Northwest Aerospace News February | March Issue No. 13 | Page 88

HARNESSING
OPPORTUNITY
IN AEROSPACE
BY ROBIN TOTH
Governor’s Sector Lead and Director of Aerospace / Washington State Office of Economic
Development and Competitiveness
2019 was definitely a year for
harnessing opportunity, whether
you are in aviation or other
complementary industries, such
as information systems and
clean technology. The success of
exciting new technologies, from
engineering to the manufacturing floor to the passenger
experience, showcases the nexus of these areas of
expertise here in Washington. Visiting with our statewide aerospace manufacturing
companies is a highlight of my work and that of our
entire Commerce team. Many of our manufacturers have
completed expansions to existing facilities, or constructed
new buildings, enabling them to take advantage of new
technologies and reinvent their production environment.
Repetitive tasks are being handled by robots and cobots,
allowing workers to harness their unique experience and
talent to move into new roles that challenge and provide
them with opportunities to grow their skill sets.
Aligning perfectly with our century-plus history of aviation
innovation was the inaugural flight of the world’s first all-
electric commercial airplane, a Harbour Air plane powered
by a propulsion system built in Washington by magniX.
Those who couldn’t attend the flight on the Fraser River
in Vancouver, B.C. in person were treated to LinkedIn
video shot by our PNAA Board Chair, Nikki Malcom.
Congratulations to both the magniX and the Harbour Air
teams, and thanks for letting us come along for the ride! The implementation of Industry 4.0 allows manufacturers
to leverage sensors, big data, cloud computing, AI and
machine learning to develop new solutions and business
capabilities which will enhance the customer-manufacturer
relationship, and drive productivity improvements.
An Electric Aircraft Working Group, led by Washington
State Department of Transportation (WSDOT) Aviation,
produced a report in June 2019 that identified how
electric aircraft could have a significant multiplier effect in
Washington by enhancing regional air travel and reducing
aircraft emissions. There will be challenges in developing,
certifying and manufacturing electric aircraft and in the
infrastructure required to charge the batteries, but these
will be overshadowed by the opportunities to connect
airports and passengers in rural regions and to reduce
carbon emissions. WSDOT will be hiring a consultant
to study electric aircraft technology, assess airport
infrastructure needs and forecast demand for electric air
service in Washington, with completion anticipated by the
end of summer 2020.
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NORTHWEST AEROSPACE NEWS
Finally, the passenger experience is evolving in ways
that present additional opportunities for Washington
companies. Travelers, especially those 35 and younger, are
accustomed to being online 24/7, and their expectation
is to have this connectivity when they are in flight.
Airlines are compelled to integrate new information and
communication technology solutions that are accessible
in the air, as well as on the ground. Passengers are now
favoring those airlines that provide a fully connected
experience, including Wi-Fi and streaming content on
their own devices. This is a critical change for the airline
industry and for manufacturers of passenger seating and
other cabin and ground facilities features.
Washington is one of the few states with the knowledge
and expertise in all of these connected industries, and
the power to make innovation happen. I look forward
to seeing what new opportunities lay ahead, here in the
world’s best aerospace hub!
PNAA ADVANCE / 2020