By Emily Younger-Barnwell

The 54^th Paris Air Show offered an expedited path for businesses and emerging talent from Kansas to gain global exposure and establish international networks.

Of the 50-plus attendees the Greater Wichita Partnership led to the international air show, five companies made their debut:

• Globe Engineering Company, Inc.: assembly and aircraft parts manufacturer.
• Park Aerospace: advanced composite material manufacturer.
• Pinnacle Aerospace: assembly and hard metal machine parts manufacturer.
• RecruitAERO: fractional recruitment and consultant agency.
• The AirCraft Company: sustainable aviation company.

Sylvie St-Georges, the managing partner of The AirCraft Company, expressed, “The platform provided us a perfect opportunity to officially introduce to aerospace enthusiasts and fellow professionals the Pangea’s family of electrical airplanes we are developing under The AirCraft Company’s umbrella.”

The AirCraft Company, headquartered in Wichita, recently unveiled its groundbreaking electric-first SY30J Pangea aircraft.

Set to make its entry into service in 2029, the 30-passenger plane aims to reduce direct operating costs to airlines, increase service to smaller airports, improve access for people with reduced physical abilities and minimize greenhouse gas emissions.  

St-Georges emphasized the highly visible Paris Air Show helps solidify the Air Capital of the World’s strategic position in the aerospace industry. She added that the experience in France left her, and her team inspired and motivated to continue breaking new ground.

RecruitAERO cofounders Gemma Dendurent and Jessica Rowe echoed St-George’s sentiments, highlighting the invaluable connections they made at the event.

Dendurent stated, “Meeting face-to-face with business owners provided us with an excellent opportunity to establish trust and demonstrate the quality of our services and professionalism. Our interactions with companies at the show have led to further discussions and closed deals from local and surrounding states.”

Among the 19 start-ups represented at the 2023 event, Kansas had the largest representation (3) of any state in attendance.

RecruitAERO was one of a select few companies to pitch their business at the air show’s inaugural Start-Me-Up booth. During the pitch, the cofounders described the hiring challenges within the aerospace and defense sector and how their company effectively helps businesses attract top talent, specifically to the Air Capital of the World.

“As a state, our presence at the show puts Kansas on the map for businesses looking to relocate and potential candidates looking into new companies. Without a strong presence, it would result in harder-to-fill roles and fewer businesses selecting Kansas as the location for their new or expanding business.” Dendurent said.