When 15 different states are competing to build the 777X, it’s tough to memorize all their names, much less how each state compares to the others.
Everett Herald reporter Dan Catchpole (with an assist from Jerry Cornfield) did all the homework for you.
The big Sunday story includes all kinds of information and analysis from independent aerospace experts who don’t have a dog in this fight. They make their living trying to predict what will actually happen.
Up to 15 states are expected to respond to Boeing’s request for proposals, which were due yesterday.
Here’s that list of states, according to Catchpole’s story: “Based on reporting by The Herald and other media, the states to be considered will be Washington, Alabama, California, Utah, Texas, Missouri, North Carolina, South Carolina and Pennsylvania. Wisconsin wasn’t contacted by Boeing but is making a bid.”
And here’s how those states compare in one handy map:
Click on the chart to go to the story — it’s all kinds of interactive on the Herald site itself.
As you can see from this quick look, the most competitive states are dark red: Washington, Georgia and Texas.
Here’s how Catchpole ranked the states. The business climate and freight mobility rankings were from 1 to 3, with 1 being the best.
Catchpole and the aerospace experts he interviewed broke it down even more, lining up each state with Boeing’s wish list. That list includes infrastructure that doesn’t happen overnight, such as a seaport, rail lines and a nearby airport with a long runway, plus access to a skilled workforce and a good business climate.
Those requirements hurt the chances of many states, say Catchpole and experts he interviewed. their conclusion? While Boeing welcomes the competition and options, the best option to build the 777X is still the first option: Everett, Washington.