Aerospace Industries Association
Statement on the Death of Representative John Murtha
Representative John Murtha was a longtime leader in the House of Representatives with more than 35 years of service to his country. As a former Marine, he brought a strength and conviction to his position along with an abiding dedication to the men and women in uniform. Our condolences go to his family at this difficult time.
America Falling Further Behind in STEM Education
America is no longer a nation at risk, rather it is a “nation falling further behind,” in science and engineering education said Rick Stephens, Senior Vice President of Human Resources and Administration at The Boeing Company.
In testimony today before the House Science and Technology Subcommittee on Research and Science Education, Stephens highlighted the challenges facing the U.S. defense industrial base as it seeks to replenish the workforce with tens of thousands of engineers in the very near future.
“These are becoming difficult jobs to fill, not because there is a labor shortage but because there is a skills shortage,” Stephens said. “Our industry needs more innovative young scientists, technologists, engineers and mathematicians to replace baby boomers as they retire.”
Testifying on behalf of the Aerospace Industries Association, Stephens outlined proposals for Congress to strengthen undergraduate and graduate education in the STEM fields. Among these are encouraging and expanding retention programs for undergrads, addressing the critical shortage of well-qualified primary and secondary teachers in STEM disciplines and motivating pursuit of STEM careers through enhanced support of programs that provide hands-on experience that is directly transferable to the workplace.
Stephens chairs the AIA Workforce Steering Committee which is actively examining ways that the aerospace industry can strategically address STEM education, including coordination of STEM efforts within the industry, as well as coordinating with other industries such as information technology and health.
“If we in the United States hope to retain our nation’s leadership in science, technology and innovation, we must immediately address the looming STEM skills gap,” Stephens concluded.
Stephens’ full testimony can be viewed at www.aia-aerospace.org/newsroom/speeches_testimony/.
Opening Ceremony at Singpore Airshow
To the far right, President and CEO of AIA, Marion Blakey, participates in the ribbon cutting ceremony to commence the Singapore air show.
Statement on NASA Fiscal 2011 Budget Request
In this fiscal environment, the increase in the NASA budget reflects the Administration’s commitment to the value of space.
We are encouraged that the budget extends the International Space Station, funds valuable earth science missions, increases aeronautics funding, renews interest in technology development and innovation, and promotes commercial spaceflight alternatives.
Although investment in commercial space will create new opportunities, we are concerned that the cancellation of the Constellation program may have a lasting impact on our workforce and the unique skills they bring to our industrial base.
Terminated programs and shifting plans for U.S. human space exploration further demonstrate the need for a national space strategy, and the need to coordinate space efforts across all agencies at the highest level.
AIA Members Support Haiti Relief Efforts
American aerospace and defense companies produce thousands of air, land and sea systems and components used by first responders coming to the aid of citizens at risk in natural disasters - rescue helicopters, heavylift transports, naval vessels, communications equipment, water purification systems and more.
And the same aerospace and defense firms and their employees, it seems, are almost always in the forefront of cash donations to aid agencies providing supplies and shelter to those in need.
AIA’s members were in the forefront of efforts to help Haiti recover. Here's a snapshot of their contributions:
- BAE Systems, Inc.: The company is matching all contributions by U.S. employees to the American Red Cross Haiti Relief and Development Fund. As of early February, employees have contributed $350,000.
- The Boeing Company: More than $1.8 million has been committed to relief and rebuilding in Haiti, which includes up to $1 million in company matching funds.
- Bombardier: The J. Armand Bombardier Foundation and the Bombardier family donated $1.5 million to support relief efforts. A Bombardier Global aircraft was used in an emergency airlift with the Canadian Medical Assistance Teams.
- Eaton Corp.: Donated $100,000 to the American Red Cross International Disaster Relief Fund and will match employees’ donations to the United Way Worldwide Disaster Relief Fund.
- General Atomics Aeronautical Systems, Inc.: The Air Force deployed several of General Atomics’ MQ-1 Predator drones to provide overhead video imagery to support relief efforts.
- Gencorp (Aerojet): The GenCorp Foundation is matching employees’ donations to the American Red Cross Haitian Relief Fund to a maximum of $20,000.
- Harris: Provided medical supplies, communications equipment, meal rations and technical teams to help restore telecommunications connectivity for the military, relief agencies and others involved in recovery and rebuilding.
- Honeywell: Gulfstream V business jets delivered emergency medical supplies. The company has pledged $1 million to fund rebuilding projects, while employees have donated nearly $225,000, which the company will match.
- Jeppesen: Provided trip kits, flight and trip planning services and NavData navigational databases for aircraft operators delivering food, medicine and other supplies to Haiti.
- L-3 Communications: Donated aircraft and pilot time to deliver medical supplies in six to eight relief flights, carrying about 1,300 lbs. of medical supplies per trip.
- Lockheed Martin: The corporation donated $100,000 to the American Red Cross’s International Response Fund.
- Northrup Grumman: Contributed $500,000 through five agencies supporting the recovery effort and another $500,000 to an employee matching gift program.
- Parker Aerospace: Contributed equipment and supplies to the relief effort, including medical supplies and water desalinization systems. Also made substantial cash donations to Hands Together and Doctors Without Borders.
- Raytheon: Promoted charitable donations on its internal website and matched the first $100,000 of employees’ donations to relief efforts.
- Rockwell Collins: Flew a team of doctors to Miami to assist in relief efforts. Contributed $10,000 and encouraged employees to give through non-profits.
- Rolls-Royce: Encouraged individual contributions.
- Textron: Donated $50,000 to the American Red Cross International Relief Fund. Textron products – including Bell Helicopters, MV-22 Ospreys and Landing Craft Air Cushions, were shipped to Haiti to assist in recovery.
- United Technologies Corp.: Pledged up to $250,000 to match employee contributions to Red Cross relief efforts.
Statement on the Fiscal 2011 Defense Department Budget Request and Quadrennial Defense Review
The fiscal 2011 budget request for the Defense Department is a reasonable target that takes into account the very real demands that two ongoing wars make on our troops and the equipment that supports them. Even in today’s budget-reduction climate, it is extremely important that our nation stands firm behind those obligations.
Over the long term, we need to be especially mindful about maintaining and modernizing the equipment that gives our men and women in uniform the technological dominance they require on the battlefield of tomorrow as well as today.
Both the budget request and the Quadrennial Defense Review continue efforts to reform how DOD buys goods and services, with an emphasis on creating stability in requirements and cost. We’re looking forward to working with the department to create a more effective and efficient delivery of logistical support to our troops. This will continue our joint efforts for positive reform.
We’re also extremely heartened by the inclusion of a discussion of the industrial base in the QDR released today. For the first time since Congress mandated this report in 1996, the industrial base is cited as an important factor that must be considered in the department’s strategic planning.
The health of the industrial base is at the heart of our ability to supply our nation with the weapons systems it requires. We’re hopeful that DOD will take into account the need for greater investment in science, technology, engineering and mathematics education as industry recruits the future workforce. We’re also optimistic that the next step inclusion of industrial base considerations in program plans and policy will be executed as directed by the QDR.
Moreover, the QDR acknowledges the urgent need to reform the export control system, concluding that the proper remedy is fundamental and thorough restructuring. The issue is one of AIA’s long time priorities and we look forward to working on this important issue with DOD.
Director, Life Cycle Management
Purpose: This position is responsible for monitoring and addressing issues that relate to and impact on industry members in the two primary areas of product support and Engineering Management, and Quality Assurance. The product support area includes all phases of equipment and product life cycle support, including Integrated Logistics Support (ILS) policy, maintenance/depot maintenance, flexible sustainment, supply, spare parts, field support, technical publications, training, and so on. The engineering management focuses on design, manufacturing, reliability of products, and data interoperability and long-term storage. The quality assurance area includes all government relationships that affect product integrity and contribute to increased customer satisfaction. This position serves as the staff liaison to member bodies addressing these issues and to outside agencies.
Nature and Scope of Work: This position reports directly to the Assistant Vice President, Technical Operations.
This position is responsible for monitoring issues, regulations and developments as they relate to and impact on industry members in the areas of product support engineering management, and quality assurance in coordinating the activities of the committees, subcommittees, task groups and panels established to address these issues. These bodies may take the initiative to formulate positions to be presented to such federal agencies as DoD, NASA, EPA, DoL and GSA, as well as their various bureaus and commissions; or respond to government inquiries dealing with special areas of concern that require industry input. Some of these groups may have government, civilian, both domestic and international and/or military officials participating in or observing deliberations.
Serves as principal liaison to one or more member committees, subcommittees, panels and task forces. Works closely with the chairmen of executive and steering committees and key industry officials of these groups to identify and clarify issues. Provides assistance as well as technical advice. Participates in seeking industry consensus; drafting and refining AIA's positions on the various issues and topics under consideration; and in making these viewpoints known to appropriate agency officials.
Confers with various civilian and military officials within the administration and agencies to gain attention and favorable consideration of AIA's viewpoint on subjects of current interest. Arranges and coordinates joint government-industry working groups and project teams within assigned area of responsibility in order to gain consensus on major issues affecting the aerospace industry.
Occasionally attends congressional hearings to become aware of the legislative considerations impacting on the incumbent's areas specialization. Can assist the Office of Legislative Affairs in drafting testimony to be presented at such hearings.
Serves as a central resource person, and as such responds to inquiries from member companies, government officials and the public seeking information and background data on incumbent's areas of expertise. These inquiries can range from general questions to highly specific requests that may take days to assemble the required data and background information.
Makes all meeting arrangements for committees in areas of responsibility. This includes assisting in topic selection, development of background information and materials, selection of site and hotel/company facility, arranging for meeting and sleeping rooms and menus, taking minutes and finalizing these after comment, and approving expenses associated with each meeting.
Contributes articles and news items to the AIA newsletter highlighting issues and developments within own areas of expertise and responsibility. May also contribute to various government publications as requested.
As directed by the president, may serve as principal staff liaison to several Board of Governors ad hoc groups dealing with current industry issues.
Conducts several committee-generated surveys a year on topics of immediate interest. Gathers data compiled by the committees; formats, reproduces and distributes it to committees and other interested parties.
Develops and populates web sites within the AIA home page for product support and quality assurance.
Statement on President Obama’s State of the Union Address
We’re very pleased that President Obama is making it a priority this year to double exports, enforce trade agreements and reform export controls consistent with national security. Trade expansion and export control modernization are longtime priorities of AIA and recognition of their importance by the President sets a positive tone for action this year.
In particular, we’re looking forward to seeing the recommendations from the interagency working group that he established in August to undertake a comprehensive review of the U.S. export control system. Reforms of the system will grow high-skill, high-wage jobs, keep America's defense industrial base competitive and sustain its ability to provide America's military and our close allies with the best technology at the best price.
Among the notable omissions in the speech was any mention of aviation. In particular, the Next Generation Air Transportation System that will transform the way Americans travel as we replace the 1950s era radar-based system with a precision satellite-based system. It is infrastructure that is a major catalyst for jobs and should be included in any jobs bill.
AIA is squarely on the record with the facts: The total number of direct and indirect jobs generated by an approximate $6 billion investment in NextGen equipment is more than 150,000 through 2012, with 30,000 jobs generated the first year. According to our research, there are already 2,436 manufacturing, maintenance and installation facilities operating in every state of the union. Investment in NextGen will add more jobs to these already established and productive facilities.
Another notable omission was NASA and the future of our manned space program. While President Obama stressed the importance of technology and education to our competitiveness and economy, NASA is a key contributor to those fundamentals for our nation. A robust and well-funded space effort that includes a program of manned exploration beyond Low Earth Orbit is a wonderful source of inspiration for America’s youth to pursue high level science and technical education and careers. We must reach for the stars to provide that inspiration.
Finally, the President’s recognition of the need for small businesses to obtain credit is welcomed by all AIA members, but particularly by our smaller suppliers who have been stymied in their efforts to invest and innovate by a weak credit market. This, along with the tax proposals, will help small businesses boost our economy to health.
REACH Supplier Training Materials
Below are the draft updated materials used during the 2008 AIA REACH Supplier Training sessions. The intent of the presentations is to provide a general and simplified explanation of REACH as it pertains to the US aerospace industry. AIA members may use these documents within your companies. Use of these materials outside of AIA member companies should be done with prior approval from AIA.
- Section 1 - Introduction and What is REACH (PDF) (1,483k)
- Section 2 - REACH At a Glance (PDF) (1,169k)
- Section 3 - Digging Deeper into Registration (PDF) (519k)
- Section 4 - Digging Deeper into Authorization and Restriction (PDF) (249k)
- Section 5 - Digging Deeper into Communication and Notification (PDF) (179k)
- Section 6 - Management of REACH in the Aerospace Sector (PDF) (272k)
- Section 7 - What's New From 2008 (PDF) (323k)
- Section 8 - What Actions Should I Take (PDF) (284k)
- Section 9 - Further Information (PDF) (1,292k)
These presentations should not to be considered legal advice or guidance. Users are encouraged to visit the European Chemicals Agency Navigator website. This website was developed by ECHA to assist industry and authorities to understand and meet REACH obligations. The website is: http://guidance.echa.europa.eu/
Statement on Jobs for America
The economy in general and job creation in particular are expected to be front and center in President Obama’s State of the Union address tonight, highlighting the timeliness of a new report by the Milken Institute. Jobs for America says that more than 182,000 jobs could result from a $10.4 billion government investment in the Next Generation Air Transportation System.
NextGen is a solution at hand for our nation. The program is shovel ready and in addition to generating jobs will enhance the safety, security and environmental stewardship of our transportation system.
Jobs for America also calls out the value of aerospace manufacturing, which employs high-skilled labor and pays above average wages with an extensive value chain that stimulates many other manufacturing industries. According to our research, there are already 2,436 manufacturing, maintenance and installation facilities operating in every state of the union. Investment in NextGen will add more jobs to these already established and productive facilities.
Whether traveling to the corner store to pick up groceries or depending on a just-in-time shipment for a business project or manufacturing plant, aviation benefits all Americans, not just business and recreational travelers. As Congress and the administration develop a jobs bill, the data clearly shows that making NextGen a priority will help everyone.
Note: Jobs for America: Investments and Policies for Economic Growth and Competitiveness is available on the Milken website. The report was sponsored by the National Association of Manufacturers. The discussion on NextGen is on page 52 of the report.
