News

Wichita and South Central Kansas Build NBAA 2011 Presence on Solid Foundation as the “Air Capital of the World”

October 3, 2011 9:49am

State’s Lt. Governor and Secretary of Commerce, Fourth District Congressman Will Also Be On Hand

Thirteen partners will join forces to market Wichita and the south-central Kansas region as the “Air Capital of the World” at the National Business Aviation Aircraft (NBAA) trade show. The will be supported by government officials from the Statehouse and the U.S. House of Representatives, as Kansas Lieutenant Governor Jeff Colyer, the State’s Secretary of Commerce Pat George, and U.S. Congressman from the Kansas Fourth District Mike Pompeo will also attend the annual business aviation gathering at the Las Vegas Convention Center in Las Vegas, Nevada, October 10-12.

A new, updated Air Capital logo commissioned by the Wichita Aero Club is among the prominent features of the Greater Wichita Economic Development Coalition’s (GWEDC’s) booth, C12634. The 40’ x 40’ exhibit is staffed by a delegation from the thirteen business partners, including first-time private sector firms. The booth features a chance to win a Cessna Skycatcher, and is designed to attract visitors who will hear about the many advantages of doing business in the Air Capital.

“South-Central Kansas is known throughout the industry as one of only five global aviation industry clusters,” said Dave Franson, Executive Director of the Wichita Aero Club. “We’ve updated and re-issued the new ‘Air Capital’ logo as a way to focus attention on Wichita’s great aviation heritage and its tremendous future, as well. Working with other area partners and the state, we’re using it to convey the message to the entire industry that this is the region with the business, the infrastructure and the partnerships that allow aviation companies to succeed.”

Thanks to the addition of several partners this year, the Greater Wichita Economic Development Coalition will have a larger presence than before at the NBAA show. The GWEDC will also have great support from the State of Kansas through the state’s Department of Commerce. Kansas Commerce Secretary Pat George will be on hand as well as Lt. Governor Jeff Coyler and Kansas 4th District Congressman Mike Pompeo during the show. All three will participate in an Air Capital Delegation Reception on Monday, October 10 from 2 – 3 in the Air Capital booth sponsored by Spirit AeroSystems, Cessna Aircraft Company & Hawker Beechcraft.

“NBAA is one of the best opportunities to create connections. Sometimes that’s by showing our support for our existing aviation companies, or showing other businesses what our current businesses or our community has to offer,” said Suzie Ahlstrand, Interim President for GWEDC. “Together those connections mean growth for our community, region and state.”

In addition to supporting existing business and marketing the benefits of the region, the GWEDC and its partners will highlight Wichita’s advanced research and training capabilities at the National Institute for Aviation Research (NIAR) at Wichita State University and the National Center for Aviation Training (NCAT) already among the world’s most modern, well-equipped and productive aviation technical training sites. Numerous development opportunities at both Mid-Continent and Colonel James Jabara Airports and along the K-96 corridor are also featured in the booth, as well as information on the city of Wichita, Sedgwick County and the state of Kansas.

Several first-time private sector partners have also joined the delegation for the 2011 NBAA. Apex Engineering, Metal Finishing Company & Assystem are be part of the Air Capital delegation. The new exhibit was created by Image Resources Group.

The “Air Capital of the World” delegation includes: Greater Wichita Economic Development Coalition, City of Wichita, Sedgwick County, Kansas Department of Commerce, Wichita Airport Authority, National Institute for Aviation Research, National Center for Aviation Training, K-96 Corridor, Apex Engineering International, Metal Finishing Company, Assystem, Image Resources Group and the Wichita Aero Club. The booth includes several key reasons for Wichita’s claim to the title of Air Capital of the World. They are:

#1 Site for Aviation Manufacturing

#1 Site for Skilled Aviation Workforce

#1 Site for Aviation Supply Chain

Home to: Airbus North American Engineering, Boeing Defense, Space, & Security, Bombardier Learjet, Cessna Aircraft Company, Hawker Beechcraft and the world’s largest Tier 1 aviation supplier, Spirit AeroSystems.