News Release: Global Aerospace Summit highlights model for aerospace growth in America's Heartland

Military partnerships, workforce development, infrastructure investment and regional collaboration position county and broader St. Louis region for continued aerospace expansion

 

[O’Fallon, IL /Sept. 3, 2026] – Communities seeking to capitalize on the growing aerospace and defense industry can find a proven model in St. Clair County, Ill., where decades of collaboration among military and government leaders, educational institutions, workforce organizations, economic development partners and private industry have created a thriving aerospace community that’s part of a vibrant, broader ecosystem.

That was the central message delivered during two sessions at the 2026 Global Aerospace Summit, held in O’Fallon, Ill., in mid-August. The first featured a conversation between Rick Stubblefield, Executive Director of St. Clair County's Intergovernmental Grants and Economic Development Departments, and Mary Lamie, Executive Vice President of Multimodal Enterprises for Bi-State Development and head of the St. Louis Regional Freightway. Their discussion explored how partnerships supporting Scott Air Force Base, MidAmerica St. Louis Airport and regional workforce initiatives have fueled economic growth and positioned the region for continued aerospace expansion. Those themes were reinforced during a subsequent panel focused on aerospace growth, regional leadership and economic development featuring Lamie, Kyle Anderson, President and CEO of the Leadership Council Southwestern Illinois, and Claire DeLay, Director of Energy, Manufacturing and Defense for the Illinois Department of Commerce and Economic Opportunity.

According to Stubblefield, one of the region's greatest strengths is the deep connection between Scott Air Force Base and the surrounding communities.

“Everything is about building those relationships,” Stubblefield said, noting that partnerships among local governments, chambers of commerce, workforce organizations and community leaders have been critical to supporting both the base and the military families who call the region home. Over time, he said, those relationships evolved into something much deeper.  

“There are 14,000 people that work on that base every day, and we have 30,000 retirees in our communities,” Stubblefield said. “These are our friends. These are our neighbors. These are the people that we want in our communities. We're proud to have them and we appreciate them.”

Today, the community’s commitment extends across the region through military support programs, community engagement initiatives, spouse employment assistance and ongoing coordination between Scott Air Force Base leadership and community stakeholders. Stubblefield noted that St. Clair County's support for military members and their families has earned national recognition, including designation as a Great American Defense Community by the Association of Defense Communities. The region has also secured the Abilene Trophy multiple times over the past 12 years, an honor recognizing communities that provide exceptional support for Air Mobility Command and military families. Stubblefield described the recognition as a testament to how engaged local organizations and residents are in supporting the base.

Stubblefield emphasized that workforce development, beginning at the high school level, is the foundation of the region's aerospace strategy. He highlighted the role of Career and Technical Education programs, workforce grants, apprenticeships and employer partnerships in creating multiple entry points into aerospace careers. Among the examples cited was the Center for Academic and Vocational Excellence (CAVE), in Belleville, Ill., where students gain hands-on exposure to aerospace careers and related technical disciplines. Stubblefield noted that industry partners have become deeply involved in shaping programs to meet real workforce needs, with Gulfstream Aerospace Corp., even donating a plane that the students at the CAVE get to work on.

“We're focused on aerospace here,” he said. “They [the CAVE] have started an unbelievable aerospace program that is everything from mechanical to electrical.”

He also pointed to Southwestern Illinois College's advanced manufacturing programs and partnerships with aerospace employers such as West Star Aviation, including efforts to develop industry-specific curriculum, apprenticeship pathways and specialized training. Importantly, Stubblefield said aerospace workforce development extends well beyond traditional aviation careers.  “There’s carpentry involved here… cabinetry… leather work… paint… body work,” he said. “This is a whole industry that covers a whole lot of disciplines.”

Another critical advantage Stubblefield cited is the region's ability to retain military personnel as they transition into civilian careers. He noted that Scott Air Force Base transitions hundreds of service members annually and described them as an extraordinary talent pool for aerospace and advanced manufacturing employers. “That is the greatest workforce in the world, undeniably,” he said.