Aerospace Facts & Figures
669 Teams of Student Rocketeers Launching for Team America Rocketry Challenge Finals
Students on 669 teams from 45 states, the District of Columbia and the U.S. Virgin Islands are preparing to launch their hand-designed rockets in the world’s largest rocket contest― the eighth annual Team America Rocketry Challenge (www.rocketcontest.org).
Sponsored by the Aerospace Industries Association, the National Association of Rocketry and more than 30 industry partners, with participation by NASA, the Defense Department and the American Association of Physics Teachers, the contest is designed to boost the industry workforce by sparking interest in science, math and engineering education among middle and high school students.
The aerospace industry faces a workforce challenge as more than 20 percent of the industry becomes eligible to retire by 2013. Not enough students are entering aerospace engineering programs, potentially leaving thousands of critical defense and other sector positions unfilled as professionals retire.
This year’s challenge is for each 3- to 10-member team to design and build a model rocket that carries a single raw egg payload to a precise altitude of 825 feet with a flight duration of between 40 and 45 seconds, returning the egg to the ground unbroken. The 100 teams with the best qualifying scores submitted by April 5 compete at the finals at Great Meadow in The Plains, Va., (near Washington, D.C.) on May 15.
In a 2009 survey among team members, 70 percent said they became more interested in a STEM career as a result of TARC. For example, contest alumnus Lieutenant (j.g.) Jerry Maniscalco graduated from the Naval Academy with an aerospace engineering degree in 2007, and is now piloting Seahawk helicopters in Jacksonville, Fla.
“Each student has a critical role in designing their team’s rocket and they learn to appreciate how engineering is both exciting and mentally challenging,” said Maniscalco. “TARC is exactly what set me on the educational path to become an aerospace engineer.”
The total purse for the contest is $60,000 in scholarships and prizes. Raytheon Company pays for the winning team to attend a “fly-off” at the Farnborough International Air Show near London in July against teams from the UK and France.
Archive 2009
December 17, 2009 - Marion C. Blakey, President and Chief Executive Officer, Aerospace Industries Association, 45th Annual Year-End Review and Forecast (PDF format)
December 10, 2009 - Marion C. Blakey, President and Chief Executive Officer, Aerospace Industries Association, prepared testimony for the House Committee on Science and Technology entitled Decisions on the Future Direction and Funding for NASA: What Will They Mean for the U.S. Aerospace Workforce and Industrial Base? (PDF format)
December 9, 2009 - Marion C. Blakey, President and Chief Executive Officer, Aerospace Industries Association, prepared testimony for the House Committee on Foreign Affairs, Subcommittee on Terrorism, Nonproliferation and Trade entitled A Strategic and Economic Review of Aerospace Exports (PDF format)
December 8, 2009 - Cord Sterling, Vice President, Legislative Affairs, Aerospace Industries Association, verbal testimony for DoD Hearing on the Weapon Systems Acquisition Reform Act of 2009 - Organization Conflict of Interest (PDF format)
December 2, 2009 - J.P. Stevens, Vice President, Space Systems, Aerospace Industries Association, prepared testimony for the House Committee on Transportation and Infrastructure, Subcommittee on Aviation (PDF format)
November 19, 2009 - J.P. Stevens, Vice President, Space Systems, Aerospace Industries Association, prepared testimony for the House Science and Technology Subcommittee on Space and Aeronautics (PDF format)
November 11, 2009 - Marion C. Blakey, President and Chief Executive Officer, Aerospace Industries Association, remarks at the BDLI Annual General Meeting (PDF format)
October 28, 2009 - Neil Planzer, Vice President - Strategy, Boeing Air Traffic Management, testimony on NextGen: A Review of the RTCA Mid-Term Implementation Task Force Report (PDF Format)
October 14, 2009 - Marion C. Blakey, President and Chief Executive Officer, Aerospace Industries Association, remarks on the future of aerospace at the AIAC conference (PDF format)
October 13, 2009 - Marion C. Blakey, President and Chief Executive Officer, Aerospace Industries Association, speech to Wichita Aero Club (PDF format)
October 2, 2009 - Dan Elwell, Vice President of Civial Aviation, remarks at the Naverus PBN Summit 2009
October 2, 2009 - Robert J. Stevens, Chair of AIA, Chairman, President & CEO of Lockheed Martin, remarks at the AeroSpace and Defence Industries Association of Europe Convention
September 29, 2009 - Marion C. Blakey, President and Chief Executive Officer, Aerospace Industries Association, speech on air traffic modernization at NTSB Training Center (PDF format)
September 17, 2009 - Richard Sylvester, Vice President of Acquisition Policy, Aerospace Industries Association, prepared statement to the Panel on Defense Acquisition Reform (PDF format)
August 21, 2009 - Marion C. Blakey, President and Chief Executive Officer, Aerospace Industries Association, prepared remarks for Rockwell Collins' Engineering Experiences (PDF format)
June 30, 2009 - Marion C. Blakey, President and Chief Executive Officer, Aerospace Industries Association, prepared remarks for the Lockheed Martin Supplier Conference (PDF format)
June 18, 2009 - J.P. Stevens, Vice President, Space Systems, Aerospace Industries Association, prepared testimony for the House Science and Technology Subcommittee on Space and Aeronautics (PDF format)
June 14, 2009 - Robert J. Stevens, Chair of AIA, Chairman, President & CEO of Lockheed Martin, remarks at Paris Air Show media dinner. (External link)
May 21, 2009 - Marion C. Blakey, President and Chief Executive Officer, Aerospace Industries Association, remarks as prepared for the ASAS Global Network Forum (PDF format)
May 13, 2009 - Marion C. Blakey, President and Chief Executive Officer, Aerospace Industries Association, remarks as prepared before the Senate Subcommittee on Aviation (PDF format) and written testimony before the Senate Subcommittee on Aviation (PDF format)
April 30, 2009 - Marion C. Blakey, President and Chief Executive Officer, Aerospace Industries Association, remarks as prepared before the House Armed Services Strategic Forces Subcommittee (PDF format) and written testimony before the House Armed Services Strategic Forces Subcommittee (PDF format)
April 28, 2009 - Marion C. Blakey, President and Chief Executive Officer, Aerospace Industries Association, remarks as prepared for the Lindbergh Lecture, "The Spirit of Innovation" (PDF format)
April 28, 2009 - Marion C. Blakey, President and Chief Executive Officer, Aerospace Industries Association, prepared testimony before the House Space and Aeronautics Science and Technology Subcommittee (PDF format)
April 2, 2009 - Marion C. Blakey, President and Chief Executive Officer, Aerospace Industries Association, remarks as prepared before the House Commerce, Justice, Science, and Related Agencies Appropriations Subcommittee (PDF format) and written testimony before the House Commerce, Justice, Science, and Related Agencies Appropriations Subcommittee (PDF format)
April 2, 2009 - Marion C. Blakey, President and Chief Executive Officer, Aerospace Industries Association, prepared testimony before the House Foreign Affairs Subcommittee on Terrorism, Nonproliferation and Trade (PDF format)
March 18, 2009 - Marion C. Blakey, President and Chief Executive Officer, Aerospace Industries Association, remarks as prepared before the House Subcommittee on Aviation (PDF format) and written testimony before the House Subcommittee on Aviation (PDF format)
» Watch the video of the hearing.
March 9, 2009 - Marion C. Blakey, President and Chief Executive Officer, Aerospace Industries Association, testimony before the Aerospace States Association (PDF format)
February 20, 2009 - Marion C. Blakey, President and Chief Executive Officer, Aerospace Industries Association, remarks as prepared for the AIA Southwestern Regional Meeting, hosted by Northrop Grumman (PDF format)
February 11, 2009 - Clayton M. Jones, Chairman, President and CEO of Rockwell Collins, testimony before the House Transportation and Infrastructure Aviation Subcommittee (PDF format)
January 15, 2009 - Marion C. Blakey, President and Chief Executive Officer, Aerospace Industries Association, remarks as prepared for the National Aeronautic Association January Luncheon (PDF format)
AIA Hosting Joint Association Meeting to Address Aviation Security
AIA’s Civil Aviation Security Committee has invited the Transportation Security Administration, Airports Council International and the International Air Transport Association to a joint meeting in February to discuss the recent Christmas day attack on Delta/NW flight 253. The intent of the meeting is to understand what the various sectors (airlines, airports, manufacturers) are doing in response to the recent attack and identify common areas of concern.
Since the attack, the United States has urged the implementation of full body scanners and other detection devices at national airports and has strongly urged international partners to do the same. Additional measures call for increased gate screening and physical searches of passengers and cabin baggage. AIA is working to identify and ease the challenges associated with the deployment of body scanners.
AIA members support ICAO’s central role to enhance security worldwide and establish standards for aviation security systems and technologies. AIA also supports a risk-based assessment approach to enhance aviation security while keeping communication lines with and among stakeholders clear so as to avoid unintended consequences.
AIA Source: Ranee.Carr@aia-aerospace.org
669 Teams of Student Rocketeers Launching for Team America Rocketry Challenge Finals
Students on 669 teams from 45 states, the District of Columbia and the U.S. Virgin Islands are preparing to launch their hand-designed rockets in the world’s largest rocket contest― the eighth annual Team America Rocketry Challenge (www.rocketcontest.org).
Sponsored by the Aerospace Industries Association, the National Association of Rocketry and more than 30 industry partners, with participation by NASA, the Defense Department and the American Association of Physics Teachers, the contest is designed to boost the industry workforce by sparking interest in science, math and engineering education among middle and high school students.
The aerospace industry faces a workforce challenge as more than 20 percent of the industry becomes eligible to retire by 2013. Not enough students are entering aerospace engineering programs, potentially leaving thousands of critical defense and other sector positions unfilled as professionals retire.
This year’s challenge is for each 3- to 10-member team to design and build a model rocket that carries a single raw egg payload to a precise altitude of 825 feet with a flight duration of between 40 and 45 seconds, returning the egg to the ground unbroken. The 100 teams with the best qualifying scores submitted by April 5 compete at the finals at Great Meadow in The Plains, Va., (near Washington, D.C.) on May 15.
In a 2009 survey among team members, 70 percent said they became more interested in a STEM career as a result of TARC. For example, contest alumnus Lieutenant (j.g.) Jerry Maniscalco graduated from the Naval Academy with an aerospace engineering degree in 2007, and is now piloting Seahawk helicopters in Jacksonville, Fla.
“Each student has a critical role in designing their team’s rocket and they learn to appreciate how engineering is both exciting and mentally challenging,” said Maniscalco. “TARC is exactly what set me on the educational path to become an aerospace engineer.”
The total purse for the contest is $60,000 in scholarships and prizes. Raytheon Company pays for the winning team to attend a “fly-off” at the Farnborough International Air Show near London in July against teams from the UK and France.
AIA Source: Audrey.Koehler[at]aia-aerospace.org
AIA Prepares for Singapore Air Show
AIA looks forward to supporting the U.S. military and our member companies at the upcoming Feb. 2 – 7 Singapore Air Show, the largest aerospace and defense exhibition in Asia. With billion dollar contracts signed and more than 130,000 visitors at the 2008 show, the organizers predict an even more successful event.
A special thanks to AIA Regular Members: Bell Helicopter Textron, The Boeing Company, L-3 Communications Corporation and Sikorsky (UTC) for hosting lunches for AIA Associate Members during the air show. The lunches provide AIA suppliers with an excellent opportunity to strengthen their business relationships while highlighting their company’s capabilities.
AIA has a unique role at the air show, supporting the air operations, aircrew, security and corral for the military aircraft on display and in flight demonstrations. The KC-135 Stratotanker, B-52 Stratofortress, P-3 Orion, C-130J Hercules, F-15 Eagle, and Shadow and Scan Eagle unmanned aerial systems will be on display in the DOD corral of static aircraft. The B-1 and the much-anticipated A-10 Thunderbolt II, will be making their Asian flying debut at the show.
AIA, in coordination with Kallman Worldwide, the American Chamber of Commerce and the U.S. Embassy, is hosting a reception for U.S. exhibitors and VIP attendees at The Equinox, Swissotel, on Wednesday February 3. We extend our thanks to The Boeing Company, Lockheed Martin Corporation, Raytheon Company and United Technologies Corporation for sponsoring this event. The guest of honor will be the U.S Chargé d’ Affaires Daniel L. Shields III. Many other high-ranking international officials have been invited and are expected to attend, including Singapore Air Chief Brigadier General Ng Chee Meng and U.S. Pacific Air Forces Commander General Gary North.
Check in with AIA at singapore on Twitter: @AIA_News
AIA Source: Trish.Ward[at]aia-aerospace.org Located at chalet CD-71
Boeing Income Tops Airbus
As measured by the value of deliveries, Boeing topped Airbus in the most recent renewal of their annual competition. Although Airbus delivered a greater number of aircraft to customers in 2009 than did Boeing (498 versus 481), Boeing’s revenue from its deliveries surpassed Airbus by an estimated $4 billion. The likely value of Boeing’s deliveries after standard discounts was about $33 billion, compared with about $28 billion for Airbus. By the numbers, the simple conclusion is that Boeing sold a more valuable mix of aircraft. While Boeing rolled out a record number of its profitable wide-body 777s in 2009, Airbus only delivered 20 of its larger-sized wide-body aircraft. Generally, bigger planes mean bigger profits, so the larger offerings of the manufacturers are more profitable than the workhorse single-aisle aircraft such as the A320 and the Boeing 737.
The results fit the pattern of recent years, though the 2008 Boeing strike allowed Airbus to post annual sales results that topped Boeing’s. Looking forward, despite challenging market conditions, neither Boeing nor Airbus have plans to slow the production schedules of the airplanes that contribute most to their bottom line. In particular, Boeing is scheduled to deliver its first Dreamliner at the end of 2010, which will put Boeing in a very solid market position for new aircraft that are fuel efficient and serve the long-haul marketplace.
AIA Source: William.Chadwick@aia-aerospace.org
AIA Introduces Aerospace Jobs Board
AIA is helping our members connect with top talent in aerospace with a new service: an Aerospace Jobs section on the AIA website. Post jobs with AIA and put your open positions in front of thousands of experienced professionals in the industry.
Your jobs will appear:
- On the Aerospace Jobs page on the AIA website.
- In every issue of the AIA dailyLead, which reaches 27,500 subscribers five days a week.
- On AIA’s social media channels.
