South Carolina’s dominant aerospace industry was well-represented at the 2024 Farnborough Airshow, one of the largest global aerospace and defense industry events. The state delegation, led by S.C. Commerce Secretary Harry M. Lightsey III, included economic development professionals, existing industry and aerospace suppliers, as well as research and strategic industry partners.
The South Carolina delegation poses between two F-16 Fighting Falcon jets at the 2024 Farnborough Airshow.
It takes a team of diversified resources and stakeholders to support a major industry – and that network is helping South Carolina aerospace companies reach new heights every day. In Farnborough, Boeing announced new 787 Dreamliner orders from both Japan Airlines and Korean Air. The state delegation also saw a pair of F-16 Fighting Falcon jets — the same model produced at Lockheed Martin’s Greenville, S.C., facility. This year marks the jet’s 50th year, with the company recently celebrating the 4,600th F-16 delivered out of South Carolina.
As an industry that employs more than 136,000 people, the aerospace industry is elevating the state’s economy. Explore S.C.’s aerospace industry or contact S.C. Commerce for more information.
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