Building Global Connections at the 2026 Farnborough International Airshow

The Air Capital Advantage

For more than a century, Wichita has helped shape the future of flight. Today, the region continues that legacy through a powerful combination of manufacturing excellence, world-class research and workforce development.

Home to more than 350 aerospace suppliers within a one-hour radius of Wichita’s downtown and recognized as the most manufacturing-specialized region in the nation, the Air Capital provides a world-class aerospace ecosystem. Major industry leaders including Airbus, Bell, Boeing, Bombardier, Spirit Defense and Textron Aviation operate alongside a statewide network of more than 450 suppliers that design, build and sustain products serving commercial aviation, defense and space missions worldwide.

The region's innovation ecosystem is further strengthened by Wichita State University, home to the National Institute for Aviation Research (NIAR) and the National Center for Aviation Training (NCAT). Ranked by the National Science Foundation as the nation's leading university for industry-funded aerospace research, WSU continues to help advance next-generation technologies while developing the workforce needed to support future growth.

Representing the Air Capital at Farnborough

The Air Capital delegation includes U.S. Senator Jerry Moran, Lt. Governor David Toland, Mayor Lily Wu, and Sedgwick County Commissioner Jeff Blubaugh, business executives, higher education leaders, elected officials and regional leadership from El Dorado, Inc. and Harvey County Economic Development working together to promote the Wichita region's aerospace ecosystem and pursue opportunities that support long-term regional growth.

The Partnership's presence at the 2026 Farnborough International Airshow is intentional. Many partners have shared that they get more business done in the 3-4 days of the airshow than they do the entire year since global companies are all in attendance. Diversifying the aviation industry has also been a deliberate strategy; expanding into both defense and space means the Kansas booth will be located in the Space Zone for the first time, reflecting the region’s growing role in the future of commercial and government space programs. More than 145 Kansas suppliers were a part of the Artemis II mission and Wichita welcomed NASA Administrator Jared Isaacman during the historical moment when the crew reached the moon’s gravitational pull, becoming the first humans to travel farther from Earth than any crew before them.

Being joined in the booth by small to medium sized companies is important to the Partnership. Bringing the region to this global stage allows companies of all sizes to compete and bring back business to the Wichita region. 2026 Partners include:

Exhibit Kiosk Partners

• Aerospace Systems & Components (ASC)
• Classic Learjet
• Cox Machine
• Envisage Group
• Etezazi Industries
• Globe Engineering
• Harlow Aerostructures
• Metal Finishing Company
• Spirit Defense

Chalet Partners

• Mid-State Aerospace, Inc.
• NWI Aerostructures
• SNC
• Spirit Defense
• Wichita State University

This is the third year for the Partnership the Partnership will have its own chalet on the show’s flight line, which allows us greater accessibility to the show’s most senior industry executives. Throughout the week, the Air Capital delegation will also announce new investments, partnerships and initiatives that continue to strengthen Kansas' aerospace ecosystem and create opportunities for future growth.

Building Global Connections

International airshows remain a critical part of the Wichita region's business development strategy. These events create opportunities to strengthen relationships with existing industry partners, engage with prospective companies and showcase the capabilities that make the Air Capital unique.

Since 2021, business development, including efforts connected to international airshows, have contributed to more than $3.5 billion in capital investment and nearly 15,000 announced jobs across south-central Kansas. Today, the region maintains an active project pipeline approaching $27 billion, reflecting continued global interest in Wichita's workforce, research capabilities and aerospace supply chain.

Air Capital of the World Reception

A highlight of Wichita's presence at Farnborough is the Air Capital of the World Reception with Honorary Host U.S. Senator Jerry Moran. The event brings together industry-leading aerospace executives, suppliers, government leaders and partners from around the world to connect, exchange ideas and learn more about the advantages of investing in the Wichita region. Since its launch in 2019, the event has become the premier event kicking off the airshow, reflecting growing interest in the Air Capital and its role in shaping the future of aerospace.

As the aerospace industry continues to evolve, the Air Capital of the World remains at the forefront — bringing together advanced manufacturing, research excellence, workforce development and industry leadership to help define the next generation of aviation, defense and space innovation.

This year’s reception will feature remarks from NASA Administrator Jared Isaacman, further highlighting Wichita’s growing role in the future of space exploration and reinforcing the region’s emergence as a hub for aerospace innovation across aviation, defense and space.