By Emily Younger Barnwell

The Partnership is actively engaged as team members promote the Air Capital of the World’s diverse capabilities at the Space Symposium from April 8-11 in Colorado Springs and at the Maintenance Repair and Overhaul (MRO) Americas from April 9-11 in Chicago.

The 39^th annual Space Symposium gathers global leaders from commercial, government and military space, providing a forum for individuals to discuss, address and plan for future achievements in space and national security.

“This is an incredible opportunity to strengthen relationships and forge new, global connections within the space industry,” said Partnership President Jeff Fluhr. “Industry diversification is a key economic strategy of the Partnership, and this event provides us the platform to showcase the Wichita region’s growing space and defense expertise.”

Concurrently, the Partnership will join nearly 1,000 global exhibitors at MRO Americas, highlighting the region’s cost-effective MRO market, world-renowned OEMs and network of more than 450 world-class suppliers.

Jet AirWerks, NIAR WERX, Mid Continent Controls, Valence Surface Technologies and Aircraft Covers Unlimited will exhibit with the Partnership at the Air Capital of the World booth. The Wichita Airport Authority will also come alongside, allowing business and organization representatives the opportunity to engage with more than 16,000 industry professionals. These professionals represent airlines, OEMs, MRO service providers, leasing companies and supply chains.

The greater Wichita region is home to the largest aviation ecosystem in the world, boasting the nation’s No. 1 skilled aviation workforce. This serves as an incredible marketing tool during the 2024 Aerospace Maintenance Competition (AMC), taking place on the exhibition floor of MRO Americas.

The long-standing competition will feature more than 90 teams comprised of current and future maintenance professionals vying for the top spot in aviation maintenance repair. A team from WSU Tech will compete in the AMC, further demonstrating the region’s exceptional maintenance and repair skills and talent pipeline.

The Air Capital of the World booth is strategically positioned near the AMC competition. It will feature a distinctive refueling station stocked with a variety of snacks and drinks, provided by Bombardier.

The Partnership will also have a state-of-the-art Smart Rover robotics kit on hand, courtesy of The Smart Factory by Deloitte @ Wichita. The kit is an integral component of The Smart Factory Believers Science, Technology, Engineering and Math (STEM) education program. The program aims to empower STEM education opportunities for underserved communities to inspire the manufacturing and technology workforce of tomorrow.

The refueling station and Smart Rover are deliberate workforce initiatives aimed at recruiting and actively engaging with potential job seekers while spotlighting the Wichita region’s robust aviation ecosystem, abundant employment opportunities and unwavering industry support.