Fair Access Paves Path for America’s Global Aviation Leadership

By Todd Tiahrt | Wednesday, December 4, 2025

As a former Congressman representing Kansas’s Fourth Congressional District, the heart of the “Air Capital” Wichita, I’ve seen firsthand how vital fair trade practices are to sustaining our nation’s aerospace industry.

Generations of Kansans have built their careers designing, machining and assembling aircraft that connect communities worldwide. That success didn’t happen by chance—it was built on American innovation, skilled workers and a commitment to fair competition.

The Trump administration has consistently championed expanding America’s exports abroad. In his remarks at Quantico last September 30th, President Donald Trump highlighted major aerospace purchases from U.S. manufacturers with pride. His declaration that “they ordered 200 planes” reflects an understanding of how removing unnecessary trade barriers keeps American aviation leading.

The Agreement on Trade in Civil Aircraft has been essential to our nation’s success in this sector. Kansas’s own Sen. Bob Dole recognized decades ago that it provided expanded opportunities for the aircraft industry here, which was already the state’s leading industrial exporter. This agreement created a stable system allowing global growth while ensuring affordability and safety.

These improvements aren’t relics from another era—they remain essential to maintaining America’s aviation standing today. The Agreement provides manufacturers with certainty they need to manage complex supply chains and focus on innovation rather than navigating protectionist schemes.

The core principle remains clear: removing trade barriers is vital for developing world-class aircraft manufacturing. Precision scheduling, specialized suppliers and global partnerships require predictability that this agreement ensures.

Every wing assembled in Wichita reflects a century-long legacy of pride, skill and craftsmanship passed from generation to generation. These workers help maintain thousands of local machine shops, schools and families across our community ecosystem.

Today’s industry supports two million American jobs directly or indirectly—engineers, machinists, technicians and more. Our workforce has consistently shown that American-made aviation sets global standards for quality and safety.

These policies aren’t political—they’re about recognizing what makes America successful in aviation: innovation and reliability. We build some of the most advanced aircraft while depending on a network of trusted partners to meet highest standards.

If you question how targeted fair-trade policies benefit workers, visit Wichita’s machine shops or hangars. You’ll hear generations’ pride firsthand as they transform aluminum into machines that shrink distances every day.

As we move forward with international engagements, preserving this longstanding commitment to aviation trade is essential—not just for our economy but for America’s future in the skies.