PARIS – U.S. Senator Katie Britt (R-AL) and U.S. Representatives Mike Rogers (R-AL) and Dale Strong (R-AL) represented the Alabama congressional delegation at the 55th Paris Air Show, highlighting the state’s aerospace and defense industry on the global stage.
The Paris Air Show, hosted by the French Aerospace Industries Association (GIFAS) through its subsidiary SIAE, is one of the world’s largest exhibitions for the aviation and space industries. This year’s event brought together leading aerospace manufacturers and suppliers from across the globe, including representatives from Alabama’s expanding aerospace sector.
Alabama’s aerospace industry remains a key economic driver for the state. In 2024, aerospace products and parts accounted for $13.7 billion in exports, making it Alabama’s top export category. The sector supports more than 45,000 jobs and contributes approximately $6 billion in annual economic activity through over 300 companies statewide.
Senator Britt emphasized Alabama’s global leadership in aerospace and defense innovation, noting the state’s contributions to national security and technological advancement. Representative Strong pointed to decades of growth in regions like Huntsville and Madison County as evidence of Alabama’s continued trajectory in the field. Representative Rogers praised the visibility of Alabama’s defense industry at the show and reiterated his commitment to furthering its development.
Alabama’s presence at the show included representatives from the Alabama Department of Commerce, along with economic developers and business leaders from Huntsville, Mobile, Birmingham, Montgomery, and the Auburn/Opelika area. Academic institutions such as Auburn University, the University of Alabama in Huntsville, and the Alabama Community College System also took part, reflecting the collaborative approach to workforce and industry development.
Ellen McNair, Secretary of the Alabama Department of Commerce, described the state’s participation as a success, highlighting meetings with global industry leaders and continued efforts to attract investment and innovation. She noted the importance of a unified effort between local communities, academic institutions, and the congressional delegation.
The 2025 Paris Air Show served as a platform for Alabama to strengthen international partnerships and reinforce its position as a leader in aerospace, defense, and advanced manufacturing.
