ChooseWashington.com : Aerospace

Business Expansion
Sally Harris
(206) 276-0059

International Trade
Monica Wiedrich
(206) 256-6145

Aerospace

LABOR FORCE
83,700

REVENUES
$35.4B

COMPANIES
153

ENGINEERS
6,550

CLUSTER
650
# of Firms in Cluster

Washington is a global leader in aerospace R&D and commercial aircraft products. With over 83,000 skilled workers and more than 650 companies within the cluster, 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 leaders and policy makers are fully engaged in supporting and growing the Aerospace Industry's footprint in the Northwestern United States.　 Washington's Aerospace base has the knowledge and skills required to provide Aerospace, Defense and Space customers with world class performance and products.
The State is committed to developing the regional workforce to support the continued growth of Aerospace producers in the region

Bruce Lind, 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 was the largest exporter of aerospace products in 2010, accounting for 29.4% of national total

Aerospace exports from Washington valued at $23.3B in 2010

75 ports connect companies to markets around the world

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 6,000 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.