Many AIA members are already taking advantage of this recruiting resource, including Aerojet, Aurora Flight Sciences, BAE Systems, General Atomics Aeronautical Systems, Goodrich Corporation, Northrop Grumman Corporation, Pratt & Whitney, Rockwell Collins and Rolls-Royce North America.
Interested in posting jobs? Visit http://www.aia-aerospace.org/resource_center/aerospace_jobs/. AIA members receive a 20 percent discount through February 2010 with the code AEROJOBS. Questions? Contact patrick.carlson[at]aia-aerospace.org.
Check the Aerospace Jobs page often to find the latest career news and job openings.
AIA Source: Patrick.Carlson[at]aia-aerospace.org
Coalition Convened to Address Science and Math Education
More than 60 representatives from 40 organizations met Jan. 7 at The Boeing Company to plan strategies for advancing science, technology, engineering and mathematics (STEM) education. In 2008, AIA proposed forming a coalition to work on building the pipeline for highly-trained STEM professionals.
Among those attending were industry associations such as the National Association of Manufacturers, the Information Technology Industry Council, the Entertainment Industries Council and government agencies such as DOD, the Depts. of Education and Labor and NASA. Targeted participants either employ or represent the employers of STEM professionals. Partners from non-profit thought-leaders such as the Council on Competitiveness, the Business-Higher Education Forum and the Institute for a Competitive Workforce also participated.
The goal of the session was to find ways that organizations can collaborate on their STEM education efforts. Aerospace companies alone each support an average of 23 separate STEM programs annually, according to a survey by Aviation Week.
“The purpose of today’s meeting is to join forces,” AIA President and CEO Marion C. Blakey told attendees. “While the aerospace industry is looking to align our own companies, we know that it’s not just our industry that has a stake in this issue and that real change is going to happen when we strategically align with other industries, such as health, IT, construction and manufacturing.”
 Rick Stephens of Boeing |
The meeting was led by Rick Stephens, Senior Vice President of Human Resources and Administration at The Boeing Company and chair of AIA’s Workforce Steering Committee, which has been directed by AIA’s Executive Committee to devise an industry strategy to address STEM education.
During a daylong interactive session, participants agreed they wanted the coalition to be “action-oriented” and use all forms of media to approach the issue.
The group is considering coordinating a national STEM public relations campaign to better communicate to students and parents the importance of STEM disciplines. “Not for geeks only” was one message. Another is to pursue action at the state and local levels.
Next steps for the coalition involve a February follow-up meeting and plans for a formal launch later in the quarter.
AIA and its member companies have actively been involved in developing the future aerospace workforce. To learn more visit our Workforce Portal at: http://www.aia-aerospace.org/issues_policies/workforce/.
AIA Source: daphne.dador[at]aia-aerospace.org
International Forum on Business Ethical Conduct Holds Precedent-Setting First Meeting
AIA member companies joined their private sector European counterparts, non-governmental organizations and NATO representatives to discuss global industry ethics standards at the first International Forum on Business Ethical Conduct (IFBEC) on Jan. 13 in Berlin, Germany.
 Allan Cook and Robert Stevens endorse the Global Principles |
A series of joint presentations by U.S. and European signatories to the Global Principles of Business Ethics for the Aerospace and Defense Industry explored the origins of the principles and their content. The attendees then considered similar European and U.S. initiatives that informed the negotiation of the principles (the EU’s Common Industry Standards and the U.S. Defense Industry Initiative on Ethics and Business Conduct). Representatives from NATO, DOD and Transparency International also spoke.
IFBEC expanded the formal dialogue started by the October 2009 endorsement of the Global Principals by Robert Stevens of Lockheed Martin on behalf of AIA, and Allan Cook of Cobham on behalf of the Aerospace and Defense Industries Association of Europe (ASD). All of the member companies of the Executive Committee of AIA’s Board of Governors have since signed on to the Global Principles of Business Ethics, setting the stage for other U.S. companies to follow suit.
AIA President and CEO Marion C. Blakey endorsed the important work the attendees were engaged in at IFBEC: demonstrating the industry’s commitment to ethical business conduct, fostering a level playing field among all exporting companies and engaging in a fruitful exchange among stakeholders from international and non-governmental organizations.
IFBEC participants agreed the conference should be continued on a periodic basis and will alternate locations between the United States and Europe. AIA and ASD will serve as co-chairs in organizing the conference. Both organizations agreed to prioritize expanding participation in this dialogue to include colleagues in the International Coordinating Council of Aerospace Industries Associations such as Brazil, Canada, Japan (which sent a representative to IFBEC) and eventually beyond.
AIA Source: PJ.Hart[at]aia-aerospace.org
Have you been REAChed?
It’s been called the world’s toughest law on toxic chemicals. We know it as REACh. It’s the acronym for the Registration, Evaluation, Authorisation and Restriction of Chemical substances, a European Community law that entered into force in June 2007 to regulate chemical usage throughout the EU. REACh is so complex and its potential impact so broad regarding the aerospace industry that AIA must be fully engaged during the regulation’s 11-year phase-in period.
The EU intended REACh “to improve the protection of human health and the environment through the better and earlier identification of the intrinsic properties of chemical substances.” By design, the REACh Regulation puts the onus on industry to manage chemical risks and to provide safety information on the substances it uses and produces. REACh requires manufacturers and importers of products to the EU countries to report detailed chemical substance information on their products.
The reported data is then registered into a central database run by the European Chemicals Agency (EChA) in Helsinki. The EChA is the focus of the Reach framework. EChA:
- determines which chemicals are subject to the law;
- coordinates the in-depth evaluation of chemicals;
- collects the registered data, and
- hosts the public database containing registered information.
Many aspects of REACh concern the aerospace industry. There are logistical and cost concerns with simply collecting the level of chemical detail that the rule requires. There are proprietary concerns associated with the public availability of product chemistry. Perhaps most troubling is the regulation’s stated objective to progressively substitute substances that EChA identifies as “the most dangerous chemicals” when EChA determines that “suitable alternatives have been identified.”
The potential for chemical substitution in the manufacture of strategic products also concerns the Defense Department. DOD recognizes that expected outcomes for products associated with REACh may include:
- limited availability of key chemical ingredients,
- increased costs,
- undisclosed substitution of key chemicals,
- disruptions to the supply chain and
- decreased product performance or performance failures.
AIA is not alone, nor is AIA passively monitoring REACh as the EChA progresses through its 11-year plan to implement the REACh program. The AIA REACh Working Group, co-chaired by Dennis Hussey of Goodrich and Sally Gestautas of Raytheon, begins its fourth year with an ambitious agenda. Projects this year will build upon current and past activity to prepare the aerospace industry for the full impact of REACh.
Materials used in past AIA training sessions were recently updated and are now posted on the AIA web site. A key AIA goal is to inform the complete aerospace supply chain of REACh requirements in order to facilitate accurate exchange of chemical product data. AIA members recognize that many suppliers do not have the resources to address REACh on their own.
AIA is working to standardize information collection among aerospace companies world-wide. An international standard was developed and is managed through AIA member direction with our SAE-aerospace panel.
Key partners in these tasks include AIA’s sister organizations, AeroSpace and Defence Industries Association of Europe (ASD) and A|D|S. Our international partnerships will continue as our organizations review the lists of chemicals announced by EChA and identify substances key to the industry. DOD is also working with AIA to identify a multitude of issues that will need to be addressed as REACh is implemented. These issues include research and development needs and the defense acquisition process, to name just two.
AIA and our colleagues plan to address these challenges jointly to ensure continuity of operations in the aerospace industry.
AIA Source: Lisa.Goldberg[at]aia-aerospace.org
Spring SMC Meeting
AIA Expands Discussion of Space Issues on Capitol Hill in 2009
The last two months of 2009 provided several opportunities for testimony, rounding out a banner year for AIA’s discussions of space issues on Capitol Hill.
In November, AIA Vice President for Space JP Stevens presented testimony to the House Science and Technology Subcommittee on Space and Aeronautics on the growth of global space capabilities. He addressed concerns about the U.S. industrial base in the face of global competition, noting that interruptions or cancellations of programs that impact large companies can be catastrophic to smaller firms – often the only entities with the unique abilities to produce small but critical components on which huge portions of our economy, infrastructure and security depend. Stevens also raised concerns about U.S. export control policies that are counterproductive for the space industry, negatively impacting America’s security interests.
In December, Stevens testified on commercial space issues before the House Transportation and Infrastructure Subcommittee on Aviation. Stevens stressed that our nation’s share of commercial space launches is decreasing. In 2008, only six of the 28 worldwide commercial launches were conducted by U.S. companies. Stevens also noted the importance of extending the U.S. commercial space launch indemnification regime, which was set to expire at the end of December. Even more commercial launch business could be driven overseas in the absence of government indemnification against third-party loss, he said.
Finally, in December, AIA President and CEO Marion C. Blakey spoke before the full House Committee on Science and Technology regarding NASA’s industrial base and workforce. Blakey stressed that while the Administration and Congress consider the future of NASA, we must ensure our continuing leadership in space exploration by investing in education and funding cutting-edge programs to attract young people to careers in NASA and industry. She went on to say that maintaining the aerospace workforce depends on continuing stable and robust funding for the nation’s space program, stressing that fluctuating budgets and delayed programs adversely affect a skilled workforce.
Last year was remarkable for AIA’s space efforts on Capitol Hill. Blakey and Stevens provided testimony on space issues six times and submitted additional testimony twice. AIA also hosted three congressional briefings on space protection, utilizing the International Space Station and missile defense.
AIA Source: andrew.barber[at]aia-aerospace.org
Efforts to Extend Commercial Space Launch Indemnification Successful
One of the final actions of Congress in 2009 was extension of government indemnification of U.S. commercial space launches for another three years. Since 2007, AIA has made numerous visits to Capitol Hill on this issue and worked closely with the FAA, NASA and other space associations.
In 2008, only six of the 28 worldwide commercial launches were conducted by U.S. companies. Elimination of government indemnification would have driven even more launch business overseas.
Indemnification, which was due to expire on Dec. 31, 2009, helps protect U.S. commercial launch services providers against catastrophic third-party liability claims resulting from FAA-licensed launch activities.
Because launch indemnification is a complex issue burdened with numerous misconceptions, AIA's main effort was educating stakeholders. No funds are committed in advance and congressional approval is required for any payment.
Since launch manifests can extend out for several years, indemnification maintains continuity in the business environment and strengthens U.S. international competitiveness. The indemnification regime provides a level playing field in a global space launch market where all other space-faring nations provide some form of government indemnification for their commercial launches.
AIA Source: andrew.barber[at]aia-aerospace.org
Mandell Named Head of Membership and Business Development
David Mandell, a former executive at the FAA and founder of a successful private company, has joined AIA as Vice President of Membership and Business Development
Mandell was chief of staff to FAA Administrator Marion C. Blakey from 2002 to 2006. He was responsible for assisting in the day-to-day management of the agency, which has 50,000 employees and a $14 billion dollar budget. A key advisor to the administrator on all policy, press, legal and management issues, Mandell helped lead the development and execution of its first five-year strategic business plan tying employees’ pay to organizational goals.
In May 2006, Mandell founded The p.i.n.k. Spirits Company and was its president and CEO. He developed, created and launched the first line of ultra-premium spirits infused with caffeine and guarana. The company was an award-winning enterprise that generated approximately $9 million in sales and was successfully sold in May 2009.
“David has a great wealth of experience in both government and business,” said AIA President and CEO Marion C. Blakey. “With changes in the industry and the difficult economy, an entrepreneurial approach to business development and membership will greatly benefit AIA.”
David was counsel to the chairman of the National Transportation Safety Board from 2001 to 2002. He also was an attorney at the law firm of Blank Rome in Philadelphia, Pa. from 1999-2001, where he specialized in complex environmental, securities and election law litigation.
AIA on the Hill
AIA finished the calendar year in a flurry of activity on Capitol Hill with testimony on space launch issues, the value of aerospace exports and workforce in December alone. During the course of the year, AIA testified nearly 20 times either in person or in writing on an array of important industry issues, and made more than 250 visits to lawmakers’ offices.
As lawmakers return to Capitol Hill for the second session of the 111th Congress, AIA will need to keep pace with 2009’s accomplishments, given the number of issues that face industry. One of the top priorities still remaining from last year is passage of the defense trade cooperation treaties between the United States and the United Kingdom and between the United States and Australia. Extension of the R&D tax credit is also a priority, although there is widespread support for the extension given the proven value of the credit to our national competitiveness.
As health care was a focus in 2009, jobs and deficit reduction promise to be administration and congressional priorities this year. AIA has been actively making the case for promoting aircraft equipage for NextGen as a jobs creator. Estimates place the total number of direct and indirect jobs generated by a $6 billion investment in NextGen equipment at more than 150,000 through 2012, with 30,000 jobs generated the first year.
The 2011 budget is due from President Obama on February 1, and questions on NASA’s future direction, as well as investment in defense procurement, acquisition reform and the industrial base, will be addressed in the coming months as AIA puts on its running shoes for another busy legislative session.
February 2010 Viewpoint
By Marion C. Blakey
Aviation security once again became Topic A on Christmas Day 2009. Disaster was narrowly averted by a chance misfire when a passenger tried to detonate an explosive device in his clothing aboard Northwest Airlines Flight 253.
In considering this I'd like to suggest three ways in which the aviation community should vigorously advocate enhanced security for every passenger – before a terrorist reaches the aircraft.
First, there needs to be increased international leadership on common security standards. Second, we must use existing U.S. legislation to protect the developers of new technology. Finally, let’s revise the export control regime to enable greater sharing of useful security measures.
We already have an excellent source for leadership on global security; the International Civil Aviation Organization, or ICAO, the U.N. agency charged with the safe, secure and sustainable development of civil aviation around the world. We all think of its mission first in terms of safety and then the environment – but in these times there needs to be much greater emphasis on global aviation security.
I’d like to see ICAO take the lead in setting standards for international screening measures and guidelines for airlines and airports. And there are encouraging signs. Following a meeting earlier this month with officials from the Department of Homeland Security and the Transport Security Administration, ICAO agreed to consider proposals for a comprehensive aviation security strategy.
There is much precedent for ICAO’s setting standards for aviation. Very recently, ICAO developed uniform machine readable passport standards and, as of last August, more than 170 of the 190 member States issued passports that comply with its standards.
