Governor Inslee’s top priority is to create an economic climate where innovation and entrepreneurship can continue to thrive and create well-paying jobs in every corner of our state.
Washington’s aerospace industry fuels jobs for thousands of families and travel for billions of passengers each year. In addition to the world headquarters for Boeing Commercial Airplanes, Washington is home to 1,400 aerospace-related business establishments that design and manufacture products ranging from seats and fasteners to in-flight entertainment systems. There is at least one aerospace-related company in 35 of Washington’s 39 counties.
Our public research institutions and private firms are also leading the world in the advancement of new technologies, as well, including advanced materials, unmanned aerial vehicles (UAVs), aviation biofuels and space exploration.
How we define Washington's Aerospace Sector
- Commercial/Military Airplanes and Rotorcraft
- Unmanned Aerial
- Vehicles/Systems
- Space Exploration
- Maintenance, Repair & Overhaul (MRO)
- Aviation Biofuel
- Air Travel and Cargo
Impacts of the industry in Washington
- The aerospace industry generated $69.9 billion in economic activity throughout the state of Washington.
- Since 2004, the industry has supported $4 billion in state revenues.
- The aerospace industry* provided 136,100 jobs at 1,400 establishments across the state.
- 59.8% of Washington’s foreign exports come from aerospace companies.
- Wages for the industry* as a whole totaled $10.1 billion.
Download the 2016 Washington State Aerospace Economic Impacts Update (pdf)
What's next for Washington's Aerospace sector?
Top 3 areas of focus:
- Work with The Boeing Company and its supply chain to ensure a smooth roll-out and ramp up of the 737 MAX and 777X.
- Capitalize on the decision to build the 777X and its carbon fiber wing in Washington by helping local companies expand and attract new companies to the state.
- Diversify the industry by supporting emergent sub-sectors of the industry, including UAV/UAS, space exploration, MRO and aviation biofuel.
Are you interested in business opportunities in the Aerospace sector? Visit ChooseWashington.com to learn more.
Key Sectors
Sector Strategy
Communication and Coordination
Located in the Office of Economic Development and Competitiveness, the Aerospace Sector Lead is charged with implementing these initiatives and coordinating a “support chain” to grow our aerospace industry. It develops, maintains and coordinates the execution of the Washington State Aerospace Strategy with the help of the following entities:
- Washington Aerospace & Advanced Materials Manufacturing Workforce Pipeline Committee
- Joint Center for Aerospace Technology Innovation
- Washington Aerospace Partnership
The Office of Aerospace is a public/private partnership funded in part by the Washington Aerospace Partnership.
Need help?
Isabelle DeWulf
Aerospace Business Manager
isabelle.dewulf@commerce.wa.gov
Phone: 206-256-6143