PHOENIX, AZ (June 12, 2026)  – With rapid momentum across Arizona’s dynamic aerospace and defense ecosystem, Airbus, a global aerospace and defense leader, and the Arizona Commerce Authority (ACA), hosted Airbus Supplier Day on June 12, 2026.

Governor Katie Hobbs joined Robin Hayes, Chairman and CEO of Airbus in North America; Sharon Green, CEO of Unical; Sandra Watson, President and CEO of the Arizona Commerce Authority; Representative Greg Stanton; Representative David Schweikert; Phoenix Mayor Kate Gallego and over 60 A&D suppliers for Airbus Supplier Day, showcasing the strength and depth of the state’s aerospace and defense supply chain.

Since 2020, Arizona has attracted more than 62 aerospace and defense industry expansions, representing over $3.3 billion in investment and more than 18,400 new jobs.

“Events like this show the power of collaboration and why Arizona continues to be at the forefront of aerospace innovation and growth,” said Governor Katie Hobbs. “Suppliers are building the systems, technologies, and solutions that keep our state competitive and help power the global aerospace industry. Thank you to the Airbus team for your investment and partnership.”

“Airbus is proud to be growing both jobs and suppliers here in Arizona,” said Robin Hayes, Chairman and CEO of Airbus in North America. “From our most recent acquisition of Unical Aviation and its 300 jobs in Glendale, to our aircraft production ramp-up creating additional work and jobs for our suppliers, Airbus’ growth is helping Arizona’s world-class aerospace ecosystem fly.”

“We’re proud to welcome more than 50 Arizona aerospace and defense suppliers at Airbus Supplier Day,” said Sandra Watson, President and CEO of the Arizona Commerce Authority. “These suppliers underscore the depth, capability, and momentum of Arizona’s A&D ecosystem - one of the most dynamic and competitive in the nation.”
  

Background on Airbus
Satair, an Airbus company, recently announced the successful completion of its acquisition of aircraft supplier Unical Aviation Inc. and its subsidiary ecube, located in Glendale and Coolidge respectively.

Arizona’s robust A&D ecosystem
Arizona’s robust A&D ecosystem includes global leaders and innovators, spanning over 1,200 companies statewide that create over 65,000 direct jobs, generate $30.6 billion in economic impact, and $5.4 billion in annual exports.

Arizona is ranked No. 1 for concentration of guided missile and space vehicle manufacturing in the nation by Lightcast, and ranks third in the U.S. for aerospace manufacturing attractiveness, highlighting the state’s leadership in aerospace innovation and investments in A&D technology and workforce development. The state is also ranked Top 5 in the nation for the largest A&D manufacturing employment, according to Lightcast. 

To promote Arizona’s growing A&D industry, the ACA will lead a delegation of local industry and economic development leaders at the Farnborough International Airshow in July.

Media Contact

Alyssa Tufts, Arizona Commerce Authority, [email protected]

About the Arizona Commerce Authority
The Arizona Commerce Authority (ACA) is the state's leading economic development organization with a streamlined mission to grow and strengthen Arizona's economy. The ACA uses a three-pronged approach to advance the overall economy: attract, expand, create - attract out-of-state companies to establish operations in Arizona; work with existing companies to expand their business in Arizona and beyond; and help entrepreneurs create new Arizona businesses in targeted industries. For more information, please visit azcommerce.com and follow the ACA on X @azcommerce.