Farnborough, UK – U.S. Senator Katie Britt (R-Ala.) recently joined a bipartisan Congressional delegation at the Farnborough International Airshow in the United Kingdom, where she underscored the significance of Alabama’s aerospace and defense sector to American competitiveness and national security.
Senator Britt, along with Senators Jeanne Shaheen (D-N.H.), Jerry Moran (R-Kan.), John Boozman (R-Ark.), Deb Fischer (R-Neb.), and John Kennedy (R-La.), and Aerospace Industries Association (AIA) President and CEO Eric Fanning, participated in the opening of the 2024 airshow. During the event, she highlighted Alabama’s contributions to the aerospace and defense industries, emphasizing the state’s pivotal role in aviation history and its ongoing impact on national security.
“From making planes and helicopters, to leading world-class flight training, to building the most powerful rocket in world history – twice, Alabama is a pillar of the past, present, and future of aviation and aerospace excellence,” Senator Britt remarked. She expressed pride in Alabama’s role in defending freedom and equipping warfighters, noting that the state’s innovation and expertise were prominently showcased at the airshow.
Senator Britt also visited the “Made in Alabama” booth at the Farnborough Airport exhibition hall, where Alabama companies exhibited their aerospace products and technologies. She met with industry leaders and foreign officials to advocate for strategic investments in Alabama’s aerospace and defense sectors.
Throughout the weekend, Senator Britt engaged with Alabamians, including representatives from the Alabama Department of Commerce, economic development specialists, and business leaders. She hosted a breakfast for attendees, which marked the start of the airshow, and delivered remarks at a North Alabama reception, highlighting the region’s contributions to the nation’s aerospace, defense, and intelligence capabilities.
In her role on the Senate Appropriations Committee, Senator Britt committed to supporting investments that modernize America’s aerospace, defense, and intelligence capabilities. She emphasized her dedication to bringing federal funding to Alabama while enhancing national security and bolstering the state’s role in these critical sectors.
Alabama’s aerospace industry, which supports over 45,000 jobs and generates $6 billion in economic activity annually, has seen significant growth. Last year, the state’s exports of aerospace products and parts increased by 23% to $2.1 billion. The industry encompasses more than 300 aerospace companies and ranks fifth in the nation for its high-tech aerospace contributions.
Senator Britt’s participation in the Farnborough Airshow reflects her ongoing efforts to highlight Alabama’s aerospace and defense industry on an international stage, advocating for continued strategic investments that support both the state’s economic interests and national security priorities.
