Aerospace
$71B
Industry
#1
In U.S. labor productivity
#1
In U.S. aerospace sales, exports and profits
#1
Aerospace supply chain in the U.S.
#1
Aerospace global cluster
Choose Washington for innovation and collaboration
The hallmark of our manufacturers and suppliers is their ingenuity, and over the past century, it created one of the most dynamic, trade-driven economies in the world. The Boeing Company adapted to aircraft production by transferring boat building techniques, such as wooden-frame construction, steam-bending, waterproofing, jig assembly and hull-design into early airplane design—effectively turning shipwright craftsmanship into aeronautical engineering.
Today, our industry designs and builds some of the world’s most advanced commercial and military aircraft, uncrewed aerial systems (UAS) and space exploration vehicles. Our aerospace industry benefits from a dense ecosystem of innovation and collaboration that dominates global markets. Wwe look forward to building the future of flight with you and your business.
Aerospace has made Washington state one of the most dynamic, trade-driven economies in the United States. From sustainable aviation to new materials like thermoplastic composites and innovations that will define the future of the aerospace industry, the future is now in Washington state. Our supply chain represents more than 1,500 innovative and visionary companies who ushered in the age of global air travel, launched spacecraft and revolutionized global communications. Our industry looks forward to building the future of flight with your business.
Contact us
Want to begin or grow exports?
Contact Joanna Boatwright
Aerospace International Trade Specialist
Want to connect with industry partners?
Contact Shannon Matson
Mobility Economy Lead
Want to grow or locate your biz in Washington state?
Contact Shannon McCarty
Aerospace Business Development Manager
Industry snapshot
- Aerospace is a $71 billion industry in Washington state
- More than 1,500 aerospace suppliers — Companies can source, manufacture, test, certify, deliver and modify products without
leaving the state - The state’s aerospace industry specializes in aerostructures, composites, advanced materials, aircraft interiors, engineering and tooling, avionics, information and communication technologies, R&D, uncrewed and autonomous systems, next-generation air mobility, and space
- The state has produced more than 33,000 commercial and military aircraft over the last century
- Every Boeing model that begins and ends with a ‘7’ has been built in Washington
- The state is the sole producer of the 737, 767 and 777, as well as military platforms K-46 Pegasus (based on the 767), P-8 Poseidon (based on the 737) and Air Force One, a 747 derivative
Six reasons to Choose Washington state for aerospace
Collaborative industry ecosystems
Today, aerospace is powered by technology. What made that possible were the people across Washington industries reaching out to one another, imagining what could be done together to benefit the future of flight.
Advanced air mobility
We are building the ecosystem that enables the next generation of flight. From advanced composites in Spokane, to hydrogen flight testing in Moses Lake and world-class aircraft manufacturing in Puget Sound, we offer one of the most complete advanced air mobility ecosystems in North America.
Talented network of innovators
Washington state builds the next big thing by designing more efficient aircraft, developing interorbital spacecraft and launch systems with advanced materials that reduce weight and improve performance. Across the ecosystem, we collaborate to accelerate research and commercialization.
Leader in sustainability
We are home to three nationally recognized hubs for sustainable aviation fuels, hydrogen and advanced composite materials. Washington is innovating aerospace operations that minimize environmental impact while maintaining safety, performance and economic viability. We don’t have to choose between good jobs and a healthy climate.
Global gateway to the world
We are nearly equidistant between Europe and Asia, often connecting faster to and from Washington than other West Coast cities. Each year, the Northwest Seaport Alliance connects about 176 global trading partners, handling nearly $76 billion in waterborne trade. Seattle-Tacoma Airport offers direct flights to more than 35 international destinations.
Inspirational lifestyle
Mountains, water, forests and fun. Washington state is an amazing place to call home every season of the year. The spirit of the Northwest in our lively festivals, charming towns, diverse cultures and landscapes. It is no surprise that a half million businesses Choose Washington for their home base and choose to do business with Washington-based companies.
Opportunity
From tiny startups to world-famous brands, Washington has a long history of people building things that matter. Companies like Boeing, Microsoft and Amazon helped strengthen a culture of innovation that continues to create exceptional products and services that change the world.
Major aerospace ecosystem hubs
Working together across Washington
These communities, organizations and industry associations are highly regarded as collaborative aersopace industry ecosystems, not just a collection of advocacy groups, companies or research institutions. A collective emphasis on training and education ensures a steady stream of highly trained specialists in avionics, robotics, logistics, production, interiors and advanced materials. Research and development at the state’s major universities and the Pacific Northwest National Laboratory drive additional innovation and invention in the sector.
Sustainable Aviation Fuel Center at Paine Field in Everett
The Sustainable Aviation Fuels (SAF) Research & Development Center, led by Snohomish County and supported by Washington State University and the Cascadia Sustainable Aviation Accelerator (CSAA), is a first-of-its-kind global initiative focused on reducing the economy’s dependence on carbon-based fuels by accelerating SAF adoption.
Spokane: American Aerospace Materials Manufacturing Center Tech Hub (AAMMC)
The American Aerospace Materials Manufacturing Center (AAMMC) is a aerospace tech hub in the Spokane-Coeur d’Alene region. It is focused on transforming the future of aerospace by accelerating the adoption of advanced lightweight composite materials.
Moses Lake Flight Test and Air Mobility Center
Moses Lake serves as a premier, globally recognized West Coast destination for advanced aviation, electric propulsion and large-scale flight testing.The primary flight testing hub in Moses Lake is operated by the AeroTEC Flight Test Center located at the Port of Moses Lake, that operates the Grant County International Airport (KMWH).
Pacific Northwest Aerospace cluster (PNAA)
Pacific Northwest Aerospace Alliance is a non-profit organization made up of coalition of aerospace companies that serve North America’s largest commercial aerospace manufacturing cluster which centers round growing segments in the Pacific Northwest.
The Pacific Northwest Hydrogen Association (PNWH2)
The PNWH2 aims to create a hydrogen ecosystem across the Pacific Northwest, including the aerospace industry, that promotes job growth and improves lives throughout the region.
Puget Sound commercial aerospace
Fueled by Boeing’s commercial aircraft operations in Everett and Renton, the Puget Sound region brings together manufacturers, suppliers, engineers and a workforce with generations of aerospace expertise. This concentration of talent and production capabilities supports collaboration across the supply chain and provides companies access to the skills and infrastructure needed to design, build and support commercial aircraft.
Aerospace Trade Shows
Join the Washington state team as a co-exhibitor at international trade shows worldwide. Find out more by visiting our events and trade shows page.
Industry Associations
Workforce Training Resources
Choose Washington for business
Whether considering new aerospace industry partnerships or looking to expand or relocate your company, our team can help connect you to those who will help you learn more about the most sophisticated and advanced aerospace supply chain in the world.
Office Hours
M-F: 8am - 5pm
Address
2001 Sixth Ave., Suite 2600, Seattle, WA 98121
ChooseWashington@commerce.wa.gov
Phone
(206) 256-6100