In June 2025, the Business Development Board of Martin County (BDBMC) made a strategic investment in our community’s future by sending me, Troy McDonald, Director of Business Retention and Expansion, to represent Martin County at the world’s premier aerospace exhibition: the Paris Air Show.
Held at Le Bourget Airport just outside of Paris, this extraordinary event is the largest and most influential gathering in the aerospace industry. It featured more than 2,400 exhibiting companies from 48 countries, 155 aircraft on display, and welcomed over 305,000 attendees, including nearly 140,000 trade professionals from around the world. No other event matches its scale, influence, and ability to bring together decision-makers in aviation, aerospace, and defense.
For Martin County, participation was about more than simply attending. It was about showcasing our strengths, promoting our economic assets, and building the critical relationships that fuel growth and opportunity in our region.
Thank You to Our Partners
This international outreach effort would not have been possible without the generous support of our Paris Air Show Aerospace and Aviation Partners. Their commitment to Martin County’s future made our participation in the 2025 Paris Air Show a success.
Aerospace Partners
• Economic Council of Martin County
• Ashley Capital
• Value Tool and Engineering
Aviation Partners
• Stuart Martin Chamber of Commerce
• Indiantown Chamber of Commerce
• Jensen Beach Chamber of Commerce
• The Gunster Law Firm
Their partnership made it possible for us to represent Martin County on a global stage and strengthen our community’s position within the aerospace industry. We are proud to have them as collaborators in our mission to grow and diversify our local economy.
Martin County’s Moment on the Global Stage
At the heart of our mission was deepening our relationship with Daher Aerospace, the largest aerospace employer in Martin County. The Paris Air Show offered an invaluable opportunity to engage directly with Daher’s senior leadership including their Chairman and CEO Didier Kayat and other key executives.
Our meetings with Daher produced several major outcomes. First, their team expressed a strong interest in developing a local supplier network around their Stuart operations. They also showed renewed enthusiasm for exploring Martin County’s existing aerospace cluster, which they had not fully realized how extensive it is. The BDBMC used this moment to provide strategic insights and introduce the possibility of growing an entire ecosystem that supports their manufacturing needs.
Daher also recognized the REACH Center, Martin County’s advanced workforce training facility, as a key asset for future expansion. They shared interest in exploring the benefits of a Foreign Trade Zone designation to enhance global logistics. Each of these conversations builds momentum that we believe will lead to meaningful economic opportunities in the near future.
Martin County Engaged with State Leadership
Martin County was honored to be present in private meetings between Daher Aerospace leadership and Florida Governor Ron DeSantis, Secretary of Commerce J. Alex Kelly, and Secretary of Transportation Justin Purdue. These important discussions were largely centered on Daher’s plans for their facility in Stuart. Highlighting the strategic advantages of our region, discussing future expansion opportunities, and share concerns that are critical to the long-term success of Daher.
These engagements affirmed that Martin County is not only aligned with the state’s economic development goals but is also being recognized as an essential partner in Florida’s aerospace strategy.
Results that Matter
This trip was about outcomes, and the return on investment was undeniable.
We significantly strengthened our relationship with Daher Aerospace. We raised the profile of Martin County with both state and global aerospace stakeholders. We gained insights into supplier priorities, production timelines, and business development needs.
The BDBMC’s approach to economic development is proactive and forward-thinking. Rather than waiting for businesses to find us, we go out and make the case for why they should consider Martin County. That strategy was on full display in Paris.
What This Means for Martin County
The Paris Air Show gave us a front-row seat to the future of aerospace and positioned Martin County as an engaged and competitive player in the industry. By leveraging the connections and knowledge gained at the show, we are better equipped to support existing employers, attract new businesses, and foster a thriving economic environment.
Whether it is through supplier recruitment, local ecosystem development, or building strategic partnerships, we are committed to delivering real results for the people and businesses of Martin County. We will continue to follow up with the companies and leaders we met in Paris and invite them to visit and explore what our community has to offer.
The BDBMC’s presence at the 2025 Paris Air Show was a major step forward. It was a signal to the world that Martin County is ready to grow our aerospace cluster. We are excited about what will come next and grateful to the partners who helped make this journey possible.
The Paris Air Show was a launchpad. And Martin County is ready for takeoff.
