Catalysts for Innovation and Sustainability
In a world where the aerospace industry is navigating rapid transformation, gatherings like the Seattle European-American Air Forum (SEAAF) play a pivotal role in fostering collaboration and innovation. Organized by the French-American Chamber of Commerce Pacific Northwest last September, the third edition of SEAAF brought together key stakeholders from Europe and the United States to discuss critical topics such as sustainability, digital transformation, workforce development, and supply chain stability.
Against the backdrop of the iconic Museum of Flight, discussions under Chatham House Rule encouraged candid exchanges, breaking down barriers and fostering mutual understanding between participants. Leaders from major organizations, including Safran, Boeing, Albany, Dassault Systèmes and WA State Department of Commerce, joined forces with innovators and policymakers to drive conversations that are essential to shaping the future of the industry.
Key Takeaways: Collaboration as the Engine of Progress
The forum’s panels underscored the shared goals and interdependence of European and American aerospace stakeholders. In one standout session on sustainable aviation, industry leaders from Boeing, Safran, Albany International and Raisbeck Engineering, highlighted groundbreaking efforts, such as Safran’s RISE program, which focuses on developing more fuel-efficient engines and advancing hybrid propulsion systems. These innovations exemplify how transatlantic collaboration can accelerate progress towards the global goal of net-zero emissions by 2050.
Similarly, discussions on digital transformation revealed how artificial intelligence and data-driven approaches are reshaping design, manufacturing and supply chain processes. With representatives from Boeing and emerging tech firms like Loopr AI, SkyThread.aero and Perellion, the panel demonstrated how leveraging AI in high-risk environments can enhance safety and efficiency, paving the way for the next generation of aerospace solutions.
Aerospace leaders from Boeing, Derichebourg SA, Rebirth Analytics, Alitheon and PNAA, also discussed around overcoming supply chain challenges, emphasizing quality, safety, and collaboration. Key topics included adapting to decentralized production, integrating automation and evolving OEM-supplier relationships to ensure stability and readiness for new programs in the 2030s.
Beyond Innovation: Addressing Workforce Challenges
Workforce development emerged as another crucial area of focus. With representatives from Dassault Systèmes, Aerospace Testing Engineering & Certification Inc., Aviation Technical Services, Apprenti and University of Washington’s Engineering Career Center, the panel on nurturing talent in the Pacific Northwest explored strategies to attract and retain the next generation of aerospace professionals. From robust apprenticeship programs to reskilling initiatives, the dialogue emphasized the need for a unified effort to address the skills gap — a challenge shared on both sides of the Atlantic.
Charting the Future of Space Exploration
The forum also spotlighted the burgeoning “New Space” economy on a discussion panel driven by Space Northwest, Dassault Systèmes, CORTAC Group and Engineering.com. With the Pacific Northwest emerging as a hub for space technology, international partnerships were hailed as essential for advancing satellite deployment, space exploration, and commercialization.
Looking Ahead: Paris Air Show 2025
As we approach the Paris Air Show, SEAAF 2024 serves as a reminder that the aerospace industry thrives on collaboration. Europe and the United States share a long history of partnership, and the challenges of today — climate change, technological disruption, and workforce evolution — demand even closer cooperation. Forums like SEAAF not only bridge continents but also unite visions, ensuring a more sustainable and innovative future for aerospace.
The transatlantic blueprint is clear: Together, we soar!
Sofia-Cristina Visan
Executive Director
+1 425 5247893
French-American Chamber of Commerce Seattle PNW
