Washington State: Home of “The Next Big Thing”
By Joanna Boatwright — International Trade Specialist, WA State Dept of Commerce
Washington aviation and space exploration is a $71 billion industry, reflecting a steady rollout of innovation brought to market over the past century. From the day Bill Boeing first began seaplane production in a hanger on the Duwamish River to today, it’s simply a remarkable transformation.
Washington is proud of that legacy. Our legendary businesses carved a rightful place in history due to creativity, tenacity, vision and competitive spirit. Entrepreneurs and innovators want more than to just stay competitive — they want to transform aviation, aerospace and space exploration.
Commercial satellite constellations, to electric and hybrid aircraft propulsion systems are the “Next Big Thing” in Washington’s aviation enterprise. Innovation is a part of our DNA and nowhere is that more apparent than in aerospace. With that in mind, the Washington State Department of Commerce is focused on three key areas to support this ecosystem and develop what’s next for the Pacific Northwest aerospace cluster:
Global connectivity to strengthen supply-chain resilience:
Washington is deeply connected to global markets through exports, imports and international partnerships. Specifically, corridor manufacturers along I-90 are innovators and industry experts critical to the strength of the Pacific Northwest aerospace ecosystem. This aerospace supply chain is among the most collaborative, progressive and integrated consortium of aerospace manufacturers in the country.
We know this was developed through decades of engaging with global partners, like you. Our continued innovation and collaboration will be essential to building the future together.
International trade policies can shift rapidly, creating both challenges and opportunities for Washington businesses. Our goal is to help local companies be competitive domestically and globally. Across the state, industry is coming together to reinforce Washington’s supply chain and help find relevant state and federal resources that can assist businesses as they grow their operations.
Supporting today’s workforce while preparing for tomorrow:
Washington’s aerospace industry is supported by a system that closely links employers and employees with education and training that meets industry needs. Apprenticeships, technical programs, and universities help prepare workers for careers in advanced manufacturing, engineering, and aerospace technology. Companies and educators work together to ensure a steady supply of highly skilled workers who can step right into jobs, today.
Our state’s research institutions, such as the University of Washington and Washington State University, offer globally recognized research and educate the next generation of aeronautical engineers and fuel scientists. Their industry partnerships also help ensure skills development aligned with real production needs. This work has paid off. Around 90% of state residents are high school graduates, nearly 40% have a bachelor’s degree or higher, and three-fourths of the students at the state’s largest university stay in Washington after they graduate. Even more impressive, the state is a major draw for top-tier talent from all over the country and abroad.
We know our strengths are more than just what we can do at work: where we live matters. Commerce is supporting essential community infrastructure, like transportation and child care, helping to make our quality of life among the best in the nation.
Sustainability is the future of aviation, right now:
Washington is leading the nation to sustainable aviation fuel (SAF) through efforts like the Cascadia Sustainable Aviation Accelerator, which unites large and small industry, airlines, airports, and government to speed adoption and scale across the Pacific Northwest. These partnerships are focused on turning innovation into production and building a supply chain that can support industry demand over the long term.
This work is already moving from planning into implementation. The state invested $10 million to establish a Sustainable Aviation Fuel Research Center at Paine Field in Everett to provide research and testing infrastructure. We have two SAF production facilities moving forward in Walla Walla and Moses Lake.
Sustainable aviation fuels are central to the evolving global aerospace industry. The commitment to advance sustainable fuel technology reflects Washington’s philosophy that we don’t need to choose between industry, good jobs and a healthy climate: all three can and do go together.
“The Next Big Thing”:
Washington State is full of people who look up at the sky with wonder … and are doing something about that curiosity. Companies across the state – and particularly along the I-90 corridor – are designing and building advanced commercial and military aircraft, uncrewed aerial systems (UAS) and space exploration vehicles.
The region’s aviation, aerospace and space industries benefit from a dense ecosystem of innovation and collaboration. Manufacturers, suppliers, research institutions and entrepreneurs work closely together to create an environment where ideas move quickly from concept to production. This concentration of capability continues to help the region compete in global aerospace markets.
Washington is home to companies and technologies shaping the future of flight, from electric and hybrid propulsion systems to sustainable aviation fuels, advanced composites, commercial space platforms, digital manufacturing and more. What makes this ecosystem distinctive is the scale of industry and the willingness of partners to work together to solve complex challenges and pursue new opportunities.
The Commerce team hopes our work in these key areas sparks inspiration, strengthens collaboration and helps build “The Next Big Thing” for you and your company.
Want to know more? For a deeper dive and to connect with us, visit ChooseWashingtonState.com