Regional workforce organizations work directly with transitioning service members to connect them with training opportunities and employers throughout the region. Programs such as SkillBridge allow service members to gain hands-on experience with civilian employers before leaving the military. “We want those individuals to stay in St. Clair County, to live here when they transition out,” Stubblefield said, noting the benefits of that for both employers and communities.

The discussion also highlighted MidAmerica St. Louis Airport's growing role as an aerospace and aviation asset. Stubblefield noted that Boeing's longstanding relationship with St. Clair County and its presence at MidAmerica helped pave the way for the company's MQ-25 Stingray production operations to be based there. He said the airport's proximity to Scott Air Force Base, its joint-use military-commercial status and the availability of open land for testing, production and future expansion were all contributing factors.

“I think there were a lot of things working in our favor, but primarily it’s the relationship,” Stubblefield said. “Those relationships with the base, those relationships with Boeing all lead to these successes.”

The county is continuing to build on that momentum through plans for an aerospace industrial park adjacent to MidAmerica St. Louis Airport and infrastructure investments designed to attract additional aerospace suppliers and manufacturers. At the same time, MidAmerica's commercial passenger growth and the new MetroLink extension serving the airport that will open later this year are making the region more attractive to both employers and workers.

The themes discussed by Stubblefield were echoed during the panel discussion on aerospace growth and regional leadership.

DeLay described aerospace as a natural fit within Illinois' broader advanced manufacturing economy and highlighted the state's investments in workforce development, infrastructure and business attraction.

“Illinois’ bread and butter is advanced manufacturing,” DeLay said, while emphasizing the state's ability to support aerospace companies through education, infrastructure and workforce resources. She also touched on the significance of Southwestern Illinois’ ability to hold onto transitioning military. She noted the area has a lot more military members that are staying compared to comparative military installations. 

“Defense companies love hiring veterans,” DeLay said, adding that the key reasons are those veterans come with proof of ability to be trained and implemented into a workforce, and sometimes also have security clearance. “That’s very valuable when you're talking to companies that are involved with the DOD.”

Lamie provided some compelling numbers that underscored the strength of the aerospace ecosystem across the bi-state St. Louis region. She noted it’s a region that is home to more than 62 aerospace manufacturing companies, with 6.5X more aerospace manufacturing employees than other similar sized markets. With more than $5 billion being invested in the sector, creating 1,000 new jobs, she said those numbers will only continue to grow. She highlighted the important role events such as the summit play in raising the industry’s profile while bringing together companies, educators, government partners and other organizations necessary to strengthen the aerospace supply chain. The region's success, she said, stems from the willingness of organizations across multiple sectors to collaborate. “This is about building awareness, and we all are ambassadors supporting this industry,” Lamie said.

Anderson echoed the importance of building awareness, as well as regional alignment and long-term planning in growing the area’s economy and its aerospace cluster. He noted that the Leadership Council brings together about 200 business leaders in the nine-county region. “We try to have one voice for what we need five, 10 years down the road,” he said.  The idea for the Global Aerospace Summit stemmed from the fact that, with its existing assets, the region could benefit by growing the overall aerospace industry.

“We are a hidden gem,” Anderson said. “I hate the fact that we're a hidden gem, but I also love the fact that we're a hidden gem. I wish everyone knew how great we are.”

Canadian law firm Gowling WLG was one of the companies in attendance at the Summit. They were drawn by the breadth of the speakers and the companies and organizations represented since the combination of aerospace, defense, advanced manufacturing, emerging technologies and economic development was especially relevant to both the firm’s sector focus and its international client base. Todd Burke, Partner and Head of Gowling WLG’s Aerospace & Defence Group, shared his thoughts after the event.

"The Global Aerospace Summit gave us a valuable opportunity to better understand the tremendous economic development taking place in the St. Louis region, the emerging technologies shaping the aerospace and defence industry, and the interesting overlap with the region's AgTech sector,” Burke said. “As one of Canada's leading international law firms, we are always looking for ways to connect opportunities across markets, whether that means helping regional companies expand into Canada and other international markets or identifying opportunities in the region for our existing clients around the world. The Summit allowed us to make new connections and better understand where we can help support that growth." 