Secondly, we must facilitate international cooperation on liability concerns regarding the introduction of new security technologies. In the United States, we have the Support Anti-Terrorism by Fostering Effective Technologies Act of 2002, known as the SAFETY Act. The SAFETY Act limits liability for manufacturers of technology intended to protect the nation against terror attacks. We need to encourage more companies to invest in new anti-terrorism technology without fear of lawsuits after an attack occurs.
Moreover, we need to extend this protection internationally by encouraging the State Department and DHS to work closely with foreign governments to develop liability protection similar to the SAFETY Act. We must create an environment in which companies are free to develop and deploy new security technologies without fear that liability issues could emerge after the fact of a successful attack and threaten the enterprise.
U.S. industry has made some progress on improving awareness of this problem among other governments, but few have made a commitment to address this issue. Taking this step could significantly advance the efforts being made to improve the environment for developing and deploying homeland security technologies.
Export controls are a key third step. The need to protect access to critical U.S. technology can occasionally run counter to the drive to install U.S. homeland security technology overseas to detect and deter attacks on the United States before they reach our borders.
But more precision is needed in export control mechanisms governing the composition of the U.S. Munitions List. And, more rigorous risk analysis for export decisions that recognizes the security benefits of technology exchange can help reconcile these potentially contradictory priorities.
It’s an interesting challenge. The whole point of the export control system is to prevent the proliferation of sensitive technologies. Yet to secure our homeland we must share beneficial technologies with other nations.
We have many tools. We need to use them.
Commercial aviation is a vital transportation link that provides pleasure and efficient travel to millions of passengers each year. Security is what we owe these passengers. We should not have to rely on misfires and near misses.
Terror should never leave the gate.
Wireless Version
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Students on 669 teams from 45 states, the District of Columbia and the U.S. Virgin Islands are preparing to launch their hand-designed rockets in the world's largest rocket contest - the eighth annual Team America Rocketry Challenge. 
February 2010 eUpdate
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AIA’s Team is on the Way
Downtown Singapore
AIA's team is headed to Singapore later this week to support its members and the U.S. military corral. This Singapore Air Show runs February 2-7. Be sure to check back here for updates as the show progresses.
AIA in Singapore
Speakers
Senior Industry Executives
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Richard Douglas, Vice President, International Programs, GE Aviation
Bio -
John Surmay, Vice President, Materials Management, Honeywell Aerospace
Bio -
Jimmy McDonald, Vice President of Strategic Sourcing, Honeywell Aerospace
Bio - BAE, Boeing, Raytheon and Rockwell Collins
Global Aerospace Outlook
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Pierre Chao -Managing Partner, Renaissance Strategic Advisors
Bio -
Jon Etherton, President, Etherton and Associates
Bio -
Gary Stanley, President, Global Legal Services, PC
Bio
Agenda
Tentative Meeting Agenda (PDF Format)
Spring SMC Meeting
AIA e-Mail Disclaimer
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Year-End Review and Forecast
Statement on ADS-B Rollout in Gulf of Mexico
The successful rollout of the ADS-B air traffic control system in the Gulf of Mexico this week is a major step forward for the modernization of America’s outdated aerospace infrastructure. The rollout in Philadelphia next month will be another milestone event as the benefits of NextGen technology become immediately apparent in one of the nation’s busiest airspace corridors. FAA and AIA member companies have stepped up to the plate in managing such a complex program on time and under budget.
While we are greatly encouraged by the progress demonstrated so far, there is still much to be done. Congress has opportunities in the jobs bill and the FAA reauthorization to promote accelerated implementation of NextGen and incentivize further investment in our aerospace infrastructure. We estimate the total number of direct and indirect jobs generated by an approximate $6 billion investment in NextGen equipment at more than 150,000 through 2012, with 30,000 jobs generated the first year.
Mandell Named Head of Membership and Business Development
David Mandell, a former executive at the FAA and founder of a successful private company, has joined AIA as the Vice President of Membership and Business Development
Mandell was chief of staff to FAA Administrator Marion C. Blakey from 2002 to 2006. He was responsible for assisting in the day-to-day management of the agency, which has 50,000 employees and a $14 billion dollar budget. A key advisor to the administrator on all policy, press, legal and management issues, Mandell helped lead the development and execution of its first five-year strategic business plan tying employees’ pay to organizational goals.
In May 2006, Mandell founded The p.i.n.k. Spirits Company and was its president and CEO. He developed, created and launched the first line of ultra-premium spirits infused with caffeine and guarana. The company was an award-winning enterprise that generated approximately $9 million in sales and was successfully sold in May 2009.
“David has a great wealth of experience in both government and business,” said AIA President and CEO Marion C. Blakey. “With changes in the industry and the difficult economy, an entrepreneurial approach to business development and membership will greatly benefit AIA.”
David was counsel to the chairman of the National Transportation Safety Board from 2001 to 2002. He also was an attorney at the law firm of Blank Rome in Philadelphia, Pa. from 1999-2001, where he specialized in complex environmental, securities and election law litigation.
Archive 2009
Archive 2009
A Landmark Approach in Addressing Business Ethics
The first International Forum on Business Ethical Conduct for the Aerospace and Defence Industry (IFBEC) took place today in Berlin.
The Forum, which was opened by Åke Svensson, Saab CEO and past President of the AeroSpace and Defense Industries Association of Europe, brought together major American and European companies from the aerospace and defence sectors, as well as industry representatives from other parts of the world. Representatives from major institutions such as the European Defence Agency, NATO, the OECD, and Ministries of Defence of EU Member States, as well as NGOs such as Transparency International also participated.
The forum strengthened exchange between industrial, institutional and state players within these key sectors, encouraging them to participate in the development of fair competition rules. It demonstrated the commitment of the aerospace and defence industry to business ethics. This forum, now entering its outreach phase will be a landmark approach for all sectors on how global companies that are competitors can create and share best practices in addressing ethical issues.
‘European aerospace and defence companies are committed to fostering ethical business conduct in their corporate business practices’, said François Gayet, Secretary General of the AeroSpace and Defense Industries Association of Europe (ASD). ‘Today’s meeting was the perfect setting for a constructive dialogue between our industry and major stakeholders.’
“The members of AIA are absolutely committed to the highest ethical business standards in the aerospace and defense industry,” said Marion C. Blakey, President and CEO of the Aerospace Industries Association of America, Inc. “The Forum is fostering a productive dialogue among all stakeholders, as well as an ethics commitment that will span the globe in a few short years.”
The International Forum on Business Ethical Conduct for the Aerospace and Defence Industry followed the signing of the Global Principles on Business Ethics by the Aerospace and Defence Industries Association of Europe (ASD) and the Aerospace Industries Association of America (AIA) on October 2 in Helsinki. The Global Principles focused on four main points: zero tolerance on corruption, management of consultants, management of conflicts of interest, respect for confidential information, and will eventually be extended to other areas.
Broad-Based Business Coalition Proposes a Modernized Export Control Regime
The Coalition for Security and Competitiveness (CSC) today released detailed policy recommendations for a 21st Century Technology Control Regime that will enhance both national security and U.S. competitiveness. The Coalition of leading industry and trade associations recommended a series of steps the Administration should take to modernize the export control system.
Specifically, the group proposes reform achieving the following objectives:
- Establish clear lines of responsibility in the commodity jurisdiction process;
- Promote effective compliance and enforcement;
- Improve outreach to and resources for U.S. industry, particularly for small and medium-sized enterprises;
- Promote greater multilateral cooperation with allies and partners; and
- Improve the licensing system and increase transparency.
The recommendations each include a thorough, practical explanation of how they can be achieved.
“We believe changes must be made to the current system to make sure it is aligned with our current security needs and the realities of the global technological environment, and – as a practical matter – operates in a more predictable, transparent and efficient manner,” the Coalition stated in the letter, which was also sent to Secretary of State Hillary Clinton, Secretary of Defense Robert Gates, Secretary of Commerce Gary Locke, National Security Advisor General James Jones and National Economic Council Director Lawrence Summers.
The CSC sent a letter to President Obama and key administration officials yesterday outlining the recommendations and pushing for immediate action. The coalition has been actively engaged with the Obama Administration since its August 2009 announcement that an interagency taskforce would conduct a comprehensive review of U.S. export controls, which is currently under way. In October 2009, the Coalition submitted to the Administration a set of principles and implementation objectives to guide the reform effort.
“Taken together, our principles and recommendations would create a 21st century export control regime that protects critical technologies, safeguards our national security, spurs innovation and promotes economic growth,” the Coalition stated in yesterday’s letter to the President and key Administration officials.
The letter was sent on behalf of the Coalition’s member associations, which include the Aerospace Industries Association, the Association of American Exporters and Importers, the AMT - Association for Manufacturing Technology, The Business Roundtable, the Coalition for Employment Through Exports, the General Aviation Manufacturers Association, the Industrial Fastener Institute, the Information Technology Industry Council, the National Association of Manufacturers, the National Defense Industrial Association, the National Foreign Trade Council, the Satellite Industry Association, the Space Enterprise Council, The Space Foundation, TechAmerica and the U.S. Chamber of Commerce.
For a copy of the letter and recommendations, please visit www.securityandcompetitiveness.org.
About the Coalition:
The Coalition for Security and Competitiveness was launched on March 6, 2007, when it provided President Bush with initial recommendations for enhancing U.S. security and competitiveness through modernization of the export control system. Formed by eight leading associations, the Coalition seeks to modernize the export control system so that America is prepared to meet the security and economic challenges of the 21st century. More information about the coalition can be found online at www.securityandcompetitiveness.org.
Archive 2009
Lockheed Martin Awards HITCO to Produce Composite Components for F-35 Lightning II Program
HITCO Carbon Composites, Inc., Gardena, California, U.S.A., a subsidiary of SGL Group – The Carbon Company – announced today that Lockheed Martin has signed a Letter of Intent (LOI) to award HITCO a contract to produce wing skins and nacelle skins for the F-35 Lightning II Program.
“HITCO will utilize its state-of-the-art production and testing equipment, particularly the Automated Fiber Placement (AFP) machine and the new large autoclave, to manufacture these components. We will also build on the processing expertise we have developed with BMI composite materials during our track record of performance with Lockheed Martin on the F-22 program. HITCO and its parent company, SGL Group, continue to invest in automated manufacturing capability at the Gardena site, enabling HITCO to achieve its goal of becoming a world-class Tier II supplier to the aerospace industry. We look forward to a long business relationship with Lockheed Martin on the F-35 program well beyond the initial five year contract term,” said Peter M. Hoffman, HITCO President.
HITCO will serve as a Strategic Competitive Supplier to Lockheed Martin and will support F-35 program requirements with Bismaleimide (BMI) composite materials for the upper and lower wing skins as well as nacelle skins using its Automated Fiber Placement (AFP) capabilities. This contract extends from Low Rate Initial Production (LRIP) lots 4 through 8 for the aircraft carrier-based (CV) model of F-35, with deliveries of production hardware to Lockheed Martin spanning the period of 4th Quarter 2010 through 2016. The contract will also include LRIP lots 5 through 8 for the short take-off and vertical landing (STOVL) variant, which encompasses the delivery period of 2011 to 2016.
The F-35 Lightning II, also known as the Joint Strike Fighter, is a new single-seat, single- engine, supersonic stealth strike fighter capable of performing close air support, tactical bombing and air superiority missions. The aircraft is built in three different versions: a conventional take-off and landing (CTOL) aircraft, a short take-off and vertical landing (STOVL) variant and an aircraft carrier-based (CV) model. The F-35 Lightning aircraft is designed and built by an industry team led by Lockheed Martin. Nine major partner nations including the United States, United Kingdom, Italy, the Netherlands, Canada, Turkey, Australia, Norway and Denmark plan to acquire over 3,100 F-35 Lightning aircraft through 2035, making the F-35 one of the largest jet fighter programs in history.
About Lockheed Martin
Headquartered in Bethesda, Md., Lockheed Martin is a global security company that employs about 140,000 people worldwide and is principally engaged in the research, design, development, manufacture, integration and sustainment of advanced technology systems, products and services. The corporation reported 2008 sales of $42.7 billion.
About HITCO Carbon Composites, Inc.
HITCO Carbon Composites, Inc. was founded in 1922 and manufactures advanced composite materials primarily for aerospace and defense applications. HITCO continues to be an innovative leader in the advancement of carbon composite technologies, and continues to strategically focus within SGL Group on new projects for aerospace/aircraft and defense applications.
About SGL Group – The Carbon Company
SGL Group is one of the world’s leading manufacturers of carbon-based products. It has a comprehensive portfolio ranging from carbon and graphite products to carbon fibers and composites. SGL Group’s core competencies are its expertise in high-temperature technology as well as its applications and engineering know-how gained over many years. These competencies enable the Company to make full use of its broad material base. SGL Group’s carbon-based materials combine several unique properties such as electrical and thermal conductivity, heat and corrosion resistance as well as high mechanical strength combined with low weight. Due to the paradigm shift in the use of materials as a result of the worldwide shortage of energy and raw materials, there is a growing demand for SGL Group’s highperformance materials and products from an increasing number of industries. Carbon and graphite products are used whenever other materials such as steel, aluminum, copper, plastics, wood etc. fail due to their limited properties. Products from SGL Group are used predominantly in the steel, aluminum, automotive, chemical and glass/ceramics industries. However, manufacturers in the semiconductor, battery, solar/wind energy, environmental protection, aerospace and defense industries as well as in the nuclear energy industry also figure among the Company’s customers.
With 40 production sites in Europe, North America and Asia as well as a service network covering more than 100 countries, SGL Group is a company with a global presence. In 2008, the Company’s workforce of around 6,500 generated sales of €1.6 billion. The Company’s head office is located in Wiesbaden/Germany and North American headquarters are located in Charlotte/North Carolina.
Airshows
Industry Job Links
Are you looking for a career in the aerospace industry? AIA is here to help! View a list of current industry openings in the AIA dailyLead, job search engines of several government agencies, or visit the job search pages of our participating member companies:
Level Playing Field
FOCUS 3: Level the Playing Field
In today’s global economy, it is more important than ever for AIA’s members to compete on a level playing field. However, protectionist impulses both at home and abroad pose significant threats to our ability to achieve this goal.
Domestically, AIA will work with the U.S. government to improve the effectiveness and efficiency of U.S. export control policies and practices, ratify agreements that reinforce positive relations with our traditional friends and allies, and ensure that domestic concerns impacting foreign market players do not adversely affect our ability to compete abroad.
