LONDON, England – The Farnborough International Airshow kicked off Monday and Alabama is stepping up its presence and energy level at the biennial aviation and defense showcase.
The state’s delegation, led by Alabama Secretary of Commerce Ellen McNair and Liz Filmore, Governor Kay Ivey’s chief of staff, includes dozens of local officials, workforce and education leaders, economic developers, business executives and state and federal lawmakers.
The state’s footprint at Farnborough this year includes the traditional “Made in Alabama” booth in a pavilion as well as a larger chalet along the flight line to host events and meetings with industry representatives.
The state has seen about $4.3 billion in new investments in the aviation, aerospace and aviation industry in the last decade but there is room for more, especially as the defense industry grows, McNair said.
“We saw the opportunity for Alabama to step up, and we wanted to elevate our presence in the war class opportunities and take advantage of that,” McNair told media on Monday. “We’ve had the booth for many years and been very successful. But it was time to take Alabama to the next level and having the chalet really does that.”
The temporary structure along the flight line was the site of several economic development announcements and meetings throughout the day.
Bob Smith, assistant director of Commerce’s Business Development Division in charge of European strategy, said he and Veronica Crock, a senior project manager, had about 20 meetings today with companies about potential expansions or new business in Alabama.
“It was a successful first day of the airshow,” Smith said.
This is the state’s 10th airshow under the Ivey administration and Filmore said the energy this year is bigger and more focused.
“We are not on the sidelines watching the action,” Filmore said Monday. “We are a major player in aviation and defense, from Airbus to Boeing to Blue Origin to Lockheed Martin and so many defense contractors around the state. Alabama has always known how to make things. We know advanced manufacturing and we know how to create the workforce aviation and defense companies want.
“We’re in Farnborough this week to put on display what we have to offer and remind the world that Alabama is open for business.”
Readiness is part of the state’s message.
“We’ve spent $300 million on site development in our state to be ready for this opportunity,” McNair said.
Ambassador visit
Ambassador to the United Kingdom Warren Stephens spent time with the Alabama delegation Monday afternoon.
Stephens is an Arkansas native but spent some of his youth in Montgomery and graduated from Trinity Presbyterian High School in 1975.
He was appointed ambassador by President Donald Trump in April 2025. Prior to his appointment, Stephens was chairman, president and CEO of Stephens Inc., a privately owned financial services firm in Little Rock, Arkansas.
Senators’ support
U.S. Sens. Katie Britt and Tommy Tuberville are at Farnborough this year. Britt spoke to much of the delegation at the chalet Monday morning.
“We set the standard in Alabama when it comes to putting our best foot forward at the airshow,” Britt told the crowd. “Whether it’s aerospace, defense, or national security, people know that we mean business and people know when they make an investment in Alabama it’s one they can count on, and that’s because of the people in this room.”
Britt said now is a unique time across the globe, citing the ongoing conflict with Iran and the war in Ukraine.
“You’re looking at the advancements in warfare and aviation,” Britt said. “We must meet the moment, and I have confidence that we will because I see the faces around this room. We have met every moment in front of us. We’ve been the ones who’ve answered the call. We’re showing people that we’re going to do that, and we do that best when we work together.”
Tuberville has served on the Senate’s Armed Services Committee for the last six years and is chairman of its subcommittee on personnel.
“Alabama’s defense and aerospace installations are second to none,” said Tuberville, the Republican nominee for governor in the November election. “It’s been incredible to see our great state’s innovation on display at the Farnborough International Airshow. People from all over the world want the tools and weaponry that are designed and made in Alabama. It’s been an honor to help bolster Alabama’s military and defense installations while serving on the Senate Armed Services Committee for the last six years, and I look forward to continuing to help our industries grow.”
