U.S. Senator Katie Britt Attends Farnborough International Air Show, Highlight Alabama’s Aerospace, Aviation and Defense Capabilities

WASHINGTON, D.C. - U.S. Senator Katie Britt (R-Ala.) recently attended the "Pioneers of Tomorrow" 2026 Farnborough International Air Show in Farnborough, England, on a congressional delegation trip and to represent the Alabama federal delegation along with Senator Tommy Tuberville (R-Ala.) and Representative Dale Strong (R-Ala.).

Senator Britt joins a bipartisan congressional delegation trip to London, England.

"What an incredible year to attend the 2026 Farnborough Air Show. The growth we've seen just over the past year in Alabama's aviation, aerospace, and defense industries has been remarkable. From Space Command Headquarters coming to its rightful home in Huntsville, to a successful Artemis II launch powered by Marshall Space Flight Center, to hundreds of millions of dollars in new investments announced by aerospace companies across our state, and so much more-2025 was record-breaking on many levels and 2026 is on pace to break those records," said Senator Britt. "It was an honor to join so many of Alabama's leaders at the Air Show to not only highlight our state's vital role in safeguarding freedom both at home and across the globe, but also to showcase why Alabama is the best place to do business. As we look to a new era of American excellence in our aerospace, defense, and intelligence capabilities, one thing is clear: Alabama will continue to lead the way."

The Farnborough International Air Show showcases aerospace and defense manufacturers and suppliers from Alabama and across the globe. In 2025, exports of aerospace products and parts grew 12% from the previous year and remained part of Alabama's top export category totaling $11.4 billion, including transportation equipment, and reached 99 countries around the globe. The aerospace and defense industry supports more than 72,000 jobs, generates $35.5 billion in economic activity annually in the state, and includes over 300 aerospace companies. Alabama also ranks as the fourth highest state in the U.S. for the employment of aerospace engineers

"Alabama is no doubt in a stronger position thanks to the visionary leadership of Governor Ivey," continued Senator Britt. "Over the past decade, Governor Ivey and her team have worked diligently to tell the story of our great state and the incredible people who live here. I have been honored to work alongside her in several capacities, including now on the federal level, to ensure Alabama is in the best possible position and continues to have a seat at the table. Alabama's presence at the Air Show is just one of the many ways our state's influence and dominance have grown significantly in such a short period of time. Governor Ivey's office and Secretary McNair once again led a strong Alabama delegation to Farnborough and showcased the very best of our great state, and I couldn't be more grateful for their diligence and hard work."

Under Governor Ivey's tenure, the state of Alabama has been well-represented at ten consecutive Air Shows. Since 2017, Alabama's aviation, aerospace, and defense industries have added an incredible 40-45% more jobs, and since 2015, companies in the industries have announced $4.3 billion in new investments in Alabama. Governor Ivey's Chief of Staff Liz Filmore and Alabama Commerce Secretary Ellen McNair co-led the state's delegation this year. This growth was also reflected in the expansion of the Made in Alabama chalet in addition to Alabama's booth.

"Aerospace and defense are rooted in Alabama's history and are, no doubt, part of our present and future. We have, once again, had a successful Air Show mission and brought back more jobs for the families that call Alabama home," said Governor Ivey. "Since I took office in 2017, Alabama has seen investments totaling more than $69 billion, which has created 100,000 and counting, and certainly the aerospace industry is a big part of that growth. Alabama will remain a leader in this powerful industry thanks to people like Senator Katie Britt, and I thank her for her good work. We look forward to the new business coming from this year's Air Show. Our best days are still ahead!"

Senator Britt joins Alabama State Representatives James Lomax and Andy Whitt, Alabama State Senator April Weaver, Alabama Workforce Secretary Greg Reed, Alabama Commerce Secretary Ellen McNair, Chief of Staff to Governor Ivey Liz Filmore, and Alabama State Senators Lance Bell and Wes Kitchens at the Made in Alabama chalet.

"Alabama's participation at the 2026 Farnborough International Airshow reinforced our position as a global leader in aerospace, defense, and advanced manufacturing. Throughout the week, our delegation met with industry leaders, strengthened relationships with existing partners, and introduced new companies to the many advantages of doing business in Alabama. The announcements of major investments from two aerospace companies, Doncasters and Redwire, underscore the momentum we're building, and the confidence companies have in Alabama's workforce, business climate, and long-term vision for growth. We're especially grateful for the support of Senator Britt and our Congressional delegation, whose advocacy helps elevate Alabama's competitiveness on the global stage. Farnborough once again demonstrated the value of working together-with communities, universities, and economic development partners united in showcasing the innovation, talent, and opportunities that make Alabama stand out. We look forward to building on the relationships and opportunities created this week to drive continued investment and job creation across our state," said Ellen McNair, Secretary of the Alabama Department of Commerce.

Alabama Department of Workforce Secretary Greg Reed, economic development specialists, and business and higher education leaders from communities across the state also attended the Farnborough International Air Show. These include Auburn, Huntsville, Montgomery, Mobile, Birmingham and Dothan. Leaders from Auburn University, the University of Alabama in Huntsville, and Southern Union State Community College were also at the Air Show.

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