Internationally, AIA will advocate that our trading partners maintain a fair regulatory framework for all market players. AIA will work with its counterparts in Europe to continue to develop joint positions for effective implementation of the European Union’s Registration, Evaluation, and Authorization of Chemicals regulation (REACh). We will also establish international standards that address REACh data collection, tracking and reporting requirements.
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Infrastructure
FOCUS 4: Strengthen U.S. Aerospace Infrastructure
U.S. aerospace infrastructure keeps Americans safe and drives the U.S economy. It includes a vast array of facilities, people, equipment, technology, research programs and operational programs. AIA is focused on achieving the following four goals to improve U.S. aerospace infrastructure:
- Collaborating with the administration and industry to improve access to and quality of the aerospace work force;
- Facilitating aerospace growth through improved infrastructure and prioritization of technology development and application;
- Sustaining, enhancing, and protecting infrastructure modernization and the industrial base; and,
- Advancing acquisition system reform.
Over the next several years, AIA’s efforts to improve the aerospace infrastructure will include accelerating deployment of NextGen, promoting industry R&D priorities and government-industry cooperative research venues and establishing policies and procedures supporting UAS integration into the national aerospace system. Moreover, AIA’s efforts will help sustain our U.S. industrial base by prioritizing and developing the core competencies critical to our national security; and by fostering programs to ensure that the U.S. attracts the professional and technical workforce needed to staff a robust and healthy aerospace industry. Finally, AIA is working to prevent government from creating unnecessary barriers to commercial technology and services, particularly in defense contracts.
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Stewardship
FOCUS 2: Stewardship
“Stewardship” defines AIA’s commitment to the promotion of three fundamental industry principles:
- Operating with the highest ethical standards;
- Protecting the environment, and
- Enhancing aviation safety and security.
We will accomplish these goals by taking the following actions:
Ethical Business Standards
The widespread adoption of ethical business standards is critical to maintaining a strong national and international aerospace industry. In 2010, we look to expand upon successes achieved in this area.
Environmental Protection
The aerospace industry is committed to environmental protection. AIA works both domestically and internationally to: (1) support standards, regulations and legislation designed to reduce or mitigate environmental impact; (2) share leading industry best practices, and (3) advance programs such as NextGen. We will continue to promote aviation’s outstanding environmental record.
Aviation Safety, Security, and Performance
AIA is dedicated to improving aviation safety, security, and performance. Our goal is to benchmark leading industry best safety practices and policies and work with the government to develop consistent and efficient safety management and aerospace security systems. We will also offer guidance to the industry’s Supply Chain to better safeguard their information technology and computer systems from internal and external threats.
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Economic Policy
FOCUS 1: Support Strong U.S. Economic Aerospace Policy
The actions of Congress and the Administration have a dramatic impact on the U.S. aerospace industry. For this reason, AIA supports policies and legislation that grow the industry. Specifically, our goals are to:
- Support major reform of the government procurement system
- Achieve tax and financial reform; and
- Support federal budget priorities that advance defense, aviation, and space.
We will achieve these goals by taking the following actions:
Support Major Reform of the Government Procurement System
On March 4, 2009 President Obama issued a memorandum on Government Contracting, calling on federal agencies to improve the effectiveness of their acquisition practices and the results achieved from their contracts. The President’s goals were to guard against inefficiency and waste and improve the government’s ability to obtain quality supplies and services on time and within budget. AIA supports the President’s agenda because achieving the reforms the President seeks will be good for America’s warfighter and taxpayer and will provide a fair and reasonable return to defense contractors.
AIA will work with the Administration, particularly the Department of Defense, to develop reasonable rules and contract policies that permit the rapid acquisition of goods and services, appropriately mitigate conflicts of interest and allow for transparency, protect intellectual property and sensitive information, and provide for contract types and contract incentives that produce quality goods and services at best value to the government and industry.
Achieving Tax and Financial Reform
Given the current economic climate, tax reform is one of the most important goals for AIA. We will advocate for the reduction of corporate taxes, which will stimulate short-term growth and encourage investment in R&D to promote long-term innovation and global leadership.
Supporting Federal Budgets that Advance Defense, Aviation, and Space
AIA supports federal budget priorities that advance defense, space and aviation infrastructure programs. AIA is increasingly concerned that industry’s voice is not adequately included in policy decisions. For this reason, we are asking that government officials communicate on a regular basis with AIA and our membership to ensure a better understanding of our member companies’ capabilities and concerns. In addition, appropriate funding levels for critical programs across all government agencies are an ongoing priority for AIA.
In 2009, we achieved significant growth in the US defense budget and the procurement account. However, we anticipate that other national priorities, pressure from rapidly rising personnel and operations costs, and the demands of current wars will greatly reduce future budget growth. As a result, the Pentagon’s ability to sustain and modernize the aerospace systems will be threatened. AIA will continue to push for increased defense spending, adequate funding for NextGen, and for programs that expand space exploration.
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| Goal 1: Support major reform of the government procurement system that benefits government and industry |
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| Goal 2: Advance tax and financial reforms that strengthen America’s economy and global competitiveness |
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| Goal 3: Promote federal budget priorities that ensure a strong aerospace industry |
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Strategic Plan
Overview
Our 2010 Strategic Plan ensures that the Aerospace Industries Association provides the highest quality representation for our members. In these challenging economic times, our main objective is to help our member companies grow their businesses.
We will accomplish this objective by:
- Promoting Strong U.S. Economic Policy;
- Enhancing Safety and Security, Protecting the Environment and Operating with the Highest Ethical Standards;
- Achieving a Level Playing Field for the Aerospace Industry, and
- Improving U.S. Aerospace Infrastructure.
To keep us on track, our plan establishes a detailed set of goals, targets, and critical milestones that will measure our progress and guarantee that all of our members and business sectors (national security, civil aviation, and space) are represented equally and effectively.
National Security
A strong defense underpins America’s national security. Military preeminence requires that we have superior weapons systems now and in the future. The aerospace and defense industrial base produces the weapons that protect our country, bolster our economic strength, support our allies and promote U.S. interests around the world. The aerospace and defense industry faces challenges to its ability to perform this role effectively. A global economic recession, domestic issues and two wars are straining the defense procurement accounts necessary to replace degraded weapons systems and to modernize aerospace defense forces for the future. It is critical that we do not allow spending on research and development and procurement to erode to a point that it threatens our future aerospace dominance. AIA will strongly advocate for a real increase in defense procurement dedicated to aerospace within a defense budget that is at least four percent of GDP.
At the same time, the current defense acquisition system inhibits the efficient and cost effective production of weapons systems. Our export control system -- designed for the Cold War -- constricts sales to our allies. Reforming the acquisition process and the export control system is critical to keeping weapons systems affordable, sustaining the companies that produce the world class systems, preserving millions of middle class manufacturing jobs and generally supporting our national economy. We will work for extensive, targeted reform of the defense acquisition system and the export control process.
Further, since the attacks of September 11, 2001, our homeland security responsibilities have expanded considerably. Information systems for commerce, government and finance must be protected. Our companies increasingly provide support to the nation’s homeland security system, and our strategic plan reflects this throughout.
Ultimately, our industry’s success rests on the competence and dedication of our workforce. That workforce is aging and, if current trends continue, we will not have sufficient qualified workers to replace them. Our companies are working to attract young people qualified in science, technology, engineering and mathematics to enable the U.S. to continue to lead the world in providing aerospace systems to military and other national users. This year, our companies will work to coordinate the efforts of all organizations so that we may identify and support the programs most effective in improving STEM, and they will join with the administration in supporting a national STEM effort.
Civil Aviation
The civil aviation industry is struggling to get back on its feet. This year saw a small uptick in large commercial aircraft orders, but business and general aviation aircraft sales are still well below normal. The global economic crisis continues to threaten civil aerospace manufacturing. As a result, our plan focuses on those areas most important to the health, recovery and growth of civil aviation. Future growth in the civil sector will depend on our ability to meet growing concerns about climate change; accelerate the implementation of the Next Generation Air Transportation System (NextGen); develop a roadmap for the near-term integration of unmanned aircraft systems (UAS) into the national airspace system, and promote fair international agreements that allow our companies to compete globally.
Many experts predict commercial air travel demand will surge and more capacity will be needed in 2010. Growth in air travel, although welcome news to operators and manufacturers, will not be sustainable unless there is an air traffic system capable of handling additional aircraft. AIA will continue to push for the acceleration of NextGen as the clearest path to a more efficient and accommodating system. This effort will require continued close coordination between AIA, FAA, Congress and the civil aviation industry. Our goal will be not only to help accelerate a new air traffic control system that permits our members to deliver more aircraft, but to also facilitate the efficiencies that will allow our customers to operate in ever more environmentally friendly ways.
AIA’s efforts in these areas, and our work to integrate and accelerate UAS into our civil airspace system, must be conducted in close cooperation with regulators and air navigation service providers worldwide. By working across borders to secure global harmonization of standards and regulations we will ensure a truly international marketplace for our products. AIA will continue to fight for fair international business practices and open trade agreements – critically important ingredients to the industry’s economic recovery and growth.
Space
Space systems are a vital and growing part of our nation’s infrastructure. We depend on the space sector for seamless global communications, GPS, intelligence gathering, missile defense and warning, weather monitoring, and earth observation. Space systems provide datalink and communications capability to our rapidly expanding fleet of military unmanned aircraft systems and deliver worldwide capability for our operations in cyberspace. The challenge is a space environment that is increasingly crowded and contested. The U.S. Air Force currently tracks over 18,000 man-made objects orbiting the Earth, and that number is growing rapidly. As our dependence on space assets increases, protection of our critical space infrastructure must be a priority.
AIA will continue working to educate policymakers about the threats posed by a crowded and contested space environment. Our efforts to support greater space situational awareness, space system reconstitution and debris management are continuing. Moreover, because our space industrial base and workforce depend on robust and stable government budgets, AIA will steadfastly support reliable funding across the civil, defense and intelligence space sectors.
The space sector is also crucial for advancing technological development, expanding our knowledge of our Earth and the universe and maintaining the international leadership position of the United States. For these reasons, it is important that government decision-makers understand how important the space sector is to our country and our economy. AIA strongly supports efforts to maintain a robust U.S. commitment to space science and exploration. Additionally, we will continue efforts to create a level playing field for U.S. space manufacturers and to ensure its competitiveness worldwide.
The Unseen Cost: Industrial Base Consequences of Defense Strategy Choices
From America’s earliest days, the U.S. defense industrial base has been a critical part of the nation’s economic and military power grid. The government relied upon a combination of arsenals and private industry for much of our history. However, since World War II, virtually all of America’s modern military equipment has been manufactured by private industry.
Read more at the Armed Forces Journal.
A Strategic and Economic Review of Aerospace Exports
Decisions on the Future Direction and Funding for NASA
Congress Passes Commercial Space Launch Indemnification Extension
Congress has taken a major step for the U.S. commercial space launch industry by extending government indemnification of launches for another three years.
“Elimination of government indemnification would have driven launch business overseas,” said AIA President and CEO Marion C. Blakey. “In 2008 only six of the 28 worldwide commercial launches were conducted by U.S. companies, and America can’t afford to lose more of that business.”
The indemnification regime, set to expire on December 31, helps protect U.S. commercial launch services providers against catastrophic third-party liability claims resulting from FAA-licensed launch activities. Payment of claims is not automatic and no funds are committed to this regime. Congressional approval is required for any payment.
“As space launch capabilities have been developed by other nations our share of commercial launches has decreased significantly, Blakey said. “Further loss of our commercial launch share could impact civil and national security payloads because the same U.S. companies also launch under government contracts.”
While today’s passage marks a very important step, AIA looks forward to working with Congress to make the indemnification regime permanent. Since launch manifests can extend out for several years, the regime maintains continuity in the business environment and strengthens U.S. international competitiveness.
“The indemnification regime provides a level playing field in a very competitive global space launch market, since every other space faring nation provides some form of government indemnification to commercial launchers,” said Blakey.
Year-End Review and Forecast
Year-End Review and Forecast
Supplier Toolkits
Sypris Receives Follow On Awards for Space Electronics Work
Sypris Electronics LLC, a subsidiary of Sypris Solutions, Inc., announced that it has been awarded approximately $5 million in follow-on orders to manufacture electronic components for multiple commercial and government satellite systems. These next generation systems provide global satellite communications (SATCOM) and connectivity for commercial and military platforms used by the United States and other countries.
“Since opening our dedicated space facility in 2005, we have aided in the successful launches of 11 national and international SATCOM systems,” stated John Walsh, President of Sypris Electronics. “Our demonstrated experience, dedication to quality and award winning-facility have positioned us as one of the go-to companies within the Aerospace and Defense market for high reliability electronic systems, from design through assembly and delivery."
Sypris Electronics is a world-class, integrated systems solutions provider. Our ruggedized electronic products, advanced engineering services and complete electronic manufacturing capabilities are aligned to provide our customers the best people, practices and technologies to continually exceed expectations. We consistently promote an agile, innovative culture by strategically partnering with leading-edge technology companies, agencies and universities. With over 40 years of experience, Sypris Electronics is proud to develop, manufacture and integrate leading technologies into mission critical electronics systems that secure America’s interest. Visit www.sypriselectronics.com for additional company information.
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Year-End 2009 eUpdate
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Speeches & Testimony
Aerospace Industry Remains Strong Through Downturn
Aerospace industry sales will increase in 2009 and 2010 demonstrating the strength of the U.S. aerospace industry in today’s weak economy, AIA announced Wednesday at its 45th Year-end Review and Forecast Luncheon.
“There are decreases in some aerospace categories,” said AIA President and CEO Marion Blakey, “however, our projection for continued overall sales growth is a solid barometer that the aerospace industry boosts trade and generates thousands of high-paying jobs across the country.”
AIA is reporting total aerospace sales in 2009 will be slightly more than $214 billion, a record for the sixth straight year. Military aircraft leads the growth curve while civil aircraft, missiles and the space sectors also posted increases.
While shipments continued to increase this year, orders and backlog are projected to drop, reflecting the continuing economic turmoil. AIA projects that sales growth will slow in 2011.
“It’s tough to see that sales line ease off, but we don’t think the dip will be too deep or last too long,” said Blakey. “A game changer such as the Boeing 787 airliner, as well as pent up demand for environmentally-friendly and fuel efficient aircraft will reinvigorate the aerospace industry and drive demand for years to come.”
