By Emily Younger
The Partnership will once again proudly showcase the Air Capital of the World’s leading advanced manufacturing and evolving aerospace capabilities to an international tradeshow audience of nearly 150,000 at the esteemed 54th Paris Air Show from June 19-25.
"Wichita is a global city that is experiencing distinctive transformation," said Partnership President Jeff Fluhr. "The Paris Air Show is a remarkable opportunity to market our city and demonstrate the Greater Wichita region's aviation expertise, talented workforce and industry capabilities to national and global leaders."
First held in 1909, the Paris Air Show is a biennial showcase bringing together key players in the aviation industry around the latest technological innovations. Canceled only during a world war and because of the COVID-19 pandemic, the last event boasted $140 billion dollars worth of contracts signed.
Partnership Executive Vice President of Economic Development Andrew Nave said the premier networking event has demonstrated success, contributing to lead generation and an increase in local companies’ portfolio of business.
“The Paris Air Show facilitates our team’s strategic efforts to engage with global companies, cultivate new relationships and attract further investment in the Greater Wichita region,” said Nave.
With nearly 18% of regional jobs in manufacturing, Wichita ranks as the No. 1 manufacturing metro in the United States. In addition, the region boasts more than 450 world-class suppliers making it a highly coveted and globally renowned, pro-aviation city.
To showcase the Air Capital’s growing advantages, the Partnership is collaborating with the Kansas Department of Commerce and the following 10-kiosk partners:
- ASC, Wichita
- Cox Machine, Wichita
- Etezazi Industries, Wichita
- Globe Engineering Co., Wichita
- Harlow Aerostructures, Wichita
- Metal Finishing Co., Wichita & Wellington
- Mid-States Aerospace, Olathe
- NWI Aerostructures, Park City
- Park Aerospace, Newton
- Pinnacle Aerospace, Wellington
In addition, the Partnership will be joined by industry leaders from companies such as Spirit AeroSystems, Boeing, Bombardier, Textron Aviation, Bell, Airbus, GE Aviation, and NIAR, as well as five levels of elected Kansas leaders.
New this year, the Partnership is proud to highlight and work with three local start-up aviation companies: Pinnacle Aerospace, RecruitAERO and The AirCraft Company. Of the 19 start-ups represented at the 2023 Paris Air Show, Kansas has the most of any state in attendance so far.
“We are still navigating and learning and for the Partnership to embrace us is incredible,” said RecruitAERO Cofounder Gemma Dendurent. “I didn’t expect the Partnership to say, ‘Come with us, let’s help showcase you, let’s help you find new customers.’”
On June 18, prior to the Paris Air Show, the Partnership will host its third Air Capital of the World Reception, celebrating Kansas’ rich aviation history and continued culture of innovation.
U.S. Senator Jerry Moran, who has been instrumental in expanding and creating depth within Wichita’s aviation industry, will serve as the reception’s honorary host which is expected to draw nearly 400 exclusive partners, dignitaries, and special guests from around the world.
“The Air Capital of the World’s undeniable representation at the 2023 Paris Air Show proves the Greater Wichita region is undeniably where the world of aviation begins and where it’s going in the future,” Fluhr noted.
