Alabama team at Paris Air Show showcases aerospace advantages

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Alabama has earned a reputation as a powerhouse in aerospace, aviation, and defense — and that reputation continues to grow. At the 2025 Paris Air Show, an Alabama team is showcasing not only the world-class companies operating in the state but also the deep-rooted assets that make it a prime destination for global investment in this dynamic sector.

From space launch systems to advanced aircraft, Alabama’s aerospace footprint spans every major segment of the industry. 

Industry leaders such as Airbus, Boeing, Lockheed Martin, Raytheon, Northrop Grumman and United Launch Alliance operate major facilities here, contributing to a thriving ecosystem of innovation and production. 

Alabama’s role in national defense is equally critical, with Redstone Arsenal in Huntsville serving as a hub for missile defense, space operations and Army materiel command functions.

In addition to a heavy concentration of engineering talent, Alabama offers a strategic location with a deepwater port in Mobile, inland intermodal facilities and expanding air cargo hubs, connecting companies to supply chains and customers around the world. 

“With a strong business climate, competitive incentives and a state government that works proactively with industry, Alabama offers a launchpad for success,” said Commerce Secretary Ellen McNair, who is leading the state business development team at this week’s Paris Air Show.

“We’re here in Paris to strengthen existing relationships and form new partnerships. Alabama’s message to the global aerospace community is clear: We’re ready to build what’s next — and we invite you to build it with us,” she added.

As activity at the Paris Air Show heats up, it’s an ideal moment to highlight some of the developments propelling the industry forward in Alabama.

Engineering talent

With 4,950 aerospace engineers in May 2023, Alabama ranked No. 4 among the states for employment in the profession, according to the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics. Alabama trailed California, Texas and Florida, much more populous states, but ranked ahead of Washington and Colorado.

The BLS data shows that Alabama has the highest concentration of aerospace engineers, ahead of the likes of Washington, Kansas and Colorado. 

The aerospace engineering talent in Alabama is centered in Huntsville, which has 4,280 jobs in the field. The concentration of aerospace engineering positions in Alabama’s “Rocket City” is significantly higher than cities such as Boulder, Colorado; Dayton, Ohio; and Wichita, Kansas, the BLS data show.

In addition, Alabama is committed to fostering expertise, with universities offering degrees in aerospace-related disciplines, as well as an extensive roster of training programs and assets.

The Aerospace Alliance, a trade group representing the Southeast, says 11 Alabama universities award over 5,200 engineering degrees and certificates each year, ensuring the pipeline is replenished.

“Alabama’s aerospace sector is powered by a deep and highly concentrated pool of engineering talent that rivals any in the nation,” said Bob Smith, the Alabama Department of Commerce’s point man on aerospace. “With nearly 5,000 aerospace engineers, our state punches well above its weight — ahead of traditional aerospace hubs like Washington and Colorado.

“This strength is no accident. Alabama has made a strategic commitment to fostering expertise through our universities and workforce programs,” he added. “With this robust support from our universities, we’re not just meeting today’s industry demands — we’re building a sustainable pipeline for future innovation and growth.”

Surging exports

Over the past three years, Alabama companies have exported an annual average of $1.8 billion in aerospace products and parts to destinations around the globe, according to data from the Alabama Department of Commerce.

The value of the state’s aerospace exports has risen significantly in recent years, with civilian aircraft, engines and parts representing the bulk of Alabama’s overseas aerospace shipments.

Germany was the No. 1 destination for Alabama aerospace exports in 2024, with shipments valued at $388 million. Canada wasn’t far behind, with a total of $309 million, followed by France, Japan and China.

Shipments went to 91 different countries in 2024, including remote destinations such as Fiji, Nepal and Mozambique, according to Commerce data.

“Over time, we have seen a consistent growth trend in our aerospace exports, and that is a testament to the quality products built by companies in Alabama’s aerospace and aviation sector,” said Christina Stimpson, Commerce’s Chief Officer of the Office of Global Business, who is also attending the 2025 Paris Air Show to assist two Alabama companies exhibiting their products.

Innovative companies

Alabama companies turn out lots of innovative products used in space and defense applications.

Just one example: ALFAB Inc., a metal fabrication company located in Enterprise in rural Coffee County, recently won a new contract to manufacture specialized aluminum mats for the U.S. Marine Corps that can be used for landing aircraft and other purposes on unstable terrain.

The contract, with extension options, is worth up to $121 million. That’s on top of a 2024 contract valued at as much as $59 million to supply the mats to other branches of the military.

ALFAB is a principal supplier of landing-mat portable runway systems and related components for the government. The Alabama company has produced over 20 million pounds of landing mats since its founding in 1971, according to AlaDefense.com, a publication focusing on the state’s military and defense news.

“Landing mats can be conveniently transported to remote locations where they can be rapidly laid over most existing subgrades with very little preparation. The mats are completely interchangeable, thus providing a complete airfield,” ALFAB says.

In addition to providing a stable airfield surface, the company’s landing mats can be used for beach landings, heliports, bridge decking, heavy-duty roads and other applications such as flooring for relocatable shelters, tents and hangers.

Missile mecca

Alabama is a hotbed of missile development and production.

Raytheon recently launched a $115 million expansion of its Missile Integration Facility in Huntsville, increasing the futuristic manufacturing facility’s space by over 50% and adding approximately 185 jobs. The facility makes SM-3 and SM-6 missiles.

In rural Pike County, Lockheed Martin produces the Javelin, THAAD and JASSM missiles at its manufacturing complex in Troy. It’s also working on hypersonic technologies in North Alabama, including at a “digital factory” in rural Lawrence County.

In Huntsville, Boeing workers assemble seekers for the PAC-3 missile system — a device voted the “Coolest Thing Made in Alabama” in a recent contest held by the Manufacture Alabama trade group.

This post was originally authored and published by Jerry Underwood from via RSS Feed. to get your news feed on Nationwide Report®.