2025 Paris Air Show: A Success for the Air Capital of the World

From billions of dollars in deals signed to a record-setting emphasis on defense technologies, the 2025 Paris Air Show proved to be a pivotal showcase for the future of global aerospace, innovation and collaboration.

The Partnership led the largest Kansas delegation to date to the show, amplifying the voice of the Air Capital of the World on the international stage.

Joined by elected officials, industry leaders, and representatives from higher education, the team reinforced why the Wichita region remains a global leader in aerospace manufacturing and innovation.

“The Paris Air Show offered the world a closer look at the unmatched capabilities of the Wichita region,” said Jeff Fluhr, president of the Partnership. “With more than 450 world-class suppliers across the state and a robust talent pipeline fueled by industry-aligned training and research institutions, Wichita is driving the future of aerospace, space and defense.”

Celebrating Legacy and Momentum: Air Capital of the World Reception

The Partnership kicked off the 55^th Paris Air Show with the Air Capital of the World Reception, a celebration of the region’s rich aerospace history and its growing impact on the global aerospace economy.

The event brought together a record number of partners and more than 520 attendees, 85% of whom were C-suite executives. There was representation by 193 unique organizations, with the five most represented sectors including government, aerospace and aviation, defense and military, technology and engineering, and consulting and public affairs.

More than 70 high-ranking government officials, including federal cabinet members, U.S. Senators, and U.S. Representatives, were also in attendance, as were international and commercial stakeholders.

The energy and connections sparked at the reception set the tone for a successful and high-impact week.

Elevating Wichita’s Global Presence

As one of 2,400 exhibitors from 48 countries, the Partnership, alongside local, regional and state partners, engaged in strategic, high-level meetings throughout the week.

These conversations strengthened relationships with key domestic and international companies and generated new leads for investment, business attraction and supply chain expansion.

With the Wichita region’s deep bench of talent, certified sites, and the nation’s most complete aerospace ecosystem, the region is exceptionally well-positioned to capture additional growth, especially in the rapidly evolving defense sector.

Announcements: Partnership and Relocation

Several announcements were also made at the Air Capital of the World booth and chalet, all of which will bring additional investment to the region.

• Knowmadics announced the relocation of its corporate headquarters from Northern Virginia to Wichita.
• Hexcel + NIAR unveiled a partnership to accelerate aerospace and defense composite development.
• Fiber Dynamics + FILL announced a collaboration to expand advanced composite manufacturing capabilities in the U.S.
• Ad Astra Sky Supply + NIAR formed a strategic partnership to deliver a domestic supply chain of digital engineering, advanced manufacturing and testing and certification capabilities to serve the Department of Defense.