News

Aerospace continues to be of key importance to Washington; thousands of jobs projected to open

A new analysis of the aerospace industry and its Washington workforce details the degree to which the industry continues to be a leading source of employment and statewide economic growth.

This report updates several key previous numbers, including direct jobs (83,400), total jobs (224,000), total revenue ($94.4 billion) and the percent of the state’s economy that comes from aerospace (10 percent).

This report also provides a deep exploration of aerospace employment, with a data snapshot that provides counts for people who are in aerospace-only jobs and those who are employed by aerospace firms but in jobs that are also found in other industries.

This deep analysis also projects the employment needs into the future. the “Washington Aerospace Workforce Supply and Demand Dashboard” identifies the current and future demand for dozens of essential occupations. The industry will need a pipeline of workers with all levels of preparation, from on-the-job training to advanced degrees.

Local and regional impacts are also studied in this report. For each of four major regions of Western Washington, the study’s authors look at how aerospace workers drive local economies: how much aerospace contributes to restaurant and car sales, for example.

2019 Aerospace in Washington: Economic Impact and Workforce Analysis

Aerospace Economic Impact 2019 Infographic

Boeing, lobby group team up to defend $8.7 billion in state tax breaks

The new group, Aerospace Works for Washington, will be a “megaphone” to warn that jobs are at risk, said Maud Daudon, chief executive of the Seattle Metropolitan Chamber of Commerce, which is leading the effort.

Reuters, January 10, 2017

New coalition urges state to keep aerospace industry strong, honor its commitment

Elected, business, and community leaders from across Washington state today announced the formation of a new coalition, Aerospace Works for Washington (AWW), to keep the state a global leader in aerospace.

Press Release, January 10, 2017

Study: Washington’s aerospace employment is holding steady

Washington’s aerospace industry continues to bring in more money to the state while its employment holds steady, according to a state-commissioned study released Thursday.

The Everett Herald, October 6, 2016

Report on aerospace industry shows climbing wages, job numbers since state tax breaks

Aerospace and related jobs continue to grow in Washington and Pierce County, a newly released report shows. The Washington Aerospace Partnership released the report Thursday, which shows climbing wages and a growing industry across the state.

The News Tribune, October 6, 2016

Spike Aerospace eyes four Washington state sites for supersonic jet project

The supersonic jet developer is considering four sites in Washington state for its eventual aircraft manufacturing facility.

Puget Sound Business Journal, October 6, 2016

Aerospace employment here steady overall, study concludes

At the governor’s annual aerospace summit Thursday, the latest data on Washington state’s aerospace industry was released, showing a total economic impact last year of $94.7 billion supporting more than a quarter million jobs.

The Seattle Times, October 6, 2016

Can Boeing compete with the Airbus A321neo? And does it want to?

Boeing has a problem with its airplane product lineup, and its name is the Airbus A321neo. Airlines around the world are rushing to order the A321neo, which has posted more than 1,200 orders so far. And that leaves Boeing with a question: Does it need a new plane?

KUOW, September 8, 2016

Boeing’s 100th anniversary is a big story made possible by small businesses

The 100th anniversary of Boeing is more than just a chance to reflect on the company itself. It’s also a chance to recognize the hundreds — yes, hundreds — of Washington small businesses that contribute to Boeing’s success, a vast network of small and medium-size manufacturers located in every corner of the state.

The Wenatchee World, August 1, 2016

In good times and bad, Boeing’s force field has shaped region’s fortunes

Boeing’s Washington workforce is still larger than Microsoft’s and Amazon’s combined, and it occupies a unique role in the state’s economic history.

The Seattle Times, July 15, 2016

Boeing Advancing Toward Developing New Midsize Jetliner

After a year of meetings with potential customers, Boeing Co. is advancing toward developing an all-new jetliner with up to 270 seats that would target midrange flights of up to 10 hours.

The Wall Street Journal, July 1, 2016

State’s aerospace tax breaks went to nearly 290 companies, large and small

The lion’s share went to Boeing, but 286 others also got their state tax bills reduced in the past two years thanks to Washington’s special incentives for the industry.

The Seattle Times, June 9, 2016