MONTGOMERY, Alabama – The Alabama Department of Commerce will put on display many of the state’s best economic development assets at the Farnborough International Airshow next week.
The biennial expo is one of the world’s premier aerospace and defense sector trade events and past shows have led to major investment announcements for the state.
This year’s delegation, led by Commerce Secretary Ellen McNair, includes other top economic development officials, state workforce and higher education leaders and federal and state lawmakers, including U.S. Sens. Katie Britt and Tommy Tuberville.
“Farnborough is about as big a world stage as there is for industry and job recruitment,” McNair said about the expo just outside London. “This year, we’re bringing a delegation focused on telling this international audience of aerospace companies and contractors that Alabama has the infrastructure, pro-growth policies and education and training systems to ensure their success.”
Since 2015, aerospace, defense and aviation companies have announced $4.3 billion in new investments in Alabama, resulting in more than 15,000 new jobs.
“That growth is not by chance,” McNair said. “Farnborough, and its sister event in Paris every other year, put Alabama on display in front of the biggest names in aviation and provide opportunities to make our very strong case for expansion into our state.”
This year, Alabama is expanding its visibility at Farnborough beyond its traditional booth within the U.S. Pavilion. Commerce and members of the delegation will also network from one of the reserved chalet spaces along the edge of the airport runway, giving participants more space for meetings and putting more eyes on the Made in Alabama brand.
Commerce does not disclose its meeting list, but previous airshows have netted discussions with Airbus, Boeing, GE Aerospace, Lockheed Martin and United Launch Alliance, all of which now have a presence in Alabama and several of which continue to expand.
This year, the delegation has another major development to discuss: The permanent home of the U.S. Space Command headquarters at Redstone Arsenal in north Alabama. About 1,400 Space Command jobs will transition to Redstone Arsenal over the next five years.
“The Space Command headquarters in Alabama deepens the state’s commitment to supporting national defense and increases the opportunities for contractors who support our nation’s security,” said Bob Smith, assistant director of Commerce’s Business Development Division in charge of European strategy. He’s part of Commerce’s small working team meeting with industry stakeholders at Farnborough.
In 2024, Farnborough drew more than 1,400 exhibitors from 41 countries and 423 commercial and military delegations.
“This event puts aviation’s biggest names and decision-makers in one space for several days and allows us to showcase the state’s capabilities in aerospace and defense, positioning Alabama for continued growth,” Smith said.
Growing footprint
In 2025, Alabama exported $1.7 billion in aerospace equipment, an increase of more than 12% from 2024. These Alabama-made products reached 99 countries, with most going to Canada, Germany, France, India and Taiwan.
Beyond the Space Command announcement, a dozen aerospace-related companies announced new investments in Alabama in 2025. The projects, including GE Aerospace facility expansions in Huntsville and Auburn, total nearly $139 million and will bring 767 new jobs to the state. Other new and expanding defense-related projects totaled another $122 million in 2025. Companies included Lockheed Martin, General Dynamics and Northrop Grumman.
The federal delegation attending also includes U.S. Rep. Dale Strong, R-Huntsville. Liz Filmore, chief of staff for Governor Kay Ivey, will represent the executive office.
Greg Reed, secretary of the recently rebranded Alabama Department of Workforce, will also be on the job-recruiting mission, as will representatives from several municipalities and chambers of commerce, including Auburn, Huntsville, Montgomery, Mobile, Birmingham and Dothan.
Leaders from Southern Union State Community College, Auburn University and the University of Alabama Huntsville will be on hand to discuss their institutions’ growing aviation and aerospace programs.
The multi-day event will also put five Alabama aerospace and tech companies from around the state on display as part of Commerce’s delegation. They are Analytical AI, Maximum Technology Corporation, SEA Wire and Cable, Segers Aero Corp. and Zaden Technologies.
“Farnborough is one of our best opportunities to show off Alabama’s abilities and potential for growth in the aerospace and defense sectors,” said Christina Stimpson, chief officer for Commerce’s Global Business Office. “Few tell that story better than those here, already performing and succeeding in their fields. The airshow also gives these Alabama Made companies opportunities to expand their reach in international markets.”
The Farnborough International Airshow begins July 20.
