The Wright brothers changed our world forever when they successfully completed their first flight in 1903. That historic achievement launched today's aerospace industry, which is soaring with the design, development and manufacturing of state-of-the-art aircraft, including related parts, as well as air transportation and support services.
Here in South Carolina, the aerospace sector is a major pillar of the state's economy, pumping in more than $19 billion annually. There are 400 firms in the private sector component of the state's aerospace cluster, employing more than 22,000 South Carolinians.
To remain on the cutting edge and continue to grow the state's aerospace industry, Team South Carolina was in Le Bourget, France for the 2019 Paris Air Show this week. More than just a spectacle for the globe's top names in aviation, the week-long exhibition also provides a great setting for economic developers from all over the world to meet and build relationships with a variety of industry leaders.
With a strong delegation of partners from across the Palmetto State, Team South Carolina was well-represented as they spread the message that the aerospace industry is soaring in our state.