ChooseWashington.com : Aerospace

Business Development
Joshua Hall
(206) 256-6118

Business Expansion
Sally Harris
(206) 276-0059

International Trade
Bill King
(206) 256-6128

International Trade
Troy DeFrank
(206) 256-6145

Aerospace

LABOR FORCE
82,000

REVENUES
$32B

COMPANIES
160

ENGINEERS
7,000

CLUSTER
650
# of Firms in Cluster

Washington is a global leader in aerospace R&D and commercial aircraft products. With over 82,000 skilled workers and more than 650 companies, Washington has one of the most robust and dynamic clusters in the world. Home to cutting-edge aerospace R&D in composites, avionics, and alternative fuels, Washington is at the forefront of the aerospace industry. This cluster is supported by the Aerospace Innovation Partnership Zone. The Washington State Aerospace Bulletin provides information on the aerospace cluster, local companies and emerging technologies.

The strength of Washington's aerospace cluster lies in its talented workforce and its six integral subsectors: airframe manufacturing; avionics; composites; engineering & research; tooling; and interiors.

Washington state’s government is committed to promoting the aerospace industry. The infrastructure is in place to support the industry. The workforce is highly trained, knowledgeable, and dedicated to the industry. All this is why airplane, defense, and space companies come to Washington to do business.

Floyd Henry, President
General Plastics Manufacturing Company

Aerospace Taxes and Incentives

Reduced B&O tax rate for aerospace businesses

B&O credit for pre-production development expenditures

B&O credit for property/leasehold taxes paid on manufacturing facilities

Sales & use tax exemption for computer hardware/software/peripherals

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Washington Aerospace Exports

Washington state aerospace exports for 2009 increased 22.6% over 2008 ($26.3 billion). Exports of "civilian aircraft, engines and parts" made up 99.7% of all aerospace exports in Washington state in 2008.

China was the largest market for Washington state aerospace exports in 2009 ($4.1 billion), followed by the United Arab Emirates ($2.6 billion), Japan ($2.0 billion), Ireland ($1.8 billion), and India ($1.6 billion). Washington was by far the largest exporter among all U.S. states in 2009 while the second largest exporter, California, exported $7.0 billion, followed by Connecticut ($6.2 billion), Texas ($4.8 billion) and Kentucky ($4.7 billion). The value of total U.S. aerospace exports in 2009 was $83.0 billion which was down from $84.4 billion in 2008.

Quick Facts

Greater Seattle boasts one of the highest concentration of aerospace firms in the world.
Washington's aerospace cluster is represented throughout the production value chain from machine shops to tier I suppliers and one of the two largest commercial aerospace manufacturers in the world.
Washington state is also home to more than 7,000 aerospace engineers.
Home to final assembly operations for Boeing Commercials' 737 , 747 , 767 , 777 and the new 787.
Washington's aerospace industry has the largest concentration of aerospace workers in the U.S. - more than 1/6 of all U.S. aerospace workers are employed in Washington state.
Washington aerospace is world recognized: Washington aerospace companies frequently work with other international producers, such as Airbus , Bombardier , Dassault , and Northrop Grumman.

Aerospace Workforce Resources

Washington state offers industry-wide support for aerospace companies with tier one research institutions, specialized aerospace programs and worker retraining opportunities. Washington state's educational institutions have developed curriculum and programs to provide the expertise needed by leading employers in the aerospace industry.