Farnborough International Airshow: A Journey of Opportunities & Innovation

Attending the 2024 Farnborough International Airshow was an extraordinary experience, filled with numerous opportunities and significant moments for Ohio's aerospace industry. As a representative from JobsOhio, I had the honor of participating in this prestigious event and witnessing firsthand the advancements and collaborations shaping the future of aerospace, aviation, and advanced air mobility (AAM).

JobsOhio joined a team of several partners from government, industry, and academia who teamed up to show attendees what they can expect in Ohio: A legacy of accomplishment and an environment of innovation where companies can expect growth and success now and into the future.

Here’s a glimpse into my journey and the remarkable accomplishments of the Ohio team.

Securing Key B2B Meetings

One of the highlights of the Airshow was our success in securing numerous business-to-business (B2B) meetings with significant aerospace prime contractors, eVTOL companies, and leading suppliers. These meetings were fruitful in fostering new partnerships and instrumental in strengthening existing relationships. The enthusiasm and interest from global companies in Ohio's aerospace and aviation capabilities were palpable, reflecting our state’s growing reputation as a hub of innovation and excellence in this sector.

Ohio’s Booth: The Place to Be

The Ohio booth was a hive of activity throughout the Airshow. We experienced excellent booth traffic, with visitors ranging from industry leaders to potential investors, all eager to learn more about what Ohio offers. The booth showcased our state’s robust aerospace ecosystem, highlighting our advanced manufacturing capabilities, cutting-edge research, and supportive business environment. It was gratifying to see the positive reactions and genuine interest from attendees.

Panel Participation: Showcasing Ohio’s Expertise

Ohio’s involvement in the panel discussions at the Airshow was another significant achievement. It showed the depth of Ohio’s expertise in aerospace, aviation, space, and AAM, unmatched by any other state.

John Horack, Ph.D., is the Neil A. Armstrong Chair in Aerospace Policy at The Ohio State University. He led the fascinating keynote presentation “Starlab – The Future of Commerical Spaceflight Research and Innovation.” It featured a discussion on the exciting future of Starlab, opportunities for research, and commercial activity on board the space station.

As the lone American voice on an international AAM panel, I was honored to discuss the need for global policies and regulations that encourage responsible growth in the burgeoning AAM infrastructure and industry.

These panels provided a platform for Ohio to share its vision and strategies with a global audience, further solidifying our position as a critical player in the aerospace industry.

Leadership & Delegation

Our delegation was also led by Col. Joe Zeis, Ohio Governor Mike DeWine’s Senior Advisor for Aerospace & Defense. Joe’s leadership was instrumental in navigating the various industry meetings and ensuring that Ohio’s interests were well-represented. His strategic approach and deep understanding of the aerospace sector were invaluable, helping us to effectively communicate Ohio’s strengths and opportunities to potential partners and stakeholders.

Showcasing Education & Innovation

Ohio’s universities and small businesses played a pivotal role in representing the best of Ohio education and innovation at the Airshow. Their presence highlighted the state’s commitment to fostering a strong talent pipeline and supporting groundbreaking research and development. It was inspiring to see how our academic institutions and entrepreneurial ventures drive advancements in aerospace, contributing to the state’s dynamic and forward-thinking aerospace community.

Collaboration with JobsOhio Regional Network Partners & Ohio Associations

Our collaboration with regional network partners, including REDI Cincinnati, TeamNEO, and Dayton Development Coalition, was integral to our success at the Airshow. These partnerships enabled us to present a unified and comprehensive picture of Ohio’s aerospace capabilities. In addition, we are very grateful for the leadership of the Ohio Aerospace Institute and UDRI Fastlane, one of the manufacturing extension partners, for helping visitor make a connection to Ohio. Together, we leveraged our collective strengths and resources, enhancing our outreach and impact at the event.

When All Was Said & Done

The 2024 Farnborough International Airshow was a testament to Ohio’s growing prominence in the world of aerospace, space, aviation, and AAM. It was a privilege to be part of such a momentous occasion and to witness the positive reception and interest in Ohio’s aerospace sector. The connections made, the knowledge shared, and the opportunities identified will undoubtedly propel us forward, driving further growth and innovation in Ohio’s aerospace landscape.

I am incredibly proud of the Ohio team's achievements and excited about the future prospects that lie ahead. The Airshow has reinforced my belief in Ohio’s leadership in the aerospace industry, and I look forward to continuing our journey of innovation and collaboration.

Perhaps my biggest takeaway as I reflect on an event with such a vast, global reach is Team Ohio’s collaborative approach of building on a rich legacy to create a future and ecosystem that creates growth and success for aerospace, space, aviation, and AAM companies.

Click here to learn more about opportunities for success in Ohio in the aerospace and aviation industry.