SEATAC--The numbers show why aerospace is so important to Washington state.

About 100,000 direct jobs come from the aerospace and air transportation industry -- the state's largest employer.

Workers involved in aerospace manufacturing in Washington -- most of whom work for The Boeing Co. -- earned an average of $83,370 last year, which was more than double the average of all state workers.

These were some of the statistics cited Monday when Boeing's top executive in the state, the governor, state legislative leaders and members of the state's congressional delegation met with industry representatives to kick off a new alliance that will be an advocate for aerospace in Washington state.

Sen. Patty Murray, D-Wash., told them the Aerospace Futures Alliance will become the "12th man" for the industry here, referring to fan support for the Super Bowl-bound Seattle Seahawks.

"This is going to be a powerful new voice," she said of the alliance. Other speakers also used a few football references in describing how the alliance plans to raise the visibility of Washington's aerospace industry and be its advocate from Olympia to the halls of Congress. "We are going to build a championship team to represent you," said Bob Drewel, executive director of the Puget Sound Regional Council, which has been closely involved in the Prosperity Partnership, a coalition of government, business, labor and community leaders from King, Kitsap, Pierce and Snohomish counties.

The Aerospace Futures Alliance originated from work done by the Prosperity Partnership over the last few years.

"It is a great opportunity for us in Washington state to highlight what we have in aerospace," Gov. Christine Gregoire said of the new alliance.

The governor said she is frustrated whenever she hears someone say that aerospace is a "sunset" industry.

"Aerospace manufacturing is an industry of the future," she said. "We need to get the word out across the state and across the nation. It is an industry of tomorrow."

In 2003, the state approved a $3.2 billion package of tax breaks and other incentives to help persuade Boeing to build its 787 Dreamliner in Everett. Boeing was considering an assembly site in the South. In approving the incentive package, state lawmakers hoped key Boeing suppliers would follow the 787 to Everett. They have not.

Last year, Governor, Gregoire led a state delegation to Europe during the Paris Air Show to talk with some of those suppliers.

She said Monday that of 11 companies with which she and the delegation met on last year's trip, "negotiations" are continuing with as many as five or six about shifting work to the state or expanding what the suppliers already do here.

Thanks in part to solid sales for the 787, Boeing is coming off a record sales year for its commercial jets, which are assembled in Renton and Everett.

Alan Mulally, president and chief executive of Boeing Commercial Airplanes, echoed Gregoire in saying the future of the aerospace industry here is bright. "We have the best years ahead of us," he said.

"Right now, we are in the best position we have ever been in," Mulally said of Boeing's commercial airplanes business.

He noted two "big" Boeing projects of the future -- a tanker for the Air Force and an eventual replacement for the 737. The Pentagon is expected to announce soon whether it will go ahead with a tanker competition between Boeing and the European Aeronautic Defense and Space Co., the majority owner of Airbus. A 737 replacement is not expected until 2012 to 2015.

"I welcome the challenge to compete with Airbus," Mulally said. "I have no fear. I am nervous. Am I afraid? Never. We absolutely know how to build the best planes in the world."

But he said Boeing must improve its competitiveness year after year.

Mulally also could not resist a reference to the Seahawks and their big win Sunday against the Carolina Panthers. He noted that the Seahawks travel in a Boeing 757.

The Panthers arrived in Seattle, he said, on an A321 -- made by Airbus.(14)

GO SEAHAWKS!!!!

It is SEAHAWKS season and Washington Spirit goes all over the places include The Boeing Company's SEAHAWKS day blue outfit day and tailgate parties, Minister's SEAHAWKS' Cheer announcement at the church, restaruants' SEAHAWKS menu, decorations, and Washington Senators' excitment!!!!

Senator Patty Muray's news release: In anticipation of a big win at Super Bowl XL, Senator Cantwell and Patty Murray placed a friendly wager on the game with Senator Rick Santorum (R-PA) – a big Steelers fan. Senator Cantwell and Senator Murray are offering up some of Washington state’s finest – smoked salmon, apples and coffee. Senator Santorum is wagering some of his home state goods – pierogies and hot wings. Senator Cantwell and Senator Patty Murray are looking forward to a meal of Pittsburgh treats on Feb 6th.

The Steelers have had a great season, but what they don’t have is the 12th man. And it’s that great Washington state spirit that will be with the Seahawks as they win big on Super Bowl Sunday, GO SEAHAWKS, GO WASHINGTON!!!!

In the mean time, State leaders, industry form aerospace alliance Group advocated for production here in Washington.

Speaking of production, the 1992 agreement was negotiated, Airbus accounted for only about 30 percent of the global market. It now represents more than 50 percent of this market. Clearly, the 1992 agreement has outlived its usefulness.

The United States is further concerned that the measures appear to be causing adverse effects to US in a manner contrary to the provisions of Articles 5 and 6 of the SCM Agreement. (3)