Attracting new businesses requires more than competitive advantages: it requires being present where important conversations are happening. That’s why DCEDC traveled to the 2026 Farnborough International Airshow.

Recognized as one of the world’s largest aerospace, defense, and space business events, the Farnborough International Airshow (FIA) brings together industry leaders, manufacturers, suppliers, government representatives, and innovators from around the world every two years. While the flight displays draw international attention, the heart of Farnborough is its business programming, where industry leaders meet to discuss new technologies, create partnerships, and evaluate future investment and expansion opportunities.

For economic development organizations like DCEDC, Farnborough offers a unique opportunity to connect directly with company executives and site selectors who are evaluating locations for future growth. Based on guidance from our international consultants at OCO Global, the airshow was identified as one of the highest-value events for reaching aerospace companies actively considering expansion or relocation.

 

Sharing the Douglas County Story

Throughout the week, the DCEDC team met with aerospace companies representing a variety of sectors within the industry. Discussions focused on what makes Douglas County the top location for aerospace growth, including our highly skilled workforce, business-friendly environment, proximity to major employers, strategic location, nationally recognized quality of life, and fast permitting timelines.

The team also highlighted one of Douglas County’s unique advantages: economic development incentives designed to support primary employers in creating high-quality jobs for the county. Combined with strong local partnerships and a collaborative business climate, these tools continue to differentiate Douglas County from competing markets across the country.

 

Trade Shows Produce Results

The value of attending Farnborough extends well beyond the event itself. Some of Douglas County’s most significant economic development successes have originated from relationships built at international trade shows.

Projects such as Sodern America and Safran demonstrate how early conversations can evolve into successful business recruitment efforts that bring investment, innovation, and high-paying jobs to the community.

Economic development is built on persistence. Initial meetings often lead to follow-up conversations, site visits, and months, or even years, of collaboration before a company makes a location decision.

 

Looking Ahead

During the airshow, DCEDC held eight targeted meetings with aerospace and defense companies from Europe and across the United States that were participating in site selection discussions, meeting with jurisdictions to evaluate potential relocation and expansion opportunities. Each of these conversations represent another opportunity to showcase Douglas County as a destination for aerospace innovation and advanced manufacturing.

As follow-up discussions continue, our team will remain focused on building these relationships and connecting companies with the resources they need to succeed, some projects already underway. Whether a project advances next month or several years from now, the work that begins at events like Farnborough lays the foundation for future economic growth for Douglas County.

By maintaining a presence at the world’s most influential aerospace events, Douglas County continues to raise its profile on the international stage and reinforce its reputation as one of the nation’s premier destinations for aerospace investment.