One East Kentucky Meets With Global Aerospace Leaders at ILA Berlin

Colby Kirk, CEO of One East Kentucky, traveled to Germany in early June to attend ILA Berlin, an aerospace tradeshow with a century of history. More than 750 exhibitors and 100,000 visitors attended this year’s event, representing 37 countries. This is an invaluable global conference to highlight opportunities in Eastern Kentucky and grow the aerospace industry here.

“There is a tremendous amount of potential for aerospace manufacturing in our region,” says Kirk. “My goal in attending this conference is to meet with as many companies as possible that are looking to expand.”

The first three days of the conference were focused exclusively on business development and product demonstrations. The final two days, Saturday and Sunday, were open to the public. This conference occurs every other year, which is why it was important for Kirk to attend in 2026. 

ILA Berlin is Built With Networking in Mind

It’s easy to get caught up in the world of aerospace innovation and technology, but ILA had a clear agenda to help decision-makers focus on potential partnerships and opportunities. It had dedicated networking and matchmaking events to help companies find vendors, suppliers, and resources. This allowed Kirk to meet with companies that were focused on expansion and were ready to talk.

One East Kentucky leveraged relationships with organizations like Research FDI and the Southern Economic Development Council to set up more than a dozen meetings throughout the event where Kirk had an opportunity to present on the merits of doing business in Eastern Kentucky to companies that have plans to expand or relocate operations in the future.

Aerospace is a Growing Industry in Kentucky

Kentucky makes sense for aerospace investment and manufacturing. The state’s economic development team recently shared just how important aerospace is to the region:

• Kentucky currently hosts 100 aerospace and aviation companies, which employ a total of 23,000 people.
• In the past decade, roughly 40 aerospace-related projects were announced and launched in Kentucky, creating 2,800 jobs and totaling more than $1.1 billion in investment. 
• In 2024 alone, Kentucky exported nearly $19 billion in aerospace products and parts.

The global aerospace market is expected to grow from $434.17 billion in 2026 to $846.30 billion by 2035. As demand for commercial and defense parts grows, Kentucky is poised to support new and expanding companies in the industry. Eastern Kentucky, in particular, is ready to embrace this industry. 

Eastern Kentucky Has a Clear Value Proposition

The nine counties that comprise Eastern Kentucky have dedicated time and resources to create viable properties for manufacturing investment. The Kentucky Product Development Initiative (KPDI) and Abandoned Mine Lands Economic Revitalization (AMLER) funding has allowed various municipalities to remediate land, conduct engineering studies, build infrastructure, and invest in spec buildings.

“The industrial sites we bring to the table are ready for development,” says Kirk. “Companies can create fast timelines where their facilities are operational in a few months because they aren’t going to get caught up in land modifications or permitting.”

Beyond access to shovel-ready land, Eastern Kentucky also offers an ample labor force. It has skilled workers ready to step into new roles and upskill into the manufacturing industry. There are also multiple training partners that colleges can work with to develop programs and curricula. One site in Johnson County is located one mile from Big Sandy Community and Technical College.

One East Kentucky also introduced the International Landing Zone concept to several prospects. “It’s very common for international companies making their first US investment to start small with a sales office and less than 10,000 sq ft for warehousing or production,” says Kirk. “ILZ will be ready for its first tenants later this year, and many of the companies we met with at ILA were interested in this facility.”

Grow With Eastern Kentucky 

ILA Berlin is just one conference Kirk attended this year. He meets with business leaders across the globe, working with American-based companies and international businesses looking to expand to the United States. Decision-makers are starting to notice Eastern Kentucky, and new projects are on the way.

Learn more about One East Kentucky and the nine counties that comprise this region. Reach out today to discuss your aerospace and aviation projects and see how this community can help you meet your manufacturing needs.