Over the two days of the event, Summit attendees participated in a career fair, business expo, networking opportunities, presentations and panel discussions focused on topics ranging from autonomous systems, sustainable aviation fuels and defense technologies to advanced manufacturing, air cargo movement and economic growth.  The Global Aerospace Summit is presented by the Leadership Council Southwestern Illinois; Madison County, Illinois; St. Clair County, Illinois; and Bi-State Development’s St. Louis Regional Freightway. To learn more, visit: https://leadershipcouncilswil.com/gas2026/.

 Media Contact: Julie Hauser, 314-629-3887 (cell)

News Release: Leaders from Boeing, Gulfstream and West Star Aviation Spotlight Investment, Innovation and Workforce Growth at Global Aerospace Summit

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[O’Fallon, IL / Sept. 1, 2026] – Leaders from Boeing, Gulfstream Aerospace Corp., and West Star Aviation recently highlighted significant investments in facilities, technology and workforce development initiatives that are expanding the St. Louis region’s role as a major center for aerospace manufacturing and aircraft maintenance. The discussion, titled “Building and Sustaining the Fleet: OEM, MRO and Defense Perspectives,” was part of the 2026 Global Aerospace Summit August 19 and 20 in O’Fallon, Ill., that showcased the region’s aerospace momentum.

The panel featured Chad Nicklaus, Director of St. Louis Site Integration and manufacturing leader for Boeing’s St. Louis operations; Tony Ray, Vice President and General Manager St. Louis Completions for Gulfstream Aerospace Corp; and Brian Bauwens, Director of Bombardier Business Development for West Star Aviation. The discussion was moderated by Mary Lamie, Executive Vice President of Multimodal Enterprises for Bi-State Development and head of its St. Louis Regional Freightway enterprise. The panelists offered perspectives spanning military aircraft production, business-aircraft completions and support, and maintenance, repair and overhaul, commonly known as MRO. Their comments illustrated the breadth of the bi-state St. Louis region’s aerospace sector that designs and manufactures new aircraft, equips and delivers business jets, and maintains aircraft throughout their operational lives.

Boeing Expands Capacity for Defense Programs

Nicklaus said Boeing’s St. Louis operations are today known as Boeing Fighter Land USA, bringing together manufacturing, engineering, supply chain, and supplier teams to design and build aerospace defense projects for domestic and international customers. Boeing has 18,000 employees and about $2 billion of active payroll in the region. Products and capabilities discussed during the session included the F-15EX, F/A-18 Super Hornet, T-7A Red Hawk, MQ-25 Stingray and ground-based flight-test simulators and weapon systems.

Demand for the F-15EX is prompting Boeing to invest $1.8 billion to expand its operations by St. Louis Lambert International Airport and increase its production rate, he said.

“We’re answering that call by actually investing in our capacity, hiring and expanding our operations, going from one aircraft a month to two aircraft a month,” Nicklaus said. “That’s 12 to 24. We want to be ready to answer the customers’ needs, stand up operations, ramp up, and be ready to go when things hit.”

He said Boeing also has invested $200 million in the new MQ-25 production facility at MidAmerica St. Louis Airport in Mascoutah, Ill., and is making broader investments in buildings, tools and the workforce needed to support future programs. “There’s a great future for the MQ-25 in that facility,” Nicklaus said. “We’re super excited to get that product to the fleet as soon as possible.”

Nicklaus said the investment and activity surrounding Boeing’s programs point to additional opportunities throughout the regional aerospace economy. He also touched on Boeing’s corporate citizenship, noting that the company spent $1.6 million in 2025 across numerous non-profit organizations and that employees volunteered 12,000 hours in the community, with a heavy focus on STEM education. 