“Bottom line,” said Blakey, “the aerospace industry is sound and able to absorb some punishment from the economy.
Exports dipped 17 percent in 2009 and imports decreased 34 percent. However, the trade surplus remains a solid $54 billion, the largest of any manufacturing sector. Employment is forecast to drop two percent in 2009 to 641,100, the first decline since 2003.
The employment decline is not nearly as severe as in other industries, Blakey noted. Aerospace employment fell by four percent from last year to the third quarter of 2009, while jobs in manufacturing overall dropped by 11.7 percent
Aerospace Industry: An Economic Stimulus
The Administration and Congress should look to the aerospace industry as it develops strategies to spur the economic recovery and create jobs, AIA President and CEO Marion Blakey said Wednesday.
“The aerospace industry is being overlooked as a job generator,” said Blakey. “Our benefits are global and don’t end at the water’s edge.”
In her remarks to nearly 400 members of the news media, government and industry at the Association’s 45th annual Year-end Review and Forecast Luncheon, Blakey said that investment in aerospace is a proven job and economic multiplier.
Estimates place the total number of direct and indirect jobs generated by an approximate $6 billion investment in NextGen equipment at more than 150,000 through 2012, with 30,000 jobs generated the first year.
“Government incentives for NextGen will allow the system to come online up to six years ahead of schedule,” continued Blakey. “Americans will start to enjoy travel again as the system becomes more efficient, and huge fuel savings will make us better stewards of the environment.”
In her remarks, Blakey also commended the new defense team for recognizing the importance of a DoD-industry partnership and for its commitment to minimize the adverse impacts of policy choices on the industrial base.
Expressing concern about the future of U.S. preeminence in space, she said that unless we increase NASA’s budget, we will be relying on the Russians for a ride to the International Space Station.
“That is not an exaggeration,” said Blakey, adding, “AIA is working on a proposal for a new strategy to shore up support for NASA and our long-term leadership in space.”
AIA launched the first-ever National Aerospace Day this year and is planning a week-long event in September 2010 that will broaden and amplify the message that aerospace directly benefits our economy, national security and workforce.
“Aerospace is very much about reaching for the stars,” said Blakey. “The innovation of aerospace pioneers runs like a strand of DNA down through history to our present-day pathfinders. I’m confident that our long-term outlook is bright.”
AIA Elects Officers, Board of Governors for 2010
The Aerospace Industries Association Board of Governors has elected Scott Donnelly, President and Chief Executive Officer of Textron Inc., as its Chairman for 2010. Donnelly will begin his term Jan. 1, succeeding Robert J. Stevens, President, Chairman and Chief Executive Officer of Lockheed Martin Corporation. James F. Albaugh was elected AIA’s Vice Chairman. Albaugh is Executive Vice President of the The Boeing Company, and President and Chief Executive Officer of Boeing Commercial Airplanes
The Board re-elected Marion C. Blakey as AIA’s President and Chief Executive Officer as well as AIA’s Chief Financial Officer, Ginette C. Colot, as Secretary-Treasurer.
Additional members of the 2010 AIA Board of Governors Executive Committee are:
Wes Bush, Chief Executive Officer & President, Northrop Grumman Corporation
Charles A. Gray, Vice President & Chief Operating Officer, Frontier Electronic Systems Corporation (Board representative to the Supplier Management Council)
David P. Hess, President, Pratt & Whitney, United Technologies Corporation
Dawne S. Hickton, Vice Chairman & Chief Executive Officer, RTI International Metals, Inc.
Linda Hudson, President & Chief Executive Officer, BAE Systems, Inc.
David L. Joyce, President & Chief Executive Officer, GE Aviation, General Electric Company
Jay L. Johnson, President & Chief Executive Officer, General Dynamics Corporation
Howard L. Lance, Chairman of the Board, President & Chief Executive Officer, Harris Corporation
Steven R. Loranger, Chairman, President & Chief Executive Officer, ITT Corporation
Tim O. Mahoney, President & Chief Executive Officer, Honeywell Aerospace
Robert J. Stevens, Chairman, President & Chief Executive Officer, Lockheed Martin Corporation
Michael T. Strianese, Chairman, President & Chief Executive Officer, L-3 Communications Corporation
William H. Swanson, Chairman & Chief Executive Officer, Raytheon Company
Additional members of the 2010 AIA Board of Governors are:
David C. Adams, Chief Operating Officer, Curtiss-Wright Corporation
William Ballhaus, President & Chief Executive Officer, DynCorp International
Robert P. Barker, President, Parker Aerospace, and Executive Vice President & Operating Officer, Parker Hannifin Corporation
Derek Baggerly, President & Chief Executive Officer, ESIS, Inc.
David E. Berges, Chairman & Chief Executive Officer, Hexcel Corporation
Robert T. Brady, Chairman & Chief Executive Officer, MOOG Inc.
James Callan, General Manager, Timken Aerospace Transmissions, LLC Purdy Systems
Joseph Carleone, President & Chief Executive Officer, American Pacific Corporation
Thomas J. Cassidy, President, Aircraft Systems Group, General Atomics Aeronautical Systems, Inc.
Joan M. Davies, Vice President, Aerospace & Defense, EDS
Elmer L. Doty, President & Chief Executive Officer, Vought Aircraft Industries, Inc.
Thomas A. Gendron, President & Chief Executive Officer, Woodward Governor Company
Paul L. Graziani, Chief Executive Officer, Analytical Graphics, Inc.
Richard Greaves, Managing Director, Meggitt
James M. Guyette, President & Chief Executive Officer, Rolls-Royce North America Inc.
Walter P. Havenstein, Chief Executive Officer, Science Applications International Corporation
Joel Hinzman, Senior Director, Federal Affairs, Oracle USA, Inc.
Raanan Horowitz, Chief Executive Officer, Elbit Systems of America
Richard C. Ill, Chairman & Chief Executive Officer, Triumph Group, Inc.
Clayton M. Jones, Chairman, President & Chief Executive Officer, Rockwell Collins, Inc.
Neal J. Keating, Chairman of the Board, President & Chief Executive Officer, Kaman Aerospace Corporation
Robert J. Khoury, Chairman & Retired Chief Executive Officer, B/E Aerospace
Marshall O. Larsen, Chairman, President & Chief Executive Officer, Goodrich Corporation
Steve Larson, Vice President of Strategy & Technology, Esterline Technologies
Armand F. Lauzon, President, Chromalloy
Terence W. Lyons, President & Chief Executive Officer, AmSafe Global Holdings, Inc.
Thomas S. Marotta, Chairman & Chief Executive Officer, Marotta Controls, Inc.
Michael J. McGuire, Vice President, Breconridge Manufacturing
Richard L. McNeel, President & Chief Executive Officer, Lord Corporation
Gregory Milzcik, President & Chief Executive Officer, Barnes Group, Inc.
Bradley J. Morton, President, Aerospace Group, Eaton Corporation
J. Scott Neish, President, Aerojet
Anthony C. Patti, Global Aerospace and Defense Executive, CSC
Anthony Reardon, Chief Executive Officer and Member of the Board, Ducommun Incorporated
Raymond H. Siegfried, Vice Chairman, OEM Sales & Strategic Resources, The NORDAM Group
David P. Storch, President, Chief Executive Officer and Director, AAR Corporation
Charlie Stuff, Executive Vice President, Cobham
Jeffrey L. Turner, Chief Executive Officer, Spirit AeroSystems
Bruce N. Whitman, President & Chief Executive Officer, Flight Safety International Inc.
Archive 2007
Overcoming Barriers to Public Service
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The current process of filling senior politically appointed leadership positions in government is not serving our best interests and is repelling the nation's best candidates from public service. Members of the AIA Legal Committee have put together this report – Overcoming Barriers to Public Service – which identifies specific problems keeping highly qualified people from working in important government posts and proposes specific fixes. Publication date: October 2007 |
Industry Input to the OSTP on U.S. Earth Observation Policy
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It is in the national and economic security interest of the United States to maintain an independent global Earth observation capacity (to provide measurements and monitoring determined to be critical to U.S. interests in global information and attendant infrastructure). Given the documented experience and well established utility of Earth observations from sensors deployed on, over, and under the Earth’s surface, the purpose of this policy is to optimize the U.S. benefits, and provision of, observations to support established and evolving research and operational science applications for society by minimizing systems effects on the data being collected. Additionally this policy is important so U.S. leadership can establish a global information infrastructure and be recognized as a major contributor to this infrastructure into the future. Publication date: September 2007 |
Materiel Readiness Modeling and Simulation Capability
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An AIA Product Support Committee working group published this report for the Defense Department examining the feasibility of establishing department-wide predictive modeling and analysis capability for weapon system life cycle outcome assessments. These modeling and simulation tools would predict resource-to-outcome sensitivities for such materiel readiness drivers as materiel reliability, materiel down time and total lifecycle costs. The working group determined that such a capability is not only viable but already being applied to some program development and sustainment phases. With this report, the working group details its recommended two-phase implementation plan to address this issue. Publication date: August 2007 |
Life Cycle Sustainment: Accomplishing Performance Driven Outcomes through Condition Based Maintenance and Continuous Process Improvement
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DoD logistics operations underpin the sustainment of military material readiness. These operations involve the efforts of over 1 million military service members and DoD civilians and are estimated to cost more than $114 billion in FY 2006. DoD material readiness sustainment value streams range from the procurement of consumable parts for minor repairs to the overhaul of entire weapon systems. These value streams involve many diverse organizations, from large industrial activities to forward-deployed units. Properly incentivized through performance based contracting vehicles, Industry can provide life cycle sustainment improvements that yield year-on-year DoD operational cost reductions while providing industry with time based ROI opportunities, through application of proven CPI capabilities at acceptable levels of risk. This paper explores this possibility. Publication Date: May 2007 |
Archive 2008
A Special Report: Launching the 21st Century American Aerospace Workforce
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The long-term vitality of the U.S. aerospace workforce is a priority issue for AIA. This report is a starting point for the aerospace industry to collectively recommend and develop solutions to overcome the problem. And it is an invitation for government and like-minded stakeholders to partner with us in designing those solutions. Publication Date: December 2008 |
U.S. Defense Acquisition: An Agenda for Positive Reform
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There has been substantial expansion of acquisition-related legislation in the national defense authorization acts passed during the past 10 years. Since the late 1990s, the number of acquisition provisions put in place by Congress has increased by three-to-four fold. In the past two years alone, the number has approached 100. At the same time, there is a trend towards budget growth and workforce reduction, which impacts the ability of acquisition officials to operate efficiently and in compliance with all rules and laws. AIA believes that now is the time to address those imbalances in the defense acquisition system and take action for positive reform. This report provides an overview of the acquisition system, and offers recommendations for improvement. Publication Date: November 2008 |
A Recommendation to the Department of Defense to Adopt the S1000D – the International Specification for Technical Documentation
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There is industry consensus that S1000D ought to be the preferred specification for all technical documentation procured by the Department of Defense. S1000D addresses and corrects many problems related to technical data management and concurrency. Included in those problems is the inability to keep training content current with authoritative technical sources. S1000D enables all technical documentation in support of a common system, including training, to be accurate and current throughout a system's life cycle process. This white paper outlay the benefits of S1000D. Publication Date: October 2008 |
Launch into Aerospace
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Alarmed over the critical need to develop the next generation of workers for America's aerospace industry, AIA's member companies have committed to an agenda to strengthen the workforce of the future in this report. "Launch into Aerospace" identifies the goals and actions the industry will take to address the workforce challenge. Publication Date: September 2008 |
U.S. Defense Modernization: Today's Choices for Tomorrow's Readiness
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With a new administration and Congress taking office soon, AIA is working to ensure that policymakers understand the major questions they will face next year. This report provides specific recommendations and cost of failure consequences for nine weapon system sectors in addition to logistics and science and technology activities. It details the policy choices outlined in the earlier AIA paper, "U.S. Defense Modernization: Readiness Now and for the Future". Publication Date: August 2008 |
Survey Documenting Stakeholder Expectation of the Transition to Lead-Free Electronics in Aerospace and High Performance Electronics
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There is an apparent lack of industry information or consensus as to when major lead-free events will occur in the global electronics industry, for example, when can we expect significant unavailability of lead-bearing components for use in aerospace systems, or, when will avionics assembly facilities face significant pressure to implement lead-free assembly alloys? Although there are certainly many qualifications and uncertainties regarding the available information, it may be worthwhile for the AIA-GEIA-AMC Lead-free Electronics in Aerospace Project Working Group (LEAP WG) to make an effort to develop a lead-free timeline. A “timeline team” was convened by the AIA LEAP Working Group and after several meetings established an approach which took the form of a survey. This survey addresses key issues and questions framed in a time period of the next one to two years, then out to five and finally ten years and beyond. Publication Date: August 2008 |
U.S. Defense Modernization: Readiness Now and for the Future
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U.S. military readiness is at risk due to rising defense operations and maintenance costs and ballooning personnel expenditures. This report examines dynamics within the defense budget that threaten future readiness, and outlines the consequences of using Defense Department investment accounts as a discretionary bill payer. Publication Date: April 2008 |
Engineering Data Interoperability - A Standards Based Approach
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Across the aerospace industry, the need for efficient data exchange has never been greater. Aerospace companies have increasingly focused on the role of systems integrator, relying on partners and suppliers to provide significant portions of their aircraft designs. Meeting the requirement for integration and collaboration, however, has been costly and time-consuming given the disparate set of applications and methods typically employed.presents. This White Paper summarizes the AIA Engineering Data Interoperability Group's activities, their related findings, and their recommendations. Publication date: March 2008 |
How the Aerospace Industry is Facing the Lead-free Challenge
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The Lead-free in Aerospace Project-Working Group has released a white paper on European Union directives that, in 2006, banned certain chemicals and compounds crucial to electronic equipment and aerospace production. The group; which includes AIA, the Avionics Maintenence Conference and the Government Electronics and Information Technology Association; summarizes guidelines and standards to meet the challenges of the EU rules. Publication date: February 2008 |
Assistant Vice President, Procurement and Finance
Purpose: This position is responsible for advising and assisting the Vice President, Acquisition Policy Division, on the entire range of issues for which that position is responsible, and acts for the Vice President in his absence. The incumbent performs the duties of professional staff officer in support of the Property Management Committee, and Procurement Techniques Committees and the Aerospace and Defense Controllers Group. The position is also responsible for monitoring and addressing specific issues that relate to and impact on industry members in such areas as acquisition reform, civil-military integration, independent research and development, work measurement, material management and accounting systems, and other areas that are not formally assigned, and for providing assistance to the office staff, including coordination of issues.
