Last week, Aerospace Wales and Space Wales, along with a selection of member companies and Welsh Government exhibited at the latest biennial International Paris Air Show. In fact, because of the pandemic, the last show was in 2019.
Companies exhibiting on the stand included SmallSpark Space Systems, Swansea University Antenna Laboratory, Qioptiq, Glyndwr Innovations Limited, Triumph Group, Metrology Engineering Services, Argo Mobile Repair Team, Cardiff Airport, and LMg Solutions Ltd.
Initial feedback suggests all our exhibitors had a good week, not altogether surprising in that aerospace and aviation are bouncing back from the downturn and that Paris is the largest aerospace event in the world, attracting over 2,400 exhibitors from 49 countries and 139,000 trade visitors from 185 countries.
Vaughan Gething MS, Welsh Government’s Economy Minister spent time with us during his visit to the show, as did Menna Rawlings, His Majesty’s Ambassador to France and Jo Hawley, Deputy Trade Commissioner, Europe (designate).
When speaking about the show, Economy Minister, Vaughan Gething said:
“The aerospace sector plays a major role in the Welsh economy, employing tens of thousands of people across the country. From the wings manufactured by Airbus in north Wales and Thales and Safran’s high-tech innovations in south Wales, I’m very proud that our aerospace companies are leading players in their fields.
Wales’ presence at the Paris Air Show this week allows us to showcase our industry to a global audience. My message to that audience is clear, Wales is a great place to invest, and that the Welsh Government is a stable government and a trusted partner for businesses who want to make their future part of Wales’ future.
I’m very much looking forward to meeting industry representatives and to do all we can to promote Wales and our considerable strengths and talent to the world.”