By Staff
Continuing to build on Alabama's growing aerospace presence, Senator Richard Shelby, Congressman Bud Cramer, and I - as well as Mobile Mayor Sam Jones, State House Speaker Seth Hammett, and other local elected officials traveled to the Farnborough International Air Show in London for a trans-Atlantic economic development mission last week.
Governor Bob Riley joined the trip mid-week after staying back for the decision from Volkswagen.
As you know, Alabama's newest corporate partners, including Airbus, EADS and its partnerships with Northrop Grumman are helping to make the Southeast a growing center of American aerospace excellence.
The economic impact of these projects goes far beyond Alabama's borders, and our recruitment efforts have grown to reflect that regional influence.
While in London, we had the opportunity to meet with key players in the aerospace and defense industries as well as with approximately 30 supplier companies looking for opportunities to locate near the site where the new Air Force tankers will be assembled.
Many of our European allies expressed concerns over the xenophobic rhetoric that has encircled the tanker competition since the Air Force first awarded Northrop Grumman the new tanker contract back in February.
This protectionist campaign being waged by Boeing and its supporters in Congress is sending a dangerous message to our most trusted allies