Governor Josh Stein and North Carolina Department of Commerce Secretary Lee Lilley recently attended the 55th edition of the Paris Air Show to promote North Carolina’s aerospace sector. The event served as a platform for strengthening ties with international companies and exploring business opportunities.
“North Carolina is first in flight, and we are the future of flight,” stated Governor Stein. He emphasized the state’s position as a hub for aerospace innovation, highlighting its potential for expanding relationships with global companies, particularly those in France.
Commerce Secretary Lee Lilley remarked on the attractiveness of North Carolina’s economic infrastructure, stating, “The Paris Air Show has opened potential avenues for new companies to plant their roots in North Carolina.” The event featured 2,500 exhibitors from 48 countries and attracted around 300,000 visitors.
North Carolina hosts approximately 400 aerospace companies generating $88 billion annually. Airbus, among these companies, employs over 500 workers at its Kinston facility. Recently, Governor Stein announced JetZero’s plan to establish a manufacturing hub at Piedmont Triad International Airport (PTI), creating more than $4.7 billion in investments and 14,000 jobs.
Other aerospace firms like Boom and HondaJet are also establishing operations at PTI. To support this growth, Guilford Technical Community College is setting up a $35 million aviation training facility slated to break ground this summer.
In recent years, French businesses have shown significant interest in North Carolina. Over the past decade, 113 French projects have led to $439 million in investments and created 1,200 jobs in the state. More than 100 French companies currently operate there, employing about 20,000 residents.
