Partnership Hosts Record Number of Meetings at Farnborough International Airshow

The Partnership successfully showcased the Air Capital of the World as a global leader in aviation, space and defense at the Farnborough International Airshow from July 22 to July 26.

The world’s leading airshow witnessed 1,262 exhibitors from 44 countries, 250 civil, military and space delegations as well as nearly 75,000 visitors from 102 countries.

“The Farnborough International Airshow was nothing short of remarkable,” said Partnership President Jeff Fluhr. “The Partnership team had the incredible opportunity to promote the Air Capital of the World’s aviation expertise, innovation and incredible assets such as the educational pathways, highly skilled workforce and robust talent pipelines on the global stage.”

The Partnership led the largest Kansas delegation to the airshow including several federal, state and local elected officials and approximately 50 civic and aerospace leaders. During the four-day event, the team hosted nearly 100 meetings, a record number, inside the Kansas Air Capital exhibition booth and the Air Capital chalet.

“The Partnership alongside our ten kiosk partners and the State of Kansas had the privilege to engage with clients, new businesses and a wide range of industry leaders at the airshow,” explained Partnership Executive Vice President of Economic Development Andrew Nave. “This was by far the most successful international airshow to date and the team is looking forward to the new business opportunities ahead.”

The 2024 event was highlighted by the Air Capital of the World reception featuring honorary guest U.S. Senator Jerry Moran. More than 460 exclusive partners, dignitaries and special guests from around the globe attended the reception, which has become one of the week’s largest and most prominent events.  

Additionally, Wichita-based companies witnessed tremendous success. Harlow Aerostructures LLC signed two design contracts with Turkish Aerospace inside the Partnership chalet on July 23.

“These two long-term contracts are producing jobs in the Wichita region and generating crucial new revenue streams for our company,” said Harlow Aerostructures LLC Chief Operating Officer Jim Barnes.

Representatives from weavix, a technology firm specializing in frontline communication and efficiency solutions, attended the airshow for the first time. Their attendance served as a new, global opportunity to showcase how the weavix platform and walt® Smart Radio are transforming frontline communication.

Many other local and regional businesses attended the air show alongside the Partnership.

Kiosk partners:

• ASC
• Etezazi Industries
• Fiber Dynamics
• Globe Engineering
• Harlow Aerostructures
• Metal Finishing Company
• Mid Continent Instruments and Avionics
• NWI Aerostructures
• Park Aerospace
• Pinnacle Aerospace

Chalet partners:

• The Partnership
• Wichita State University including NIAR and WSU Tech 
• NWI Aerostructures
• Mid-State Aerospace, Inc.

Other Wichita companies in attendance:

• Bodycote
• Bombardier
• Cadence Aerospace
• DO Engineering
• HM Dunn
• Valence Surface Technologies

Delegation:

• U.S. Senator Jerry Moran
• Kansas Governor Laura Kelly
• Sedgwick County Commissioner Pete Meitzner
• City of Wichita Mayor Lily Wu
• City of Wichita Deputy City Manager Troy Anderson
• Wichita State University President Dr. Rick Muma
• NIAR Executive Director Dr. John Tomblin Ph.D.
• WSU Tech President Dr. Sheree Utash
• Wichita State University Executive Director of Operations Andy Schlapp