LETTER FROM THE GOVERNOR
Our world experienced a year like no other in 2020 , affecting every country , industry , company and person . We recognize the impact this has had on Washingtonians and Washington companies , and our state employees have worked diligently to deliver support and resources to partners across the state , including access to business relief grants and loans , rental assistance and energy assistance to aid in the recovery process .
Aviation was hit hard by the pandemic , disrupting air travel , aircraft manufacturing and jet fuel refineries . And , while it is not anticipated that global passenger traffic will return to pre-COVID-19 levels until 2024 , there are currently some glimmers of hope in domestic travel patterns around the world . We believe that COVID containment and the development of a vaccine will be critical to the health of the aviation industry , and are working closely with our federal and state legislative delegations to address these and other economic development challenges .
While 2020 was extremely challenging and we will be living with repercussions for a long time to come , there remains much to be optimistic about for the future . The recent certification from the FAA for the return to service of the Boeing 737 MAX was met with great enthusiasm . The FAA must still approve the pilot training program revisions for each airline , and every grounded aircraft will be required to take maintenance steps in preparation for near-future flight .
In the space sector , Blue Origin celebrated their new Kent headquarters opening earlier this year . At 232,000 square feet , the new facility will accommodate more than half of Blue Origin ’ s existing workforce . Located across the street from the original headquarters and the New Shepard suborbital spacecraft factory , the new O ’ Neill Building was constructed in less than 12 months . It is named in honor of a Princeton physicist who spoke of a vision of giant space colonies , with people living and working in space someday .
With that lofty thought , we still have much to do in our own communities . It is difficult to believe that many small and rural communities in Washington still do not have access to high-speed internet . Our state ’ s Broadband Office at the Department of Commerce and SpaceX Starlink have partnered to provide broadband to several rural and underserved communities across the state . Built in Washington , 600 spacecraft from SpaceX are now operating in low Earth orbit ( LEO ) providing access to broadband internet to these communities . This was critical for the Hoh Tribe , located on the Olympic Peninsula , to gain access to online schooling , tele-health , and remote work . Washington ’ s Emergency Management Division also tapped into satellite access during the recent fire season .
Unmanned Aircraft Systems ( UAS ), also known as drones , encompass another subsector of aviation that continues to grow in our state . Departments across the state , including Commerce , WSDOT Aviation , Emergency Management , Agriculture and others are partnering with industry and education to support expansion of these systems . The technology is changing quickly , and we need to be prepared to support existing and new companies with training , test sites and coordination across the ecosystem to retain this important technology growth opportunity in Washington .
While our flight plan may have changed over the past 12 months , we are confident that our route to the next pinnacle of aerospace success is grounded in reality . Anchored in strong partnerships and collaboration across the industry , and with the finest , most experienced workforce in the world , Washington aerospace is ready for takeoff .
I look forward to what we will do together . Very sincerely yours ,
Gov . Jay Inslee
68 NORTHWEST AEROSPACE NEWS
PNAA ADVANCE / 2021