Rob: If you ever doubted we are in a global economy, consider this;
here in Oklahoma, in the middle of America's heartland, one out of
every five jobs is dependent upon exports.
Over 2500 Oklahoma companies exported goods to over 160 markets
worldwide last year, making Oklahoma the 9th fastest growing export
state in our nation.
And nowhere is there more opportunity than in aerospace.
As our Brian Bendele explains, emerging markets in Asia are key to
Oklahoma's continued success in aviation.
Brian: With over 300 companies and 140,000 employees, the aerospace
industry is a dynamic force in the Oklahoma economy and is looking to
become a major player in the global market.
Barry Clark: Aerospace is our second largest export, over half-a-billion
dollars in aerospace parts, services, and training and education; so
it's a big market.
Brian: Barry Clark with the Oklahoma department of commerce is the director
of global business services and says, currently Canada and the
United Kingdom make up 41% of total exports, but Asia is becoming the next hot
spot for industry growth.
Clark: China is a growing market; with industry projections at 27,000 new
airplanes, we'll need to be on the market in the next 18 to 20 years.
Brian: Which is why companies, and three different Oklahoma cities
traveled this fall to Hong Kong for the Asian Aerospace show.
Steve Glimme with American Airlines maintenance and repair operations.
Steve Glimme: The Asian market is not only important for American
Airlines, but a lot of aerospace companies here in the United States.
For us, we are already working with several Chinese companies brining
their component work here to American in Tulsa, digital flight data
displays and other avionics components.
But their market is growing rapidly, and this is a great time and a
great opportunity for us to get in there, because there might not be other
vendors and MRO's that can provide the services that we can.
Brian: Oklahoma ranks among the top six global hubs for airplane
maintenance and repair, and American Airlines employs 7,000 at its
facility in Tulsa.
Glimme says even though they are an ocean away, they still have the
ability to meet all of Asia's needs.
Glimme: Even though they would have to ship their parts to the United
States, we can still provide great services, great pricing, and again
an opportunity that they may not be able to find locally.
Brian: The demand for maintenance and repair operations are expected to
reach 58-billion dollars; and according to Clark, Oklahoma has a lot to
gain, just by producing American made products.
Clark: And still U S made is still the gold standard around the world, and
companies from Asia to Europe to Latin America are all looking for that
made in USA seal, and it is something that still holds a lot of value for
our partners and for our suppliers around the world.
Brian: Giving Oklahoma an edge in a soaring export market.