Choose Washington ... for innovation and collaboration
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
Washington state is at the forefront of aerospace innovation. 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.
Choose Washington state for aerospace
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 you and 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
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.
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
- In a 2022 Aerospace Competitive Economics (ACES) Study, Washington ranked #1 in labor productivity, aerospace sales and exports, and aerospace engineers
- In the 2022 ACES Study, Washington ranked #1 in labor productivity, aerospace sales and exports, and aerospace engineers
Industry support
The industry is supported by innovative public-private partnerships, including the Pacific Northwest Aerospace Alliance’s Aerospace Cluster, the Center for Excellence for Aerospace & Advanced Manufacturing, Washington Aerospace Training & Research Center and the Joint Center for Aerospace Technology Innovation. An 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.
The American Aerospace Materials Manufacturing Center is a new federally-funded testbed for advancing high-rate manufacturing techniques for next-generation aerospace materials and parts. Located in Spokane, the center will ensure the U.S. and Washington State continue to lead the world in aerospace innovation.
Soar to new heights.
If you’re an aviation, aerospace, uncrewed systems or commercial space company that wants to soar to new heights, you’ll want to put Washington State on your radar. We have a talented team of business experts to help you maximize your potential in Washington, whether you’re looking to add more production capacity, invest in an established business, expand your company or find new partners in 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