Cleveland, OH–On October 17, the Ohio Aerospace Institute (OAI) and Parallax Advanced Research hosted the Global Aerospace Industry Outlook and Update event. This event offered insights into the commercial, defense, and space sectors, with a particular focus on Ohio's aerospace landscape. International participants engaged with industry leaders to discuss the current state and future prospects of the aerospace sector. The event highlighted the growing opportunities across all sectors, emphasizing the ongoing expansion of the aerospace industry and its significance to the economy. It also facilitated connections and strengthened partnerships among attendees. OAI and Parallax remain committed to organizing events that reflect this growth and provide updates and insights valued by stakeholders.
Opening Remarks by Dennis Andersh
Caption: Dennis Andersh, president and CEO of Parallax Advanced Research.
Dennis Andersh, president and CEO of Parallax Advanced Research, opened the event with an introduction that highlighted the range of topics and sectors to be discussed, offering a snapshot of the industry from his perspective.
"As the aerospace industry rapidly evolves, events like this provide an essential platform for collaboration, insight, and foresight," said Andersh. "Today’s discussions will help us navigate emerging opportunities and challenges, positioning Ohio and the global industry for future growth."
Ohio’s Aerospace Development and Economic Strategy
Caption: Tim Sweeney, director of Advanced Manufacturing and Aerospace at JobsOhio.
Ohio representatives provided business development goals and strategies from the government perspective. Tim Sweeney, director of Advanced Manufacturing and Aerospace at JobsOhio, outlined Ohio’s aerospace industrial landscape and shared strategic initiatives for attracting more original equipment manufacturers, Tier 1 suppliers, electric vertical takeoff and landing (eVTOL) manufacturers, commercial space manufacturers, and parts manufacturers for disruptive technologies.
Ohio’s Role in Aerospace and Defense
Caption: Col. (ret) Joseph Zeis, Jr., senior advisor for Aerospace and Defense to Gov. Mike DeWine.
Col. (ret) Joseph Zeis, Jr., senior advisor for Aerospace and Defense to Gov. Mike DeWine, spoke of the critical role Ohio plays in aerospace and defense, exemplified by the number of federal research institutions in the state and the contributions of Ohio’s aerospace manufacturing supply chain. Ohio’s Aerospace and Defense Pillars are key to helping Ohio expand its aerospace and defense industry and attract investment, jobs and missions to Ohio.
Parker Hannifin's Aerospace Strengths and Expansion
Caption: Peter Collins, group vice president of strategy and business development for Parker Aerospace.
Ohio-based Parker Hannifin, an aerospace leader in motion and control technologies, discussed its aerospace strengths, including a diversified customer base and a recent global acquisition of Meggitt, which takes the enterprise to nearly $20 billion in sales and creates new and unique opportunities for the diverse supply chain.
Global Market Update with the International Trade Administration
Caption: Scott Kennedy, director of the Office of Transportation and Machinery for the International Trade Administration (ITA).
Scott Kennedy, director of the Office of Transportation and Machinery for the International Trade Administration (ITA), provided an update on the global aerospace and defense market. In 2023, the industry achieved $955 billion in combined sales, a 7% increase from $892 billion in 2022, employing over 2.2 million workers—a 4.8% rise from the previous year. U.S. aerospace exports reached $136 billion in 2023, up from $122 billion in 2022. Defense exports have now exceeded pre-pandemic levels, while civil aerospace exports, at $114 billion, have yet to fully recover. The top markets for U.S. aerospace exports include France, Germany, Canada, the UK, and Brazil.
Sustainability and Innovation in Aerospace
Caption: Jeff Shaknaitis, customer sustainability leader at GE Aerospace presenting at the event.
Sustainability remains a key focus for the aerospace industry as it works toward global net-zero targets. It was emphasized that sustainability is the primary driver of innovation in the sector, with U.S. leadership in this area being crucial for job creation, economic competitiveness, and national security. GE Aerospace shared updates on the CFM RISE engine technology program and its sustainable aviation fuel (SAF) efforts. They also noted that nearly 44,000 GE engines power three out of every four commercial aircraft worldwide.
Emerging Technologies and the D.R.I.V.E. Consortium
Caption: Digital, Research, Innovation, Validation and Experimentation (D.R.I.V.E.) Consortium presentation by Bob Dirgo, senior program manager.
During Bob Dirgo’s, program manager, of the Digital, Research, Innovation, Validation, and Experimentation (D.R.I.V.E.) Consortium, which is managed by the Ohio Aerospace Institute, he emphasized the critical role of defense in fostering emerging technologies during its presentation. Dirgo outlined the consortium’s mission to drive a digital transformation within the Air Force, which hinges on collaboration with various industry stakeholders and academic institutions. Additionally, Dirgo highlighted how artificial intelligence and data managers can develop essential solutions for logistical challenges in remote or hostile environments.
The Future of Commercial Space and the Starlab Initiative
Caption: Michael Johanson, senior vice president of government services and business development at Zin/Voyager Space led a panel focused on the significance of commercial space.
Zin/Voyager Space leadership led a panel focused on the significance of commercial space. The panel showcased Starlab, a U.S.-led joint venture aimed at facilitating a smooth transition from the current International Space Station (ISS) to a new ISS in 2030. The panel discussed how innovations in the commercial space sector can enhance space exploration and contribute to the economic development of the future space economy.
Advanced Air Mobility (AAM): Opportunities and Challenges
Caption: Lydon Sleeper, US strategy lead at Joby, presented its robust business model and commitment to delivering a positive user experience.
AAM was also highlighted as an exciting new frontier with the potential to revolutionize air travel and commerce. Joby presented its business model and commitment to delivering a positive user experience via affordable, regional services offered through strategic partnerships. Joby leadership also discussed the long-term opportunities for expanding the market.
Caption: Bob Tanner, executive director of Aerospace Partnerships at Parallax Advanced Research, led a panel on AAM policy and regulation.
Additionally, Bob Tanner, executive director of Aerospace Partnerships at Parallax Advanced Research, led a panel on AAM policy and regulation and the surrounding challenges and opportunities in establishing cross border AAM flight between Ohio and Montreal.
Contact and Further Information
Caption: The Parallax Advanced Research and Ohio Aerospace Institute Team.
Kim Holizna, managing director of Global Development at OAI and Parallax, and the event organizer, said, “This event was not just a success; it was a demonstration of the aerospace industry's commitment to innovation and growth, as well as enthusiasm for collaboration and knowledge-sharing. Attendees left with actionable insights that will drive their strategies and enhance their competitiveness in the global market. There are immense opportunities available across the commercial, defense, and space sectors, and OAI and Parallax are grateful to be at the forefront of this vital dialogue and support our members in navigating and capitalizing on these emerging opportunities.”
To learn more about global industrial engagement and events, contact Kim Holizna, managing director of Global Development, OAI and Parallax, at kimholizna@oai.org.
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Parallax Advanced Research is a 501(c)(3) private nonprofit research institute that tackles global challenges through strategic partnerships with government, industry, and academia. It accelerates innovation, addresses critical global issues, and develops groundbreaking ideas with its partners. With offices in Ohio and Virginia, Parallax aims to deliver new solutions and speed them to market. In 2023, Parallax and the Ohio Aerospace Institute formed a collaborative affiliation to drive innovation and technological advancements in Ohio and for the nation. The Ohio Aerospace Institute plays a pivotal role in advancing the aerospace industry in Ohio and the nation by fostering collaborations between universities, aerospace industries, and government organizations, and managing aerospace research, education, and workforce development projects. More information on both organizations can be found at Parallax and OAI websites.