OAI Member Spotlight: BritishAmerican Business

The Ohio Aerospace Institute (OAI) is proud to spotlight the British American Business (BAB), a key organization and collaborator to OAI that is fostering transatlantic collaboration in aerospace, defense, and beyond. Representing both the American Chamber of Commerce UK and the British Chamber of Commerce USA, BAB plays a vital role in strengthening the US-UK economic corridor and advancing industry partnerships with government entities. 

While BAB works across a range of sectors, the organization has placed a strong emphasis on the aerospace and defense industry, highlighted in its 2024-25 Policy Agenda. BAB actively engages with major defense primes, innovative SMEs, US and UK airlines, and government entities—including the US Embassy in London and the British Embassy in Washington, DC—to facilitate meaningful dialogue and partnerships. These collaborative efforts are particularly crucial in addressing industry challenges, notably the implementation of AUKUS, and fostering cooperation on next-generation technologies. 

Aligned with OAI’s mission to drive aerospace innovation and economic development, BAB supports the advancement of emerging technologies, sustainable aviation, and advanced air mobility in the aerospace economy. One of its key advocacy areas includes promoting investment in lower-carbon technologies, such as Sustainable Aviation Fuels (SAF), an initiative reinforced through a BAB SAF Policy Paper developed in collaboration with Virgin Atlantic. 

For Paige Yepko, manager of Member Relations and Engagement at BAB, the organization’s mission is personal. A Northeast Ohio native, Paige has seen firsthand how strong US-UK partnerships drive innovation and aerospace leadership in the region. Now based in London, her professional role and personal connections—including her husband’s work with United Airlines, an American-headquartered carrier—embody the deep economic and cultural links between the two nations. 

” Our partnership with the Ohio Aerospace Institute facilitates meaningful engagement with the region’s aerospace leaders and innovators,” said Yepko. “OAI’s network allows us to strengthen transatlantic ties, create new opportunities for industry partnerships, and support the continued growth of aerospace and defense initiatives between the US and UK.” 

We look forward to continued collaboration with BritishAmerican Business and its members to drive growth, innovation, and cross-border partnerships in aerospace and defense. 

To learn more about the Ohio Aerospace Institute member benefits, contact: Kim Holizna, managing director of Global Development and Programs, here. 

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About Parallax Advanced Research & The Ohio Aerospace Institute   

Parallax Advanced Research is a 501(c)(3) private nonprofit research institute that tackles global challenges through strategic partnerships with government, industry, and academia. It accelerates innovation, addresses critical global issues, and develops groundbreaking ideas with its partners. With offices in Ohio and Virginia, Parallax aims to deliver new solutions and speed them to market. In 2023, Parallax and the Ohio Aerospace Institute formed a collaborative affiliation to drive innovation and technological advancements in Ohio and for the nation. The Ohio Aerospace Institute plays a pivotal role in advancing the aerospace industry in Ohio and the nation by fostering collaborations between universities, aerospace industries, and government organizations, and managing aerospace research, education, and workforce development projects. More information on both organizations can be found at Parallax and OAI websites.