LETTER FROM THE GOVERNOR
It is my pleasure to welcome you , on behalf of the state of Washington , to the Pacific Northwest Aerospace Alliance ’ s ( PNAA ) 2024 Annual Aerospace Conference .
The theme of this year ’ s conference is “ Beyond Limits : Envisioning Tomorrow ’ s Aerospace Supply Chain ,” and there is no better place to do so than Washington state . Over 1500 companies located across our state comprise Washington ’ s aerospace supply chain and provide well-paying jobs to communities . From designing and assembling the tiniest electronic components that support take-off , flight , and landing , to manufacturing significant aluminum plates and sheets that are major components of aircraft , and spacecraft and uncrewed systems , the leading edge of aerospace is found right here .
As the center of aviation since the early 20th century , we have never stopped raising our level of ambition . One of the most exciting developments since the last PNAA conference is our state ’ s leadership in sustainable aviation , especially Sustainable Aviation Fuel ( SAF ). Washington state now boasts the nation ’ s first state-level tax incentive program for the manufacture and use of SAF . I am also proud that we have funded a world-leading Sustainable Aviation Fuels Research and Development Center which will be located at Snohomish County ’ s Paine Field . In the months since these laws passed , Washington has been chosen as the home for multiple SAF manufacturers , including SkyNRG Pacific Northwest , Twelve in Moses Lake , and others .
Another important development is the selection of Washington state for a federal Hydrogen Hub worth up to $ 1 billion in investment . The Pacific Northwest Hydrogen Association ( PNWH2 ) coalition of Washington , Oregon , and Montana , as well as representatives from Tribal Nations , labor , business and industry , higher education , government , and the environmental community , is working together to develop and bring to market clean hydrogen power solutions to help meet our clean industry goals . Hydrogen is an important part of our aerospace future , from groundside infrastructure to powering the next generation of flight through companies like ZeroAvia , which is expanding its manufacturing footprint here in Washington state . This award of the PNWH2 is just the most recent recognition of our unending commitment to innovation .
Our leadership is due not only to our companies but also to our workforce and the incredibly well-respected educational and training institutions that support it . Washington is home to more than 100 educational programs that support aviation and aerospace ; including programs in science , technology , engineering and math , to flight training and maintenance , and air traffic control . We are so proud of those who will design , build , and fly the next generation of aviation .
Enjoy your time at PNAA ’ s 2024 annual conference . Thank you for supporting Washington state and the future of aviation . Best wishes for a successful event .
Very truly yours ,
Jay Inslee Governor
60 NORTHWEST AEROSPACE NEWS
PNAA ADVANCE / 2024