LETTER FROM THE GOVERNOR
Greetings ,
It is my distinct pleasure to welcome you to the Pacific Northwest Aerospace Alliance ’ s ( PNAA ) 2022 Annual Aerospace Conference , " Back to the Skies ."
Few would debate that the pandemic significantly impacted the aerospace industry , from supply chain disruptions to decreases in international travel . It has been tough on small businesses that have grappled with canceled orders , worker shortages and the rising cost of materials .
Washington ’ s aerospace sector has been fortunate . Thanks to a diversified por�olio that balances our history of producing the world ’ s most innovative aircraft with explorations of new technologies and concepts , the industry continues to show strength and promise .
As we focus on the recovery of our nation ’ s aerospace supply chain , Washington will continue to lead the way . Innovative companies are exploring advances in electric propulsion and battery-powered aircraft , autonomous air mobility systems , unmanned aerial systems to monitor crops and forests , and commercial space exploration . We are excited about the future of flight .
Washington aerospace companies benefit from proximity to global leaders in information and communication technology , clean energy , and advanced materials . These relationships lead to advances in artificial intelligence , blockchain , robotics , virtual and augmented reality , battery storage , and alternative fuels to power a new generation of travel through the skies .
More than a thousand companies , large and small , make up Washington ’ s supply chain . They provide every major aircraft manufacturer and airline in the world with structures , parts , systems , avionics , and communications . These manufacturers are joined by a rapidly-growing network of businesses dedicated to the commercial space cluster , working on satellites , logistics , launch systems , rockets , and new propulsion methods .
In aviation , we are seeing rapid growth of new aircraft with electric motors to power next-generation flight , reducing our carbon footprint and ushering in a new age of short- and medium-range transportation . Air mobility is gaining new ground , from logistics and emergency response networks to autonomous craft that use digital highways to create new transportation opportunities .
Even as the world continues to change , we can leverage our culture of innovation and invention to create new pathways to the future . We are also making significant progress toward a carbon-neutral energy por�olio , prioritizing opportunities for businesses that want to change the trajectory of climate change .
Working closely with organizations such as PNAA , I am confident that we can look forward to another century of leadership in the aerospace sector . I hope you enjoy the return to face-to-face networking and forge new relationships at this year ’ s conference .
Thank you for attending !
Jay Inslee Governor
68 NORTHWEST AEROSPACE NEWS
PNAA ADVANCE / 2022