The Aerospace Industries Association is joining international aviation’s most prominent organizations to highlight a special new report just released by the International Civil Aviation Organization on Aviation Benefits. The report provides invaluable data and perspectives on the unique ways in which aviation fosters enhanced and sustainable prosperity, as well as critical steps governments can take to maximize air transportation benefits.
 
“AIA is pleased to take part in the joint rollout of this important new report,” said AIA President and CEO David F. Melcher. “Our industry is a powerful driver for international trade and economic growth; this report quantifies how we can work with governments to stimulate the economy, expand trade and create more high-skill, high-wage jobs.”
 
Aerospace manufacturing is a critical component of the benefits generated by the free flow of goods and people through air transportation. Our industry is fully committed to developing innovative new technologies that boost efficiency, reduce costs, lower fuel burn and emissions, and allow for growth and expansion of aviation.
 
The aerospace and defense industry contributes the largest positive trade balance of any U.S. industry – more than $90 billion in 2016 – and supports more than 2.4 million jobs in the United States, including 13 percent of our nation’s manufacturing workforce. With the kinds of government-industry partnerships described in this report, our industry has great potential to do even more.
 
Aimed mainly at government leaders and national planners, the report maintains that governments can only optimize aviation’s essential benefits for their citizens and businesses by addressing the sector’s infrastructure and resource needs in their national development strategies.
 
The new publication is available on the AIA website here.