Greater Seattle Showcases Regional Aerospace Strength and Collaboration at Paris Air Show

The Greater Seattle region, spanning Snohomish, King, and Pierce counties, demonstrated its global aerospace leadership and spirit of collaboration at the 55th International Paris Air Show on June 16-22 at Le Bourget Airport. Together with the Washington State Department of Commerce, the regional team supported more than 20 Washington-based aerospace companies. Greater Seattle Partners met with over 30 international aerospace companies from India, Poland, Italy, Germany, France, Spain, the UK, Korea, Taiwan, and Japan.

A Unified Regional and Statewide Approach

Greater Seattle Partners (GSP), working alongside the Washington State Department of Commerce, Economic Alliance Snohomish County (EASC), and The Economic Development Board for Tacoma-Pierce County (EDB) highlighted the region’s deep aerospace capabilities.

“I have never seen the spirit of collaboration between economic development organizations (EDOs) and the State of Washington as strong as during this show,” said Josh Davis, Chief Economic Development Officer & Senior Vice President at GSP. “Leads were freely exchanged between EDOs, and we worked as a region and state for the benefit of all.”

Washington State Delegation: kicked off day one with a high-energy ribbon-cutting ceremony, launching a week packed with global buyer meetings, business matchmaking, and exciting opportunities to feature Washington’s aerospace sector on the world stage.

“Attending the Paris Air Show allows Economic Alliance Snohomish County to showcase our world-class aerospace cluster on a global stage, forge strategic partnerships, and attract investment that fuels innovation and job growth across our region. Over the course of the week, we met with 20-plus companies and organizations from 10 countries. The list includes companies with operations in Snohomish County, companies we are recruiting to the region, government partners, and academic institutions,” said EASC’s Director of Economic Development, Daniel Tappana.

“The Paris Air Show is always a vital barometer for the aerospace industry, and this year, it reaffirmed our commitment to strengthening Pierce County’s role within it,” said Michael Catsi, President of the EDB. “Despite global uncertainties, our delegation engaged with over 20 companies from nine countries across the supply chain, not only cultivating expansion discussions with new prospects eyeing the US but also deepening invaluable relationships with our existing Pierce County companies. We’re laying the groundwork for long-term growth, ensuring Pierce County remains top-of-mind as these companies consider their future expansion plans.”

Major Announcements Strengthen Regional Economy

Portal Space Systems announced their new 50,000 sq. ft. manufacturing facility in Bothell, in partnership with Commerce Director Joe Nguyễn and Snohomish County Councilmember Strom Peterson. This expansion, just a few miles from Portal’s headquarters, will support the production of its flagship spacecraft, Supernova, and aims to create over 100 high-impact jobs over the next two to three years. The increased capacity positions Portal to reach its goal of producing one advanced spacecraft per month by 2027, further establishing Snohomish County as a hub for cutting-edge aerospace innovation.

By the Numbers: Greater Seattle’s Aerospace Industry

The regional aerospace sector remains a cornerstone of the economy:

• Over 900 aerospace companies are located in Greater Seattle.
• These companies employ approximately 114,000 people—well above the national average for a region this size.
• Aerospace contributed a gross regional product (GRP) of $37.1 billion in 2024.
• The region exported $64 billion in aerospace products over the past five years.
• The aerospace industry in Greater Seattle is projected to grow by 5% through 2029.

Photo credit: Alex Marc at 55th Paris Airshow

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