This morning, Enterprise Florida, Inc. (EFI) opened the Florida Pavilion at the 2018 Farnborough International Airshow. The Florida Pavilion is again the largest exhibit of any U.S. state at the event, showcasing 12 Florida-based aviation and aerospace businesses and organizations. The Farnborough Airshow is one of the world’s largest industry events and will be open through July 22.
Every two years, the Farnborough Airshow provides Enterprise Florida and the businesses and organizations exhibiting in the Florida Pavilion with a unique opportunity to demonstrate their competitive advantages in the aviation and aerospace industry.
In addition to hosting the Florida Pavilion, EFI leadership will meet with more than 50 industry-leading companies to discuss what makes Florida the best business state in the nation.
“Events like the Farnborough Airshow allow us not only to help small and medium-sized Florida businesses expand their international footprint, but also to meet with leadership and decision-makers for some of the world’s leading aviation and aerospace companies,” said Joe York, vice-chair of Enterprise Florida’s Board of Directors. “The Florida Pavilion demonstrates the state’s leadership in the industry in a way no other state can match.”
Florida is home to more than 2,200 aerospace and aviation companies employing nearly 100,000 skilled workers. Florida is a major hub for flight training; a leader in maintenance repair and overhaul (MRO) operations; and home to leading manufacturers of all types of aircraft and components. Florida’s manufacturing sector has more than 20,290 companies that employ more than 354,000 Floridians.
Last year, leading Florida-origin exports reached $6.3 billion in civilian aircraft, engines and parts. Another $678 million in turbojets, turbo propellers and parts was exported to countries around the globe.
In total, 12 Florida companies and organizations are participating in the Florida Pavilion, including:
- Air Quality Aviation, Inc. – Miami Lakes
- Associated Aircraft Manufacturing & Sales, Inc. – Fort Lauderdale
- Bradenton Area Economic Development Corporation – Bradenton
- Charlotte County Economic Development Office – Port Charlotte
- Economic Development Commission of Florida’s Space Coast – Rockledge
- Embry-Riddle Aeronautical University – Daytona Beach
- Florida Power & Light Co. – Juno Beach
- ITI Engineering – Winter Springs
- Relli Technology, Inc. – Boca Raton
- Space Florida – Merritt Island
- STS Aviation Group – Jensen Beach
- Team Volusia Economic Development Corporation – Daytona Beach
“Space Florida is again pleased to join Enterprise Florida in representing the State of Florida at the Farnborough Air Show,” said Space Florida President Frank DiBello. “Such opportunities significantly help Space Florida and Enterprise Florida continue our path to make Florida the leading U.S. state in the global aerospace industry.”
Florida-based companies looking to expand internationally can take advantage of the comprehensive exporting assistance provided by Enterprise Florida and its economic development partners. EFI assists Florida small and medium-sized businesses expanding into the international marketplace by:
- Organizing and executing overseas trade missions and shows
- Providing access to financial assistance for export transactions
- Providing export counseling and advice
- Assisting with product and service marketing plans
- Providing website localization plans
- Publishing the Florida Export Guide and more
EFI maintains an extensive schedule of overseas trade missions and exhibitions worldwide. Last year, merchandise trade valued at $147.7 billion flowed through Florida’s ports with Florida-origin exports reaching $55 billion. Florida exported more goods than 190 countries in 2017, making the state one of the world’s leaders in international trade.