Gulfstream Builds on Rapid Growth at St. Louis Downtown Airport

Ray described Gulfstream’s continued growth at St. Louis Downtown Airport, where the company had an established an MRO operation before adding aircraft-completions and outfitting capabilities. Its completions work includes interior installations, paint, avionics, cabinetry, carpeting and flight testing.

The expanded operation represented an investment of more than $30 million and added over 200 new jobs, according to Ray. Gulfstream delivered its first locally completed aircraft in 2023 and Ray said they expect another successful delivery year in 2026.

Gulfstream continues to invest in advanced manufacturing, flight-deck and cabin technologies, as well as the services required to support aircraft after they enter service. Ray also highlighted the company’s work involving sustainable aviation fuel (SAF) and testing intended to reduce contrail-forming emissions.

“Gulfstream was the first OEM [Original Equipment Manufacturer] to fly across the Atlantic Ocean utilizing SAF, which we're very proud of, and we followed that up with being the first OEM company to also fly with both engines on 100% SAF,” Ray said. “Sustainability continues to remain a pillar for us moving forward. We’re excited about what that means for us as an organization.”

He described St. Louis as an important part of Gulfstream’s global business, serving customers from North America, Asia, Europe, and the Middle East, among other markets.

“It’s a booming aviation hub, with a very skilled workforce, and we’re continuing to partner with and invest in this community,” Ray said.

West Star Aviation Invests in Facilities, Technology and Talent

Bauwens discussed West Star Aviation’s growing MRO presence at St. Louis Regional Airport in East Alton, Ill., where the company operates more than 600,000 square feet of facilities and now employs just over 700 people. West Star also operates a hangar at St. Louis Downtown Airport.

The company has expanded its infrastructure, added hangar capacity and invested in new scheduling and planning capabilities to manage the large number of aircraft moving through its operations. Bauwens said they currently have 117 aircraft on site and expect to deliver 40 – 43 of them by the end of August.

“For us, that’s huge innovation,” Bauwens said of the company’s new scheduling and planning systems.

He added that they also are looking at acquisitions as the company works to expand its engineering and repair capabilities to complete specialized modifications and keep more work in-house.

West Star is also pursuing additional foreign aviation authority certifications that would enable more internationally registered aircraft to receive service in the region. Bauwens said the effort can attract customers from outside the United States and generate additional business for regional suppliers and service providers.

“We’re trying to bring more money into the region,” Bauwens said. “We currently have 11 outside or foreign authority certifications where we can work on those airplanes from outside of our states or outside the U.S.”

Workforce Development Emerges as a Shared Priority

Despite representing different segments of the aerospace industry, all three panelists identified workforce availability as one of the most important factors influencing future growth.

Boeing recently marked the first anniversary of a mechanic apprenticeship program that combines classroom education with hands-on instruction using Boeing plans, drawings, and production tools. Nicklaus said 230 graduates had moved into regular production positions. Boeing’s longstanding partnership with St. Louis Community College has also produced a pathway for hiring approximately 1,300 production employees since 2007.

“Capturing skilled and capable people is so important to everything we all do,” Nicklaus said. “It’s really been a great pathway into the Boeing company and then onto better things, not only for Boeing, but for individuals’ careers.”

Gulfstream is working with schools, community colleges, universities, military programs and career and technical education partners to expose students and transitioning service members to aviation careers. Its partnerships include the Belleville, Ill.-based Center for Academic and Vocational Excellence, commonly known as the CAVE, and programs with Southwestern Illinois College, Lewis and Clark Community College and area school districts.

“This is an exciting time,” Ray said. “The types of careers and jobs available within our industry can be life-changing.”

West Star Aviation has developed the West Star Aviation Academy in partnership with Southwestern Illinois College. Bauwens said the program recently graduated its fourth class and has achieved an approximately 85% retention rate among its participants. Graduates enter the workforce with aviation credentials and opportunities to pursue additional certification and career advancement.

“The growing need for individuals in this is just so massive,” Bauwens said. “Come visit the sites, because that’s how we get people interested in this business.”

