Montgomery Showcases Competitive Advantages on the Global Stage at Farnborough International Airshow

Regional delegation joins the Alabama Department of Commerce to strengthen international partnerships, promote Montgomery's competitive advantages, and position Alabama's Capital Region for future aerospace, aviation, defense, and advanced manufacturing investment.

The Montgomery region joined Alabama's statewide economic development delegation this week at the 2026 Farnborough International Airshow, one of the world's premier aerospace and aviation events, to showcase the community's competitive advantages, strengthen international relationships, and advance business recruitment efforts across Alabama's Capital Region.

Representing the Montgomery region were the Montgomery Regional Chamber, Montgomery Regional Airport, Montgomery County Commission, Montgomery Airport Authority, and the City of Montgomery. Working alongside the Alabama Department of Commerce under the Made in Alabama banner, the delegation met with aerospace manufacturers, defense companies, aviation suppliers, site selection consultants, and international business leaders from around the world.

The Montgomery delegation included Doug Singleton, Chairman of the Montgomery County Commission; Carmen Moore-Zeigler, Vice Chair of the Montgomery County Commission; Loyd Jenkins, Executive Director of Montgomery Regional Airport; Tammy Knight Flemming, Vice Chair of the Montgomery Airport Authority; and Caleb Goodwyn, Chief Economic Development Officer for the Montgomery Regional Chamber.

"One of the things that makes Alabama successful is that we compete globally as one team," said Caleb Goodwyn, Chief Economic Development Officer for the Montgomery Regional Chamber. "The Alabama Department of Commerce creates opportunities for communities across our state to engage with companies from around the world under the Made in Alabama brand. That allows us to tell Alabama's story while also highlighting what makes Montgomery unique. It's a tremendous advantage when you're competing for global investment."

Throughout the week, the delegation engaged with prospective companies, existing industry partners, industry leaders, and site selection consultants whose work aligns with Montgomery's strengths in aerospace, aviation, defense, advanced manufacturing, logistics, and emerging technologies. Montgomery's story centered on the region's strategic location, transportation network, military presence, skilled workforce, and expanding technology and manufacturing sectors. Delegates also highlighted significant public investments that are positioning the region for future growth, including the Maxwell Capital Gateway initiative, continued infrastructure investments supporting Maxwell Air Force Base, and the Inland Intermodal Container Transfer Facility, demonstrating Montgomery's long-term commitment to strengthening defense, logistics, and industrial growth.

"Montgomery has tremendous competitive advantages," Goodwyn said. "Our central location, skilled workforce, Montgomery Regional Airport, the Intermodal Container Transfer Facility, strong manufacturing base, Maxwell Air Force Base, significant infrastructure investments, and growing technology ecosystem create a compelling platform for companies looking to expand or establish new operations. We believe our region is at an inflection point, and the opportunities ahead are significant."

Montgomery Regional Airport served as an important part of that message, highlighting the airport's role in supporting business recruitment, aerospace development, and future cargo and aviation opportunities.

"This mission is about creating meaningful partnerships that will strengthen our airport, attract aerospace and aviation investment, expand air service and cargo opportunities, and drive economic growth throughout the River Region," said Loyd Jenkins, Executive Director of Montgomery Regional Airport. "Every conversation at Farnborough is an opportunity to introduce companies to Montgomery's advantages and demonstrate why our airport—and our region—are well positioned for future growth."

Alabama's presence at Farnborough once again provided a powerful platform for business recruitment. Made in Alabama was the only official state exhibit at the airshow, bringing together communities, universities, workforce partners, and industry leaders to present Alabama as one of the nation's leading destinations for aerospace, aviation, defense, and advanced manufacturing investment. That unified presence provided Alabama communities with an opportunity to engage global companies while showcasing the unique strengths each region brings to the state's economy.

The delegation also had the opportunity to spend time with U.S. Ambassador to the United Kingdom Warren Stephens during the week. Stephens, who spent part of his youth in Montgomery and graduated from Trinity Presbyterian High School, welcomed members of Alabama's delegation as they promoted the state's economic opportunities on the international stage.

Goodwyn said one of the week's biggest takeaways was the strength of collaboration—both within Montgomery and across Alabama. "Farnborough reinforced something we've always believed: Montgomery has a great story to tell, but we're even stronger when we tell it alongside our partners," Goodwyn said. "From the Alabama Department of Commerce to our local governments, airport leadership, and economic development organizations across the state, this mission demonstrated what can happen when we work together to compete on a global stage."

For Montgomery, Farnborough represented more than an international airshow—it was an opportunity to strengthen relationships, showcase the region's competitive advantages, and reinforce Alabama's reputation as one of the nation's leading destinations for aerospace, aviation, defense, and advanced manufacturing investment.

While the airshow concludes this week, the work continues. "Success in economic development doesn't happen overnight," Goodwyn said. "It comes from consistently showing up, building trust, and creating lasting partnerships. Every conversation, every introduction, and every follow-up strengthens Montgomery's position for future opportunities. We're excited to build on the relationships established this week as we continue working to attract quality jobs, capital investment, and long-term economic prosperity for our region."

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