Nature and Scope of Work: This position reports directly to the Vice President, Acquisition Policy Division. The incumbent serves in a deputy capacity, providing administrative and managerial supervision in the supervisor's absence.
A key function of this position is to keep abreast of all the various issues and efforts undertaken by the office in order to be in position to provide professional and administrative assistance to the Vice President and the Procurement and Finance Council whenever called upon. This is in addition to carrying out established responsibilities and ad hoc assignments.
This position is responsible for monitoring issues, policies, laws and regulations as they relate to and impact on industry members in such areas as independent research and development, product liability, work measurement, civil-military integration, material management and accounting systems; and in coordinating the activities of the committees, subcommittees, task groups and panels established to address these issues. These bodies may take the initiative to formulate positions to be presented to such federal agencies as DoD, DOE, DHS, and NASA and their various departments, bureaus and commissions; or respond to government inquiries dealing with special areas of concern that require industry input. Some of these groups may have government, civilian and/or military officials participating in or observing deliberations.
Serves as principal liaison to the Property Management Committee, and Procurement Techniques Committees, to the ad hoc Aerospace and Defense Controllers Group, and other ad hoc groups established to deal with specific subject areas. Works closely with the chairmen of executive and steering committees and key industry officials of these groups to identify and clarify issues. Provides assistance as well as professional advice and guidance. Participates in seeking industry consensus; establishing AIA's position on the various issues and topics under consideration; and in making these viewpoints known to appropriate agency officials.
Confers with various civilian and military officials within the administration and agencies to gain attention and favorable consideration of AIA's viewpoint on subjects of current interest.
Drafts position papers and other documents to reflect the association's position on key issues. Coordinates these positions within and outside the association and provides continued surveillance of the progress of these issues.
Maintains contact with various congressional staff members and attends congressional hearings to become aware of the legislative considerations impacting on the incumbent's areas of specialization. Assists the Office of Legislative Affairs in drafting testimony on authorized association positions to be presented at such hearings.
This position serves as liaison to AIA’s Procurement and Finance Council, as well as the association’s Environmental, Safety, and Health Committee, Industrial Security Committee, Washington Procurement Committee, International Affairs Division, and National Security Division. Also advocates and preserves AIA’s consensus positions in various industry coalition efforts including ARWG, CODSIA, SMART, Commercial Coalition, and other coalitions as may be established from time-to-time.
Serves as a central resource person, and as such responds to inquiries from member companies, government officials and the media seeking information and background data on incumbent's areas of professional expertise. These inquiries can range from general questions to highly specific technical requests that require substantial time and effort to assemble the data and background information.
Oversees all meeting arrangements for 8-12 group gatherings a year. This includes assisting in topic selection; development of background information and materials; selection of site and hotel/company facility; arranging for meeting and sleeping rooms and menus; arranging for minutes and finalizing these after comment; and approving expenses associated with each meeting.
Contributes articles and news items to the AIA Update, Annual Report and professional journals highlighting issues and developments within own areas of expertise and responsibility. Gives speeches and participates in panels on behalf of AIA before professional organizations.
Aerospace Workforce Imperiled by Funding Cuts
U.S. preeminence in aerospace is threatened by aging demographics and uncertainty over the future of the U.S. space program and adequate funding to support it, AIA President and CEO Marion Blakey said Thursday in testimony before the House Committee on Science and Technology.
“While the Administration and Congress consider the future of NASA, we must ensure our continuing leadership in space exploration by investing in education and funding cutting-edge programs to attract young people to careers in NASA and industry,” said Blakey. “The vitality of our nation depends on a healthy, renewable aerospace workforce.”
According to an Aviation Week Survey, 13 percent of the aerospace workforce is eligible to retire. By 2013, retirement eligibility for some job functions like R&D program managers will be around 20 percent. In addition, NASA has already laid off some of their contractor workforce and could be forced into more layoffs depending on direction by the Administration and Congress.
“These jobs are a national resource critical to our nation’s technological capability and national security,” said Blakey. “Aerospace talent lost to other industries may be unrecoverable with new workers taking years to train.”
Maintaining the aerospace workforce depends on continuing stable and robust funding for the nation’s space program. Fluctuating budgets and delayed programs adversely affect the schedule, production and maintenance of a skilled workforce.
“Space programs don’t come off a shelf,” said Blakey, “They take years to develop, test and build and interruptions and cancellations can be catastrophic to smaller firms.”
The testimony is available on AIA’s web site.
Aerospace Exports Promote Alliances and Economic Recovery
Nearly half of U.S. aerospace sales are exported and are a foundation for building key relationships and shared security and prosperity with important international allies and partners, AIA President and CEO Marion Blakey said Wednesday in testimony before the House Foreign Affairs Terrorism, Nonproliferation and Trade Subcommittee.
“We estimate nearly half of our workforce is dependent on aerospace exports,” said Blakey. “As the industry becomes more global, a modernized export control system will help our industry compete in the international marketplace, grow jobs and expedite our economic recovery.”
Congress has been instrumental in recent export control modernization initiatives, including reducing licensing times at the State Department to an average of 15 days and ensuring FAA-certified components are not treated as military items.
AIA supports a number of provisions to modernize the export control system, included in H.R. 2410. These include giving the Directorate of Defense Trade Controls more flexibility in using industry registration fees to improve the licensing process, improving the process to notify Congress of export sales, streamlining licensing of spare and replacement parts to NATO countries and returning jurisdiction for licensing commercial satellites to the Executive Branch. AIA is also encouraging the Senate to ratify the U.S.-UK and Australia Defense Trade Cooperation Treaties
The association is looking forward to working with the administration on its interagency review to make the export control system more efficient, predictable and transparent. It has sent a letter signed by more than 100 chief executive officers supporting the review and identifying long-term areas for improvement. The letter and white papers with specific recommendations for the review to consider are posted on the AIA web site.
“Aerospace exports fuel job growth and the competitiveness of the most innovative industrial base in the world,” said Blakey. “The government-industry partnership supporting aerospace exports is crucial.”
Supplier Toolkits
AIA Members may access the Code of Ethical Conduct and Business Continuity Plan toolkits by following these simple steps:
1. Login at the top right of the page (or if you don't have a password click help to create one)
2. Click: Councils, Committees, and Steering Groups
3. Click: Supplier Management Council
4. Click: How to Develop a Code of Ethical Conduct Toolkit
or
How to Develop a Business Continuity Plan Toolkit
Learn more about AIA membership.
Inmedius® Implements S1000D™ Process Data Module Editor
Inmedius®, Inc. announces the general release of its S1000D Process Editor, an advanced visualization S1000D™ authoring solution enabling clients to quickly and easily produce complex Process Data Modules. Designed by Inmedius’ S1000D experts, the Process Editor combines a powerful interface with user-friendly WYSIWYG technology to insure conformance with Specification requirements. Unique to the authoring software is the automatic manipulation of the original complex XML data structures. The result is well-formed, S1000D-compliant files that even non-XML users are able to efficiently create and edit.
“While most S1000D Data Modules have narrative structures, the Process Data Module defines very complicated functionality that is difficult to model in a document-based editor,” explained Sean Rushing, Director of S1000D Product and Services, Inmedius, Inc. “Since Process Data Modules contain the most complex logic, necessitating both user interaction and logical branching to generate, they are virtually impossible to construct by hand. Inmedius designed the S1000D Process Editor with the advanced visualization capabilities required to create and manage these intricate documents.”
With the Inmedius Process Editor, customers easily author and change Process Data Modules by simply dragging and dropping different components within the flowchart environment. As a result, clients are now able to create richer and more meaningful Interactive Electronic Technical Manuals (IETM).
The Process Editor is one of three Inmedius S1000D authoring solutions, all of which provide a seamless user experience. Like browser-based S1000DauthorPro™ XE and the classic S1000DauthorPro, the Process Editor can be integrated with Inmedius S1000Dmanager™. A comprehensive project setup and management support system, Manager is one of seven modules in the fully integrated Inmedius S1000D Publishing Suite™.
The Process Editor has already been implemented at several large aerospace and defense client sites. General public release and distribution of the new authoring software begins today. Learn more about the visual Process Data Module Editor and request an online demo at www.inmediusS1000D.com/process
About Inmedius Headquartered in Pittsburgh, PA, with offices throughout the US and in the United Kingdom, Australia, Germany and India, Inmedius is a global leader in delivering innovative, performance-oriented applications and services that capture, create, manage and deploy information assets. Inmedius provides Content Management, S1000D, and DITA solutions for publishing, aerospace, defense, government, manufacturing, legal, and financial organizations, enabling our customers and their clients to share an unprecedented level of productivity and efficiency worldwide. Inmedius’ acquisition of Generation21™ Learning Systems offers a new generation of integrated E-Learning by fusing technical documentation systems within the learning curriculum. www.inmedius.com
Inmedius is a registered trademark, and the Inmedius S1000D Publishing Suite, S1000D Process Editor, S1000Dmanager and S1000DauthorPro are trademarks of Inmedius, Inc. ASD S1000D and S1000D are trademarks of the Aerospace and Defence Industries Association of Europe. All other companies’ names, products, trademarks and service marks are the property of their respective holders. Companies mentioned do not imply endorsement.
Media Contact: Joy Durgin jdurgin@inmedius.com 412.459.0310 x220
AIA Recommends Flexibility in OCI Rules
The U.S. government needs to adopt Organizational Conflict of Interest rules that function effectively without forcing unnecessary divestitures in industry, AIA Vice President Cord Sterling said in testimony Tuesday.
“In order to tighten Organizational Conflict of Interests requirements while still allowing DoD access to needed skills, any rule must be flexible, narrowly construed and consistently applied across government,” Sterling said in testimony at a public hearing on implementing acquisition reform.
“Divesting a portion of a business should be a last resort and because of the industrial base implications of such a decision, should be approved by the Senior Procurement Executive based on a business case,” Sterling said.
AIA attributes the increase in frequency of organizational conflicts of interest to three factors: industry consolidation; loss of “in-house” technical expertise in government because of significant reductions in the acquisition workforce; and increasing complexity of modern systems requiring integration of weapons, information technology and command and control.
“AIA believes that DoD should develop and implement a clear, organization-wide policy that encourages use of systems engineering expertise, while ensuring strict mitigation of OCIs,” Sterling said. “With a clear policy and regulatory guidance, the federal government can take advantage of the significant technical expertise that many defense contractors have to offer.”
The testimony is available on AIA’s web site.
Lyman Award
In 1972, the former Aviation/Space Writers Association established this prestigious award in honor of Deac Lyman. Both a distinguished aviation writer for The New York Times and a PR executive for United Aircraft, predecessor of today’s UTC, Deac was widely known for championing high public relations standards and excellence in writing. The award thus honors the winner for distinguished, career-long achievements in aviation journalism or public relations.
Past Lyman recipients include:
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Jay Donoghue (2008) Mark Sullivan (2007) Dave North (2006) Walter Boyne (2005) No award in 2004 No award in 2003 Pierre Sparaco (2002) Jim Hollahan (2000) Carole Shifrin (1999) William Schoneberger (1998) No award in 1997 Arthur Reed (1996) No award in 1995 Jim Woolsey (1994) Phil Geddes (1993) Joe Murphy (1992) Edward Kolcum (1991) |
John Taylor (1990) Phil Klass (1989) Robert Serling (1988) Howard Benedict (1987) Kenneth Weaver (1986) Dick Witkin (1985) CV Glines (1984) No award in 1983 Leighton Collins (1982) Marvin Miles (1981) Eric Bramley (1980) Jerry Hannifin (1979) Devon Francis (1978) George Haddaway (1977) Vern Haugland (1976) Wills Player (1975) Bob Hotz (1974) Wayne Parrish (1973) |
Warwick Recognized with Lyman Award
Graham Warwick, the senior technology editor for Aviation Week & Space Technology, has been selected to receive the 2009 Lauren D. Lyman Award for outstanding achievement in aviation journalism.
Warwick joined Aviation Week in 2008 after 30 years with Flight International, where he became the magazine’s first Americas Editor in 1981 covering defense, technology and business news. He was the winner of the Decade of Excellence award for journalism awarded by the Royal Aeronautical Society in 2002. Born and educated in Scotland, Warwick joined Hawker Siddeley Aviation as a graduate apprentice and later became an advanced projects engineer working on supersonic V/STOL fighter designs.
The award is named after Lauren "Deac" Lyman, a celebrated aviation reporter with the New York Times who won a Pulitzer Prize in reporting for his coverage of Charles Lindbergh’s relocation to England following the kidnapping of his child. Lyman later had a distinguished career as the first public relations vice president with United Aircraft, the predecessor company to United Technologies Corp. First awarded in 1972, the prize goes to a journalist or public relations professional in aviation who exhibits Lyman’s high standard of excellence. UTC is the long-time sponsor of the award.
“Graham’s contribution to the aviation industry spans three decades,” said Jay DeFrank, vice president of Pratt & Whitney communications. “He has set the bar in aviation journalism by bringing a greater indepth understanding of technology issues to readers of all technical levels. He truly exemplifies the standards and skills by which Deac Lyman lived and worked.”
Warwick will receive the award during AIA's 45th annual Year-End Review and Forecast luncheon Dec. 16.
Past Winners of the Lyman Award include a long roster of distinguished journalists and public relations executives including most recently Jay Donoghue, currently at the Flight Safety Foundation (2008); Mark Sullivan, former public relations executive at Pratt & Whitney (2007); former editor-in-chief of Aviation Week & Space Technology David North (2006); and aerospace writer and historian, Walter Boyne (2005).
AIA at the Dubai Air Show
Export Control Modernization
Industry Leaders Encourage Export Modernization Reform in Letter to President Obama
AIA encouraged the administration to take action on a number of initiatives to modernize the export control system in a letter to President Obama signed by more than 100 chief executive officers.
“We have long advocated for a more predictable, efficient and transparent technology control regime that advances our national security interests,” the letter states. “An effective export control system must safeguard critical technologies, as well as facilitate collaboration with our closest allies and international partners.”