Collaboration Strengthens the Regional Aerospace Ecosystem

The panelists emphasized that workforce development and regional growth depend upon collaboration among aerospace employers, schools, colleges, universities, military installations, airports, governments, and economic development organizations.

While Boeing, Gulfstream and West Star Aviation serve different portions of the aerospace market, the companies share a need for skilled employees and benefit when aerospace professionals can build careers across multiple employers without leaving the region.

The session concluded with a shared message that collaboration, continued investment, and stronger awareness of aviation careers will be essential to supporting the region’s aerospace momentum.

The Global Aerospace Summit brought together aerospace manufacturers, suppliers and leaders in military, cargo movement, transportation, economic development, and other sectors for a two-day program focused on advancing innovation and strengthening the industry’s future. The event was presented by the Leadership Council Southwestern Illinois, Madison and St. Clair counties in  Illinois, and Bi-State Development’s St. Louis Regional Freightway.  To learn more, visit  https://leadershipcouncilswil.com/gas2026/. 

News Release: Illinois Leaders Highlight Competitive Advantages Driving Aerospace Growth and Investment

Global Aerospace Summit sessions spotlight REV Illinois program, advanced manufacturing incentives and the state's growing aerospace ecosystem.

 

[Edwardsville, IL / August 27, 2026] – Two presentations at the 2026 Global Aerospace Summit showcased why Illinois continues to attract aerospace investment, advanced manufacturing projects and emerging aviation technologies. During separate sessions held August 19 and 20, Illinois Department of Commerce and Economic Opportunity (DCEO) Chief Business Attraction & Development Officer Lisa Clemmons Stott and Illinois State Rep. Katie Stuart outlined the policies, incentives, workforce assets and transportation advantages helping position Illinois as a premier destination for aerospace growth.

 

In her presentation, “REVving Up Aerospace: Incentives Driving UAV Manufacturing in Illinois,” Clemmons Stott provided a detailed overview of the state's Reimagining Energy and Vehicles (REV) Illinois program and highlighted how Illinois is supporting aerospace innovation through incentive programs designed to encourage investment in aviation electrification, UAV manufacturing, batteries, electric propulsion technologies and other advanced manufacturing sectors. 

 

Clemmons Stott noted that Illinois has intentionally expanded its economic development strategy to support both established aerospace companies and emerging startups developing next-generation aviation technologies. 

 

“Whether you're an established company or a startup, it helps to have the government undertake some of the risk,” Clemmons Stott said. “We are trying to take on some of the risk for this industry to provide financial stability so that you can develop and demonstrate the potential of the product, whether that be R&D as you determine what parts of an airplane can be electrified, or if you are doing manufacturing or assembly.”

She pointed to several examples of Illinois' support for aerospace and advanced aviation initiatives, including partnerships related to advanced air mobility, drone technology applications and investments supporting aerospace employers throughout the state. She highlighted the state’s recent support for Gulfstream’s expansion which created 200 new jobs and retained 500 existing jobs in Cahokia Heights, Ill., and its investment in Boeing’s new production facility in Mascoutah, Ill. Clemmons Stott also highlighted ongoing efforts to strengthen emerging aviation sectors through legislation, workforce development programs and infrastructure improvements.

Clemmons Stott provided a wealth of information about the state's REV Illinois program, which continues to be expanded each legislative session and now combines a wide range of incentives into a single streamlined program designed to support investment and growth across emerging industries, including aerospace. She said it includes everything from payroll withholding tax credits for both new and retained jobs and construction tax credits, to one-time investment credits, grants for workforce training and even utility exemptions.

 

“We've taken pretty much every incentive that you can have in the state and put it together in one easy application,” she said.

 

Her presentation also covered Illinois’ Advancing Innovative Manufacturing (AIM) Tax Credit, EDGE for Startups, various financing options and federal matching grants. In addition, she highlighted the National Quantum Algorithm Center a place where industry and quantum companies can work together to solve problems. Members include companies such as United and Airbus. Throughout her remarks, Clemmons Stott emphasized that Illinois has worked to create a policy environment that encourages innovation and long-term investment. 

