The Air Capital of the World was on full display at this year's Farnborough International Airshow, with leaders and delegates from all levels of government, academic institutions, businesses, and non-profit organizations attending to bolster partnerships and promote business opportunities in the Wichita region and across the state. 

On Sunday, the Greater Wichita Partnership hosted a reception with 2023 WAC Trophy recipient U.S. Senator Jerry Moran as the honorary host. The annual event brought together 450 leaders across industry, government, and academia – the largest attendance since its inception at the Paris Air Show in 2019. Attendees included private sector company leaders, United States Senators, the Secretary of the Air Force, and other officials from the Department of Defense, NASA, and the Federal Aviation Administration.  

The Kansas delegation also included Gov. Laura Kelly, Wichita Mayor Lily Wu, Sedgwick County Commissioner Pete Meitzner, Wichita State University President Dr. Rick Muma, National Institute for Aviation Research (NIAR) Executive Director Dr. John Tomblin, and WSU Tech President Dr. Sheree Utash. During the airshow, the delegation met with international businesses to showcase the strengths and talents of the Kansas aviation sector and our region's workforce.

Wichita Aero Club (WAC) President Nicole Alexander attended the airshow and connected with aviation partners to promote WAC and Wichita's strengths in aviation. WAC Board Member Tracee Friess with NIAR was also at the airshow.