JACKSON (AP) — Mississippi Gov. Haley Barbour says he's traveling to Paris late Saturday for economic development.

Barbour told The Associated Press on Friday he and Alabama Gov. Bob Riley will attend the Paris Air Show and meet with officials from EADS, a European company trying to land a $35 billion U.S. Air Force contract.

EADS proposes building factory in Mobile, Ala., to manufacture jets, and Barbour says Mississippi residents could get jobs there.

Some Mississippi legislators have criticized Barbour for leaving the state while the budget is unresolved. Barbour plans to call a special budget session before the fiscal year begins July 1.

Barbour spoke Friday from New York, where he will attend a Mississippi picnic Saturday in Central Park.