys from Alabama have been with me for 30 years,” Kallman said.
Above all, though, the “Made in Alabama” booth is a meeting place for Alabama’s team to connect with industry officials at the show.
The booth’s two meeting rooms are fully booked for appointments over the next two days, with 18 meetings scheduled. The Commerce team has additional appointments on Wednesday and Thursday.
The “Made in Alabama” booth also makes a splash within the U.S. Pavillon at the air show. In 2016, Kallman Worldwide awarded it a “Best in Show” Award after a panel of judges selected it as the most effective large booth in the hall that housed over 200 exhibitors.
Posted at Noon Paris time.
PARIS — This year’s Paris Air Show takes place during a period of strong growth for the state’s aviation, aerospace and defense sectors.
Since 2015, aerospace companies have announced Alabama projects involving over $4.2 billion in new capital investment and the creation of more than 10,500 jobs, according to data from the Alabama Department of Commerce.
“The aerospace industry is central to Alabama’s economic future, and the Paris Air Show is the ideal venue to demonstrate the full scope of our capabilities — from commercial aviation to national defense and space exploration,” said Bob Smith, Commerce’s point man on the aerospace industry and a veteran of many international air shows.
Today and tomorrow, Commerce Secretary Ellen McNair, Smith and the Alabama working team will engage in scheduled appointments and informal discussions in Paris with high-ranking representatives from aerospace and aviation companies that could include Alabama in their future growth plans.
Today’s tentative appointment lineup includes a half-dozen aerospace and aviation companies with a presence in Alabama and meetings with others that currently do not.
Included on today list is Airbus, GE Aviation and United Launch Alliance.
Posted at 10 AM Paris time.
PARIS — We’re ready to start Day 1 of Alabama’s full-court press to win new jobs and investment at the world’s most important aerospace/defense trade event — the 2025 Paris Air Show.
Led by Commerce Secretary Ellen McNair, the Alabama economic development team enters the exposition’s opening day with a full slate of appointments with high-ranking representatives of aerospace, aviation and defense companies.
“This mission reflects our long-term strategy to grow Alabama’s footprint in the dynamic aerospace sector,” Secretary McNair said. “Whether it’s aircraft production, advanced materials, propulsion systems or defense technologies, we’re focused on aligning our strengths with global demand.
“We’re looking forward to making the case that Alabama is the ideal place for this industry to grow — and thrive.”
Besides Secretary McNair, Commerce’s working team in Paris includes Bob Smith, the department’s specialist on the aerospace industry; Christina Stimpson, head of the Office of Global Business; Veronica Crock, a Senior Project Manager; and Christoph Dörr, who directs Commerce’s European office.
We’re at Le Bourget, the historic airport near Paris where American pilot Charles Lindberg famously touched down to cheering crowds in 1927 after the first successful non-stop solo flight across the Atlantic.
Within the show’s 70 hectares of exhibition halls, there are over 2,500 exhibitors from 48 countries, along with key industry and government players from around the world.
This makes the event a can’t miss for those seeking to plug into the sector’s growth trends.
