Even as they try desperately to hang on to Boeing, officials in Washington state have been courting the main competitor of the aerospace giant.
During the past several months, state officials have traveled to the U.S. headquarters of Airbus SAS in Virginia, moved to connect Airbus with Washington state suppliers, and signed a five-year confidentiality agreement with the company to allow further exploration of business opportunities, according to records obtained by The Associated Press under public disclosure laws.
In a confidential memo provided to Gov. Jay Inslee in July, state officials described dozens of potential ways to expand or recruit aerospace businesses in the state. At the top of the memo was Airbus, described as just one of a few major opportunities.
Alex Pietsch, top aerospace adviser to the governor, said the talks with Airbus are not an attempt to replace Boeing. But a new relationship with another industry player would help diversify the state's aerospace economy and provide new opportunities for suppliers that are largely dependent on Boeing, he said.
"Just because we have had a near 100-year history with the Boeing Co. doesn't mean we can't work with others," Pietsch said.
Read more: Washington state courts Airbus amid Boeing tension
During the past several months, state officials have traveled to the U.S. headquarters of Airbus SAS in Virginia, moved to connect Airbus with Washington state suppliers, and signed a five-year confidentiality agreement with the company to allow further exploration of business opportunities, according to records obtained by The Associated Press under public disclosure laws.
In a confidential memo provided to Gov. Jay Inslee in July, state officials described dozens of potential ways to expand or recruit aerospace businesses in the state. At the top of the memo was Airbus, described as just one of a few major opportunities.
Alex Pietsch, top aerospace adviser to the governor, said the talks with Airbus are not an attempt to replace Boeing. But a new relationship with another industry player would help diversify the state's aerospace economy and provide new opportunities for suppliers that are largely dependent on Boeing, he said.
"Just because we have had a near 100-year history with the Boeing Co. doesn't mean we can't work with others," Pietsch said.
Read more: Washington state courts Airbus amid Boeing tension
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