COLUMBIA, S.C. (AP) — South Carolina’s relationship with aerospace giant Boeing Co. opened doors for the state at a recent international airshow outside London, according to state Commerce Department officials.

“We have access, and we can make appointments with decision-making level people in a variety of companies that, in the past, apparently we had to beg and plead to get an appointment with anyone,” Deputy Commerce Secretary George Patrick told reporters during a conference call Thursday.