Alabama officials returned from the 2026 Farnborough International Airshow pointing to new investments, dozens of meetings with aerospace and defense companies, and what they described as growing momentum for one of the state’s largest industries.

The week-long international airshow near London resulted in two major investment announcements for Alabama and more than 50 meetings between the Alabama Department of Commerce’s recruitment team and aviation, aerospace and defense companies.

Gov. Kay Ivey said the state’s expanded presence at Farnborough reflected Alabama’s continued focus on growing its aerospace and defense industries.

“Alabama’s 10th and final Farnborough airshow under my Administration featured our best effort yet while also netting two major industrial announcements and more than 50 productive meetings with aviation, aerospace and defense companies,” Ivey said. “We brought our A-game, positioning our economic development recruiters and our elected policy makers to highlight Alabama’s advantages for new business and expansion.”

She added that aerospace employment in Alabama has grown by more than 40% during her administration.

“We have a long history in aviation, aerospace and defense,” Ivey said. “But with more than 40 percent job growth in these sectors in just the last decade, Alabama is poised to break new frontiers. The sky is truly the limit for Sweet Home Alabama.”

Among the announcements during the airshow, aerospace company Redwire revealed plans to expand its Huntsville operations, while United Kingdom-based manufacturer Doncasters announced a second Alabama facility in Auburn. Together, the projects represent approximately $68 million in capital investment and 220 new jobs.

Commerce Secretary Ellen McNair said the airshow provided an opportunity to strengthen relationships with existing companies while introducing Alabama to prospective employers.

“Alabama’s participation at the 2026 Farnborough International Airshow reinforced our position as a global leader in aerospace, defense, and advanced manufacturing,” McNair said. “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.”

McNair said the announcements from Redwire and Doncasters demonstrate continued confidence in Alabama’s workforce and business climate.

“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,” she said.

The Alabama delegation included U.S. Sens. Tommy Tuberville and Katie Britt, U.S. Rep. Dale Strong, Workforce Secretary Greg Reed, higher education representatives and local economic development leaders.

Britt (R-Montgomery) said the timing of this year’s Farnborough Airshow highlighted recent milestones across Alabama’s aerospace and defense sector.

“What an incredible year to attend the 2026 Farnborough Air Show,” Britt said. “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.”

She said the event also provided an opportunity to showcase Alabama’s role in the nation’s aerospace and defense industries.

“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,” Britt said.

Strong (R-Huntsville), whose 5th Congressional District includes Huntsville and Redstone Arsenal, said North Alabama continues to play a leading role in the state’s aerospace success.

“Alabama is a proven powerhouse and remains at the forefront of our nation’s defense, aerospace, and aviation capabilities,” Strong said. “North Alabama’s success, along with that of the entire state of Alabama, is a testament to the partnerships formed between local, state, and federal leaders to attract new growth opportunities. This year’s showing at Farnborough not only proved that Alabama’s economic force is here to stay, but that our best days are still ahead.”

According to the Alabama Department of Commerce, aerospace products and parts remained among Alabama’s top export categories in 2025, with transportation equipment exports totaling $11.4 billion to 99 countries. The aerospace and defense industry supports more than 72,000 jobs statewide, generates an estimated $35.5 billion in annual economic activity and includes more than 300 aerospace companies.

The department said Alabama also ranks fourth nationally in aerospace engineering employment.

This year’s mission also marked Alabama’s largest presence yet at Farnborough. In addition to expanding its traditional exhibit booth, the state debuted a “Made in Alabama” chalet along the flight line, becoming the first U.S. state to operate a chalet at the international airshow.

Commerce officials said the additional space allowed recruiters and community leaders to host more prospective companies and industry partners throughout the week as Alabama continues efforts to attract additional aerospace and defense investment.

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