 

“Innovative legislation creates an innovative business climate,” she said. 

 

Building on those themes, Stuart's presentation, “Building on Success: Advancing Illinois' Aerospace Economy,” focused on the broader advantages that continue to make Illinois, and particularly southwestern Illinois, an attractive destination for aerospace companies considering expansion or relocation.

Stuart noted that while incentives remain an important part of economic development efforts, companies also evaluate other key factors when making investment decisions.

 

“Cost matters; I know that, but other things do too,” Stuart said. “The workforce, transportation, the supply chain and the ability for future growth. And I think that Illinois has a pretty compelling case in all of those areas.”

 

She highlighted Illinois' strategic location and multimodal transportation network, including its extensive highway, rail, waterway and aviation infrastructure, as significant advantages for aerospace manufacturers, suppliers and logistics providers. Stuart also emphasized the importance of viewing aerospace as a complete ecosystem that creates opportunities extending far beyond aircraft production.

 

“I think we have to think about aerospace as the entire ecosystem, instead of just individual companies,” she said. “If a major aerospace company invests somewhere, there's other opportunities that come along with that.”

Stuart also pointed to Illinois' network of universities, community colleges and workforce training programs as a key differentiator for employers looking to establish or expand operations in the state. She highlighted the Employer Training Investment Program, which helps companies train employees in emerging technologies and technical skills.

 

“It's really vital in the aerospace industry where new production methods and technology are being constantly developed,” Stuart said. “We're going to help you reduce the cost of the investment because we're preparing that workforce for you for the future.”

 

Collectively, the sessions demonstrated how state leaders are creating an environment where aerospace companies can invest, innovate and grow for the long term.

 

Over the two days of the event, Summit attendees participated in a career fail, business expo, networking opportunities, presentations and panel discussions focused on topics ranging from autonomous systems, sustainable aviation fuels and defense technologies to advanced manufacturing, air cargo movement and economic growth. Together, those conversations explored how the St. Louis region can continue building on its momentum and strengthen its role as a nationally significant aerospace and defense center while fostering new connections. The Global Aerospace Summit is presented by the Leadership Council Southwestern Illinois; Madison County, Illinois; St. Clair County, Illinois; and Bi-State Development’s St. Louis Regional Freightway.

 

To learn more about the 2026 Global Aerospace Summit, visit:  https://leadershipcouncilswil.com/gas2026/.

 Media Contact: Julie Hauser, 314-629-3887 (cell)

News Release: Boeing, Scott Air Force Base Leaders Highlight Innovation, Readiness and Growth Opportunities During Opening of the 2026 Global Aerospace Summit

The Aero Experience thanks the Hauser Group for keeping us informed on the Global Aerospace Summit and other critical St. Louis-Metro East Illinois aerospace developments. Along with their excellent news release below, we include our photo and video highlights of the opening speakers on Day 1 of the Summit.

[O’Fallon, IL/Aug. 21, 2026] - The second annual Global Aerospace Summit opened with a powerful message about the strength of the St. Louis region’s aerospace ecosystem and its growing role in shaping the future of aviation, defense and advanced manufacturing. More than 200 industry leaders, government officials, educators, military representatives, economic development and workforce development professionals gathered Aug.19 and 20 at the Regency Conference Center in O’Fallon, Illinois, where leaders from Boeing and Scott Air Force Base underscored why the bi-state St. Louis region continues to emerge as one of the nation’s leading aerospace hubs.

Colonel Derrick McClain, Deputy Director of Strategy, Plans, Requirements and Programs for Air Mobility Command at Scott Air Force Base, welcomed summit attendees by emphasizing that America’s aerospace advantage depends on the people and partnerships behind its aircraft and technology.

"The wide range of mission partners represented in this room says something important about aerospace,” McClain said. “America’s aerospace advantage isn’t just a platform. It’s not just the next fighter, bomber, tanker or airlifter. The platforms real aerospace advantage is the community of people, many of you in this room, that make those possible."

