Raytheon Welcomes TARC Winners to Paris

The winning Team America Rocketry Challenge squad from Madison West High School in Madison, Wisconsin arrived in Paris Thursday, along with the winning team from the UK. Check out the Madison West team blog, which chronicles the trip from the students' perspective.  

Officials from Raytheon honored the students at a reception Thursday evening. Raytheon sponsored the trip for TARC’s first prize, part of the company's ongoing committment to excite students about math and science. 

American and British Rocketry Champions Pose at Welcome Dinner

The dinner was also to express AIA’s appreciation of the U.S. military air crews that take part in the show. The crews brought their aircraft from all over the world, and have spent their time in Paris showcasing American technology to AIA member companies, the international press, and the general public.

Air Force Secretary Michael Donley Visits Air Crew, Tours Corral

Secretary of the Air Force Michael Donley paid a visit to the U.S. military air crews and support staff who were on temporary duty at the Paris Air Show Wednesday. Secretary Donley greeted members of the armed services who were manning the aircraft on display for the week, and made the rounds of the corral.

Secretary Donley Meeting with U.S. Embassy staff in front of AIA Chalet

Staff Prepare the Reception Area at the AIA Chalet

AIA Chalet Hub of Air Show Activity

AIA's chalet was once again fully booked on Tuesday, the second full day of the Paris Air Show. An anchor for the U.S. military presence at the air show, the chalet also serves as a meeting point for all of AIA's member companies. Aerospace supplier companies were invited to tour the corral and to view the air show from AIA's patio. Many suppliers attended, enjoying flight demonstrations by a variety of aircraft.

AIA Chalet's Patio Was a Meeting Place for Aerospace Suppliers Tuesday

U.S. companies again exhibited their wares, featuring new technologies in the pavilions and chalets, and demonstrating aircraft capabilities for throngs of visiting trade representatives.

Boeing F/A-18E/F Super Hornet

Lockheed Martin C-130J Hercules

Lockheed Martin F-16C Fighting Falcon

In addition to a full line-up of activity inside the chalet, AIA arranged corral tours, one of the most sought-after experiences of the air show. AIA welcomed government officials, member company executives, and aerospace engineering students to walk among the aircraft on display, with opportunities to climb into cockpits, explore the cargo bays, and inspect the engines of many planes.

Centennial International Paris Air Show Opens at Le Bourget Airport

The International Paris Air Show opened to trade visitors Monday amid fanfare celebrating the show's 100th anniversary. Members of the U.S. congressional delegation, including president's representative Sen. Daniel Inouye, attended the kickoff ceremony held in the U.S. Pavilion. Sen. Inouye spoke at the event, citing aerospace as among the most important industries to America's economy.

(from left to right) AIA CEO and President Marion Blakey, U.S. Chargé d'Affaires Mark Pekala, Sen. Daniel Inouye, Air Force Secretary Michael Donley, and Kallman Associates President Jerry Kallman, Jr. cut the ribbon

On Sunday afternoon there were aerial shows featuring aircraft from the U.S. military corral. The Lockheed Martin F-16c Viper and the Boeing F/A-18f Super Hornet made special demo flights over the airshow facilities.

Also on Sunday, AIA hosted the U.S. Industry Reception at the Ambassador's Residence. Guests came to support the industry, which makes a strong showing as the single-largest national block represented at the air show.

AIA CEO and President Marion Blakey Offers Remarks as Chargé d'Affaires Mark Pekala Looks On

AIA Hosts Congressional Delegation at International Paris Air Show

A congressional delegation got an early start on touring the air show on Sunday, having lunch with air crews and visiting the U.S. military aircraft corral.  The group, led by Sen. Daniel Inouye of Hawaii, made several stops on their corral tour, the day before the official opening of the air show. Inouye was designated the official representative of President Obama at the show.

Joining Inouye were Senators James Inhofe of Oklahoma and Thad Cochran of Mississippi.

The group toured the U.S. Defense Department aircraft corral, starting with the AAI RQ-7 Shadow UAV, a reconnaisance aircraft deployed to Afghanistan and Iraq. The delegation also visited the Raytheon Patriot Missile, Lockheed Martin F-16c Viper, Boeing F-15e Strike Eagle, Lockheed Martin C-130j Hercules, Boeing C-17 Globemaster, Sikorsky HH-60 Pave Hawk, Northrop Grumman E-2c Hawkeye, Northrop Grumman C-2 Greyhound, Boeing F/A-18f Super Hornet, and Boeing UAV Scan Eagle.

Senator Inouye Greets Air Crew in U.S. Military Corral

Also Sunday, AIA sponsored a reception with the Society of Japanese Aerospace Companies, to celebrate the close ties between the U.S. and Japan. President and CEO Marion Blakey noted the great opportunity for U.S. and Japanese industry in the global marketplace, saying that Japan-U.S. cooperation in all sectors of aerospace - civil, defense, and space - will only grow stronger to the benefit of both countries.

AIA President & CEO Marion Blakey with SJAC Chairman Ikuo Mori, former AIA Chairman Clay Jones of Rockwell Collins and SJAC President Kosuke Imashimizu

Later AIA hosted a dinner that featured an address by Dominique Bussereau, the French Secretary of State in charge of Transports. Secretary Bussereau lauded the long-standing relationship between the two countries, highlighting many of our shared interests.