Sean Ludwig
Former Senior Director, U.S. Chamber of Commerce

Published

August 05, 2025

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This fall, the U.S. Chamber’s 2025 Global Aerospace Summit will host consequential discussions on aviation and space, including on the building of defense systems like the Golden Dome and improving air traffic control nationwide. Taking place September 9 to 11 at the historic U.S. Chamber of Commerce headquarters in Washington, D.C., the event will offer an exclusive and intimate setting for important policy discussions and high-impact networking and dialogue, just across the street from the White House. 

With presenting sponsors Airbus and RTX, the event will bring together industry executives, government leaders, and other experts to address the sector's most pressing challenges and opportunities across the aviation and space sectors. The summit will cover a wide range of topics critical to the aerospace industry and the broader business community. 

“The Global Aerospace Summit gives the industry front row seats to policy decisions and innovations that will truly define the next era of aerospace,” U.S. Chamber Executive Director Kristine Zooberg said. 

Wide-Ranging Themes and Topics 

The Aerospace Summit will feature three days of programming on aviation, space, and defense.
The Aerospace Summit will feature three days of programming on aviation, space, and defense.

The Global Aerospace Summit is where policy meets innovation. It provides the business community with front-row seats to policy decisions, partnerships, and technological advancements. The event’s wide-ranging agenda ensures it will touch on issues impacting not only the aerospace sector but also the broader business landscape, including workforce development, supply chain resilience, and technological innovation. 

The first two days, September 9 and 10, will focus on commercial aviation and the future of flight. Key discussions will include advanced aerospace manufacturing, resilient supply chains, cutting-edge airport infrastructure, air traffic control modernization, and transformative technologies with advanced air mobility technologies like electric vertical takeoff and landing (eVTOL) aircraft. Workforce challenges and digital transformation will be woven throughout the discussions. 

The focus will shift to space and defense on the third day. Topics will include defense modernization, the incorporation of AI technologies in aerospace, the evolving role of space in global security, the proposed Golden Dome missile defense system, and the future of launch and lift. 

Influential Industry and Government Speakers 

a man and woman sitting in chairs
Speakers including United Airlines CEO Scott Kirby (right) will discuss the state of the airline industry and much more.

The summit boasts an impressive lineup of speakers, including some of the most influential names in the aerospace industry. Confirmed airline leaders include: 

  • Scott Kirby, CEO of United Airlines 
  • Joanna Geraghty, CEO of JetBlue, the first female CEO of a U.S. carrier 
  • Bob Jordan, CEO of Southwest Airlines
  • Greg Anderson, CEO of Allegiant Air 
  • Ben Minicucci, CEO of Alaska Airlines, will share insights following the company’s recent merger with Hawaiian Airlines 

Other notable speakers include:  

  • Guillaume Faury, CEO of Airbus 
  • Gov. Glenn Youngkin of Virginia 
  • Sen. Ted Cruz, Chairman of the Senate Committee on Commerce, Science, and Transportation 
  • FCC Chairman Brendan Carr 
  • Kevin Burke, President and CEO, Airports Council International 
  • Ross Perot Jr., new U.S. Chamber Board Chair, Chairman of Hillwood, and a pioneer in aviation 

A High-Flying Networking Opportunity 

a group of people sitting in a room
Hundreds of high-level aviation and space professionals will convene at the Global Aerospace Summit.

The widely attended Global Aerospace Summit offers ample opportunity to connect with colleagues and industry leaders.  

“Each year, attendees emphasize the value of the networking opportunities—and it keeps them coming back,” Zooberg said. “It's exciting to convene such a high-caliber audience coming together to forge meaningful connections.” 

The summit fosters collaboration and the exchange of ideas, providing a space where business leaders and government officials can engage in meaningful discussions about innovation, regulation, and global competitiveness.  

This year’s expanded three-day format ensures even more opportunities for participants to build relationships and explore partnerships. 

About the author

Sean Ludwig