McClain said close collaboration among government, industry, educators, engineers and skilled workers remains essential as technology and global threats evolve.

He also pointed to the region’s unique concentration of aerospace assets, including Scott Air Force Base, U.S. Transportation Command, MidAmerica St. Louis Airport, Boeing’s MQ-25 production facility, manufacturers, suppliers, universities and workforce development programs.

“That's not just proximity. That's an aerospace ecosystem,” McClain said, adding that it’s an ecosystem that is difficult to replicate. “The opportunity for Southwestern Illinois isn't simply to participate in America's aerospace industry. It's to become one of the places where America's next aerospace advantage is created.”

That regional advantage is already taking shape in Southwestern Illinois through Boeing’s work on the U.S. Navy’s MQ-25 Stingray, the autonomous aerial refueling aircraft being produced at its facility in Mascoutah, Illinois. Speaking on behalf of Boeing’s more than 18,000 aerospace workers in the region, including approximately 2,500 who live in Illinois, Troy Rutherford, Boeing’s MQ-25 Program Manager, told attendees the program reflects both the region’s growing role in national defense and the strength of its advanced manufacturing workforce. He noted the MQ-25 represents a major step forward for naval aviation and national security, while Boeing’s investment of more than $200 million in the facility underscores the program’s significance for Southwestern Illinois. The aircraft will more than double the tactical range of carrier-based aircraft while helping keep military personnel farther from harm’s way, he said.

“That’s good stability through the production base for years to come as we continue to grow the footprint at MidAmerica [St. Louis] Airport and grow that capability out of here,” Rutherford said.

“Southwestern Illinois is building the future of U.S. Naval Aviation,” Rutherford said. “The program is already reshaping Illinois, the economic and technological landscape, bringing jobs to the greater St Louis area.”

Rutherford said Boeing now plans to ramp up production following several critical milestones, creating opportunities for local suppliers and professionals in engineering, software, systems integration and advanced manufacturing.

Rutherford credited local communities, educational institutions, suppliers and public-sector partners with helping position the region as a leader in autonomous aviation and advanced aerospace manufacturing and a destination for next-generation defense aviation.

Regional leaders reinforced the connection between aerospace investment and economic growth. Kyle Anderson, Executive Director and CEO of the Leadership Council of Southwestern Illinois, said regions able to scale production, secure supply chains and rapidly expand industrial capacity to meet the unfortunate increase in defense requirements will be the ones best positioned to attract future investment. “The bi-state St. Louis region is one of those regions,” Anderson said. “We already know that, given the investment here.”

Chris Slusser, Madison County Board Chairman, emphasized that regional collaboration remains one of the area’s greatest strengths supporting aerospace as a key driver of economic growth across the bi-state region. 

“This summit reflects growing momentum,” Slusser said. “Whether the conversation is about advanced manufacturing, unmanned aerial systems, maintenance and repair operations, sustainable aviation fuels or defense technologies, this region is positioned to be part of that solution.”

Illinois State Senator Erica Harriss and Illinois State Representative Amy Elik also addressed the crowd during the opening session, highlighting the competitive advantages Southwestern Illinois offers for the aerospace industry, particularly its high-quality workforce and prime location in the middle of the US.

The two-day Summit included presentations and panel discussions on air cargo delivery, incentives and navigating the defense landscape, along with networking, a career fair and supplier matchmaking. With Summit attendees representing companies with operations across the United States, in Canada, and as far away as Korea, the global event strengthened its position as a premier platform for industry collaboration.

The annual Global Aerospace Summit is presented by the Leadership Council Southwestern Illinois in partnership with Madison County, Illinois, St. Clair County Illinois, and Bi-State Development’s St. Louis Regional Freightway. To learn more about the 2026 Global Aerospace Summit, visit: https://leadershipcouncilswil.com/gas2026/

Media Contact: Julie Hauser, 314-629-3887