A new alliance between four states — Florida, Alabama, Mississippi and Louisiana — has been formed to attract aviation and aerospace jobs to the region. The Aerospace Alliance establishes each state’s Gulf Coast region as part of a “world class aerospace and aviation corridor,” according to lawmakers.
“The formation of this alliance demonstrates a growing momentum that places the region and its assets center stage,” said Senator Bill Nelson (D-Fla.). “When the rest of the world has the opportunity to hear about our tradition of excellence in aerospace and aviation, we’ll attract even more quality jobs and opportunities.”
Added Senator George LeMieux (R-Fla.), “The aerospace industry is key to Florida’s long-term growth, and this alliance is an important step in moving Florida into a new, more prosperous future. As a state, we need to retool and invest in a new generation of industries that build on Florida’s highly educated and motivated workforce.”
The alliance includes business leaders, economic development professionals and government officials who will promote the four states’ traditions of excellence in the aerospace and aviation industry. The states are home to some of the world’s most advanced aerospace installations, a number of key NASA facilities and numerous military installations critical to the Department of Defense flight missions and training. Plus, the region offers easy access to all U.S. and global markets via air and deep water ports, officials noted.
The establishment of the four-state aerospace corridor was first conceived at the 2009 Paris Air Show, organizers note.
