MI: Aerospace Leaders Discuss Innovation, Manufacturing, R&D at AIAM AeroOne Summit in Detroit

Aerospace leaders from across the nation gathered in downtown Detroit recently to discuss the future of aerospace at the second annual AeroOne summit hosted by the Aerospace Industry Association of Michigan (AIAM). Top space, defense, and aerospace suppliers and thought leaders gathered to network and discuss current and future opportunities in aerospace. Leaders from global Tier 1 OEMs such as Airbus, Boeing, Eaton, Woodward, and Pratt & Whitney freely shared their strategies, outlooks, and supply chain challenges, and educated suppliers on their procurement practices.

During the three-day event, attendees gained insight on how to solve problems they may face today, and also discovered innovative concepts that may direct the industry's future. Such topics included electrification, the space economy, digital engineering, leveraging space resources, partnering with Tier 1s, sustainability, aircraft MRO, advanced air mobility, transitioning from auto to aero, and other innovative topics.

“AeroOne gives us an exceptional opportunity to break down access barriers between big and smaller companies and give them a place to connect, learn and grow in the industry,” explained AIAM President Tony Vernaci. AeroOne’s multi-format design included networking events, collaborative work groups, expert panels, and an exhibit area.

New this year was the inclusion of the first-of-its-kind Aerospace Roundtables and additional networking events, which allowed attendees to collaborate directly with OEM/Tier 1 companies on potential solutions to real-life industry challenges.

Key AeroOne companies and speakers included:

• Aerodynamic Advisory, including Managing Director, Richard Aboulafia; Senior Associate, Mike Cisek; Managing Director, Dr. Kevin Michaels; and Senior Associate, Martha Neubauer
• Airbus Americas, Elise Charbonneau, Head of Procurement
• AIR (Aerospace Intelligence LLC), Michel Merluzeau, Director, Market Analysis & Strategy Commerical & Defense Markets
• Alton Aviation, Jonathan Berger, Managing Director
• Array of Engineers, Stacy Paul, Chief Executive Officer
• Autocam Medical, Sara McMurray, Vice President of Sales & Marketing
• Aviation Week & Space Technology, Joe Anselmo, Editor in Chief
• Aviation Week Network, Michael Bruno, Executive Editor – Business
• Bank Of America Securities Global Research, Dr. Ronald J. Epstein, Managing Director
• Barnes Aerospace, Bill Gonet, Vice President of Sales, Marketing and RSP Programs
• Belcan, Kimberly Harrington, Chief Information Officer
• Boeing, Erik Zahn, Senior Manager, Supply Chain Strategy
• Brian Foley Associations, Brian Foley, Founder
• Defense Logistics Agency at the US Department of Defense, Dwight D. Deneal, Director, Office of Small Business Programs
• Duncan Aviation, Andy Richards, Chief Operating Officer – Business & GA
• Eaton Aerospace, Tomasina Bailey, Vice President of Engineering
• Electra.Aero, Ben Marchionna, Director of Technology & BD
• Eviation, Greg Davis, Chief Executive Officer
• Liebherr-Aerospace & Transportation SAS, Alex Vlienlander, Chief Customer Officer
• JR Automation, Ben Garvelink, General Manager
• Michigan Technological University, Paul van Susante, Assistant Professor, Mechanical Engineering
• Morgan Stanley, Kristine Liwag, Executive Director
• Orbion Space Technology, Dr. Brad King, Chief Executive Officer
• Orbitform Group, Bryan Wright, Vice President of Sales & Marketing
• Pratt & Whitney, Dave Parry, Vice President – Manufacturing & Assembly
• Rapita Systems, Dan McClung, Chief Executive Officer
• RBC Capital Markets, Ken Herbert, Managing Director and Aerospace & Defense Analyst
• RCO Engineering, Jeff Simek, General Manager
• Rolls-Royce Corporation, Kathryn Elliott, Defense Capability Manager
• State of Michigan, Garlin Gilchrist II, Lt. Governor
• University of Michigan, George Halow, Professor, Aerospace Engineering

“Aerospace is experiencing unprecedented growth, especially here in Michigan,” said Vernaci. “We’ll continue to ensure that AeroOne keeps pace with that growth. We welcome companies that may want to diversify their business and break into aerospace, or advance their company in the industry, to join us next year. The kind of collaboration we experience at AeroOne is critical for our the industry. It strengthens all of aerospace and reinforces Michigan’s role as a powerful industry leader.”