Scaling a Resilient Supply Chain — A Recap of PNAA Advance 2025
The aerospace industry is at a critical inflection point, where collaboration is essential to overcoming supply chain constraints and ensuring long-term success. This year’s PNAA ADVANCE Conference, themed “Rising Together – Scaling a Resilient Supply Chain,” reflected that urgency and brought together nearly 500 attendees from 300 companies and eight countries to discuss the future of aerospace.
Optimism for the Future
The overarching sentiment of the conference was one of cautious optimism. Despite ongoing challenges, there is growing confidence in the long-term health of the industry. Industry leaders, suppliers, and OEMs shared insights into how companies can scale effectively and strengthen the supply base to meet rising demand.
Key Discussions and Expert Insights
The conference featured an impressive lineup of speakers who tackled some of the most pressing issues facing aerospace today.
- Richard Aboulafia shared an optimistic outlook on the future of aircraft, highlighting market trends that signal sustained growth.
- Kevin Michaels provided an in-depth analysis of supply chain challenges, particularly in production and MRO, emphasizing strategies to increase capacity.
- Ron Epstein and several other speakers addressed tariffs, warning that if implemented, they could have a significant impact on global aerospace trade and profitability.
Beyond these keynotes, discussions centered on actionable ways to navigate supply chain disruptions, develop long-term partnerships, and integrate new technologies to enhance operational efficiency.
International Collaboration and Business Development
A highlight this year was the International Business Development Day, which connected global attendees with OEMs in the Pacific Northwest. This initiative reinforced PNAA’s commitment to fostering cross-border partnerships, aligning with our role on the Global Aerospace Cluster Partnership. By facilitating engagement with major players like Boeing, Airbus, Embraer, and Lockheed Martin, international companies gained valuable opportunities to strengthen their presence in the region.
Technology and AI: A Game Changer for Capacity
Multiple discussions centered on technology and AI, which were positioned as key tools for addressing supply chain constraints. Rather than focusing solely on futuristic applications, the conversation provided practical, actionable strategies for aerospace companies to implement AI today to improve efficiency, forecast demand, and streamline operations.
Lean Manufacturing Workshops and B2B Connections
Our partners at Impact Washington, the local NIST MEP, provided hands-on learning through lean manufacturing workshops, equipping attendees with techniques to reduce waste, improve efficiency, and scale operations.
In addition, structured B2B meetings facilitated valuable connections, reinforcing the strong sense of community that PNAA ADVANCE is known for. Attendees met with multiple companies including Boeing, Airbus, Embraer, Lockheed, MagniX, ZeroAvia and more, giving them the opportunity to connect across multiple sectors of the industry and providing them with a chance to further diversify their customer base.
Commitment to Community
At PNAA we know that workforce continues to be a challenge for many companies, so by enabling multiple students and workforce training companies to attend the conference, we can deepen those connections and make meaningful improvements towards the goal of increasing the workforce pipeline.
An Electrifying Atmosphere
More than anything, the energy at this year’s conference was electric. Attendees frequently commented on the high level of networking opportunities and the strong sense of community. The aerospace industry is often built on relationships, and PNAA ADVANCE continues to be a premier event for fostering meaningful connections between suppliers, OEMs, and emerging innovators.
Looking Ahead
While it’s difficult to predict the full impact of this year’s conference, one thing is clear: the discussions, insights, and collaborations forged here will shape the industry’s path forward. From tackling supply chain constraints to embracing new technologies and fostering global partnerships, PNAA ADVANCE 2025 provided the momentum needed to rise together toward a stronger, more resilient aerospace future.
Next year will be a historic moment for PNAA as we celebrate the 25th anniversary of PNAA ADVANCE. For a quarter of a century, this conference has brought together aerospace leaders, suppliers, innovators, and visionaries to strengthen the Pacific Northwest’s position as a global aerospace hub. What started as a regional gathering has evolved into an internationally recognized event that fosters critical industry connections, drives meaningful discussions, and propels businesses toward long-term success.
This milestone is more than just a celebration — it’s a testament to the resilience and adaptability of the aerospace industry. Over the past 25 years, we have witnessed major industry transformations, navigated economic shifts, and embraced new technologies that have reshaped how we manufacture, innovate, and collaborate. PNAA ADVANCE has been there every step of the way, providing a platform for industry professionals to share knowledge, develop solutions, and forge strategic partnerships that strengthen the entire supply chain.
As we look toward PNAA ADVANCE 2026, our focus remains on delivering an event that not only honors our past but also sets the stage for the future of aerospace. We are committed to making next year’s conference our most impactful yet — bringing in top-tier speakers, curating insightful discussions, and expanding opportunities for business development. We will continue to support our members and partners as they navigate the next era of aerospace, ensuring that the Pacific Northwest remains a thriving center for innovation and supply chain excellence.
We invite you to be a part of this historic event. Mark your calendars for February 9-11th, 2026; bring your teams and join us as we celebrate 25 years of aerospace collaboration, resilience, and growth. The best is yet to come!