The letter identifies five areas of reform to improve the export control system that do not require new legislation. They include improvements to the U.S. Munitions List and the commodity jurisdiction process, caseload management, Defense Department decision making on technology release and treatment of unmanned aircraft systems in the multilateral Missile Technology Control Regime.
In addition, the association thanked President Obama for setting the export control system review in motion. President Obama announced in August that there would be an interagency review led by the National Security Council and National Economic Council.
Signed by members of the Executive Committee of AIA’s Board of Governors, the Executive Committee of the Supplier Management Council and a significant number of other member companies, the letter and the accompanying white papers are posted on on AIA’s Web site.
AIA Calls for Increased Commitment in Commercial Launch Capability
The U.S. commercial space launch industry is at a critical juncture with increasing competition from abroad, AIA Vice President of Space Systems J.P. Stevens said in testimony Wednesday.
“As space launch capabilities have been developed by other nations, the U.S. share of commercial launches has decreased significantly,” Stevens said before the House Transportation and Infrastructure Subcommittee on Aviation. “In 2008 only six of the 28 worldwide commercial launches were conducted by U.S. companies.”
Government indemnification of commercial space launches against third-party liability expires the end of December. The current indemnification regime imposes no additional costs on U.S. taxpayers and requires Congressional approval for any payment.
The House has voted to extend government indemnification to the end of 2012.
“Every other nation with commercial space launch capabilities provides some form of government indemnification against third-party liability,” said Stevens. “Indemnification expires in 29 days; we definitely need the Senate to act before the end of the year.”
Stevens praised FAA’s oversight of the commercial launch industry, particularly the FAA’s Commercial Space Transportation Advisory Committee.
“The aerospace industry has found both the committee and its annual conference to be excellent venues for sharing information and expressing concerns,” Stevens said.
The testimony is available at on AIA’s Web site at http://www.aia-aerospace.org/assets/testimony_12022009.pdf
December 2009 eUpdate Wireless Version
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Statistics
Aerospace Statistics
Our series of industry data, including general industry statistics, employment statistics, production statistics, and a look at aerospace foreign trade.
Chart Gallery
A collection of charts and graphics that display key AIA data.
Economic Indicators for the Aerospace Industry
Our quarterly analysis of key economic indicators affecting the aerospace industry. Includes analysis of sales, profits, orders, exports, and employment.
Facts & Figures
Aerospace Facts & Figures is our annual databook containing over 125 data tables. Purchase your copy, or view last year's edition free of charge.
AIA's Year-End Review and Forecast
Take a look at our annual statistical review of the state of the aerospace industry.
Additional Resources
A compilation of other resources (market forecasts, expert presentations, statistical data books, space reports, federal budgets, contract awards, and government industrial statistics) useful to aerospace researchers.
For more information about AIA's Statistics, please contact stats[at]aia-aerospace.org .
Spirit Aerosystems Selects HITCO to Manufacture Composite Beams for Boeing 787
HITCO Carbon Composites, Inc., Gardena, California, U.S.A, a subsidiary of SGL Group − The Carbon Company − announced today that it has signed a Long Term Agreement (LTA) with Spirit AeroSystems, Wichita, Kansas, to supply carbon fiber reinforced composite beam components for the Boeing 787 Dreamliner. Spirit has contracted with The Boeing Company to manufacture the forward fuselage section of the Dreamliner. HITCO has been selected by Spirit to supply the Section 41 Passenger Floor Beams and Cargo Header Beams.
“HITCO’s selection as Boeing 2007 Supplier of the Year in the Major Structures Category as well as our established reputation as a long-term supplier to Boeing programs were major factors in Spirit’s decision,” said Peter M. Hoffman, HITCO President. “We have also performed as a Risk Mitigation Supplier for similar components to other Tier I firms on the Dreamliner Program. We are certain that our investments in automated manufacturing equipment, which support the projected increased build rate of the 787 Program, continue to be instrumental in fulfilling our goal of becoming a world class Tier II Supplier to the aerospace industry,” Hoffman concluded. HITCO is approved to Boeing Process Specification BAC 5578.
Inmedius iConvert Released for the Conversion of Complex Technical Documents
Today, Inmedius®, Inc. announced the general release of iConvert™, a comprehensive environment for the conversion of documents into structured eXtensible Markup Language (XML). The software supports conversion from legacy paper, Microsoft Word® or PDF files. iConvert also comes pre-configured for extensive out-of-the-box XML conversion of original S1000D™, 40051B and ATA documents, and supports any Document Type Definitions (DTD) or XML schema. Most importantly, iConvert’s XML conversion process is safe and reliable, having been rigorously tested with some of the most sensitive and complex technical documents ever created for aerospace and defense applications.
“Converting your most important data to XML can be daunting, overwhelming, and sometimes feel like an impossible task,” explained Gary L. Schaffer, Inmedius President and CEO, Inmedius, Inc. “The reality is that the last 10% of the XML conversion process takes 90% of the time and is typically handled manually. With iConvert, Inmedius successfully accomplishes XML conversion by addressing and resolving that most difficult portion, with a proven methodology “heads-up” conversion which guarantees success with lower costs.”
iConvert takes the guesswork out of the XML conversion process by synchronizing the original document with the converted XML document in a multi-pane, on-screen display. This unique approach to XML conversion allows for the continuous fine-tuning of document conversion rules for increased automated transfer, and more efficient production completion rates for the entire project. By building quality assurance into the XML conversion process, iConvert guarantees a successful conversion outcome every time.
Even non-expert XML users are able to complete complex tasks quickly and accurately with iConvert’s easy-to-use environment and workflow design that guides the user through the XML conversion process. At the same time, iConvert provides a visual inspection of the original document that is synchronized with the configured XML output. During this critical quality assurance step, an end-user can drag and drop both unconverted pieces of data, as well as content that has been transformed properly. User defined rules files applied to create the original conversion are updated, allowing for a second pass with increased accuracy. This important step is left undone in most XML conversion processes and is a centerpiece of the iConvert solution, resulting in quality XML output every time.
Learn more about the new Inmedius XML conversion tool at www.inmedius.com/iConvert.
AIA 67th Fall Board of Governors and Membership Meeting Hits Home Run
More than 200 chief executive officers, senior representatives and guests attended AIA’s 67th Fall Board of Governors meeting in Scottsdale, Ariz. Nov.17-19.
The meeting included a number of excellent speakers and presentations, including a panel discussion with Secretary of the Air Force Michael Donley and FAA Administrator Randy Babbitt focusing on integrating unmanned aircraft systems in the commercial airspace. Moderated by Aurora Flight Sciences CEO John Langford, this was the first-ever discussion coordinated by AIA on UAS issues at a senior executive level.
Defense Under Secretary for Acquisition, Technology & Logistics Ashton Carter discussed DoD’s priorities for revising the acquisition process and his interest in conducting an ongoing dialogue with industry on issues of mutual interest. AIA is looking forward to expanding senior level engagement and communications with DoD, including with Secretary of Defense Gates and Deputy Secretary William Lynn, throughout 2010.
Other speakers included Deputy Administrator of NASA Lori Garver, Chairman of International Lease Finance Corporation Steven Udvar-Hazy, Brig. General Robert Nolan II, Director of the Standing Joint Force Headquarters of the U.S. Northern Command, Forbes Publisher Rich Karlgaard and political pundit Donna Brazile.
Two new companies — Bombardier Aerospace and PWC-Bearing Point ─ joined AIA’s membership roster at the meeting. The Board of Governors spring meeting is scheduled in Williamsburg, Va., May 26-27, 2010.
AIA source: trish.ward[at]aia-aerospace.org
Dubai Air Show Scores Big for Aerospace Marketing Opportunities
The 2009 Dubai Air Show last month attracted 890 aerospace industry exhibitors from 47 countries, including more than 80 U.S. companies and 100 aircraft on display.
The air show plays a key role in opening the Middle East market and provides companies with an excellent opportunity to display their products and strengthen business connections.
Shows such as Dubai help build business relationships between prime contractors and their suppliers and provide a great opportunity to meet with potential customers who want to get a first-hand understanding of products available.
Bruce Graham, executive director of international business operations and compliance for Textron, Inc., and vice chair of AIA’s International Council, said “Paper is wonderful, but nobody buys paper. Seeing the aircraft and touching the metal or composite is what it is all about.
“The commitment of AIA and the Defense Department to bring our military planes to the Dubai Air Show is critical to the success of U.S. industry,” Graham added.
Air shows also connect government with industry. Several U.S. government dignitaries were present in Dubai, including U.S. Air Force Chief of Staff Gen. Norton A. Schwartz and U.S. Air Force Deputy Under Secretary for International Affairs Bruce Lemkin who met with industry leaders to discuss relevant issues.
“Hearing DoD’s priorities for the region first hand and exchanging information about doing business in the region helps U.S. manufacturers succeed and meet the goals of DoD, industry and the customer,” explained Debi Davis, vice president of international trade at Goodrich Corporation and chair of AIA’s International Council.
AIA source: audrey.koehler[at]aia-aerospace.org
TSA Issues Notice of Proposed Rulemaking for Repair Station Security
AIA members are reviewing the long-awaited publication of the Transportation Security Administration’s (TSA) proposed rule for repair station security which was published Nov. 18 in the Federal Register.
Since enactment in 2003 of the FAA Reauthorization Act, TSA has been under a congressional mandate to issue rules for the security of aircraft repair stations. In addition, passage of the 9/11 Commission Act in 2007 established a moratorium on the certification of new foreign repair facilities if TSA failed to pass a final rule by Aug. 3, 2008. Consequently, industry faces unknown delays on plans for opening new foreign repair facilities because of the moratorium.
Complicating matters further, the aerospace industry faces a setback in implementation of the U.S.–European Union bilateral safety agreement because of restrictive language contained in the House-passed FAA Reauthorization bill (HR 915).
As approved, H.R. 915 calls for the twice-annual inspections of all foreign repair facilities by FAA employees in addition to the implementation of a drug and alcohol screening regime regardless of the presence of a reciprocal agreement. Industry is working on this matter in the Senate where that chamber’s FAA Reauthorization proposal (S. 1451) calls for inspection regimes to be applied in a manner consistent with existing trade obligations.
With the issuance of TSA’s proposed rulemaking, industry remains committed to its timely and responsible implementation. AIA is channeling industry views to TSA to ensure a risk-based approach to security regulations, and the association’s Civil Aviation Security Committee plans to meet soon with TSA representatives to discuss the proposed rule.
The NPRM comment period closes January 19th. Members may provide input to AIA via ranee.carr[at]aia-aerospace.org.
AIA source: ranee.carr[at]aia-aerospace.org
AIA Reviewing FAA’s Final Rule on Aircraft Production
The FAA is amending its certification procedures and identification requirements for aeronautical products and articles. The revisions are targeted to take effect April 14, 2010.
AIA’s Civil Aviation Manufacturing Subcommittee will host the FAA’s Production and Airworthiness Certification Procedures Branch on Dec. 3 to review and discuss the significant amendments for production and quality system requirements in 14 CFR Parts 1, 21, 43, and 45.
The final rule is designed to update and standardize requirements for production approval holders, revise export airworthiness approval requirements to facilitate global manufacturing, move all part marking requirements from part 21 to part 45 and amend identification requirements for products and articles.
The FAA says the rule modifications will continue to promote safety by ensuring that the design and manufacture of all aircraft and aeronautical products and articles will meet minimum standards and reflect the current global manufacturing environment. For years, AIA members have been working with FAA to provide industry views on this significant rule.
A copy of FAA’s Final Rule is available on FAA's Web site.
AIA ource: ranee.carr[at]aia-aerospace.org
AIA and PR Firm Share Communications Award for Generating Interest in Aerospace Careers through TARC
AIA and its public relations counsel Van Eperen & Company have received a 2009 Silver Inkwell Award of Merit from the Washington Chapter of the International Association of Business Communicators (IABC).
The aerospace association and the public relations firm were recognized for creating and implementing a collaborative media campaign in support of the 2009 Team America Rocketry Challenge (TARC).
To raise awareness about the aerospace industry’s workforce needs and encourage students to pursue STEM (science, technology, engineering, and math) careers through participation in TARC, the media relations plan targeted traditional print and broadcast media and for the first time included Web-based social media, such as Facebook and YouTube, information sources popular with younger demographic age groups.
As a result, the campaign reached an estimated 100 million people throughout the United States, and TARC registered 653 participating teams from 45 states.
With more than 640 members, IABC/Washington is the organization’s largest chapter in the United States and the second largest in the world.
IABC members include public and private sector communicators who are consultants, independent business owners and corporate staff in marketing, advertising, corporate communications, government relations, human resource communications and shareholder relations.
For more information about TARC and future sponsorship opportunities, contact Audrey Koehler at 703-358-1033 or visit www.rocketcontest.org.
AIA source: audrey.koehler[at]aia-aerospace.org
DRS, Raytheon and Textron Recognized at EH&S Fall Conference
AIA’s Worker Safety Awards were presented recently to several member companies at the association’s Environment, Health and Safety annual fall conference.
Winners were:
DRS Technologies, Inc. — Most Improved Overall Aerospace Company
Raytheon Company — Best Performance in the Missile and Space Category
Textron Inc. — winner in both the Aircraft and Aerospace Component categories.
The 2009 Worker Safety Benchmarking and Awards program set a record with 22 member company participants.
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Textron team with AIA President & CEO Marion Blakey |
After receiving their awards from AIA President Marion Blakey, company representatives described their safety programs and policies that contributed to worker safety performances.
In addition, the conference highlighted actions proposed or in place across the aerospace industry’s EH&S landscape, and key Washington decisionmakers described some of the most important EH&S influences expected for the aerospace industry.
Environmental Protection Agency Assistant Administrator Steve Owens outlined Toxic Substances Control Act reform regulations and legislation and House Energy and Commerce Committee Senior Advisor Bruce Wolpe reported on developments in health care reform and greenhouse gas legislation.
Representatives from the Occupational Safety and Health Administration discussed changes to the Voluntary Program Partnership and the proposed rulemaking to update chemical classifications in accordance with the Global Harmonization System.
Also, AIA welcomed guests from two of its European sister organizations — ADS, the trade group representing the United Kingdom’s aerospace, defense and security industries, and the Aerospace and Defense Industries Association of Europe.
They joined in spirited review and agenda-setting sessions in anticipation of continuing effects forecast for the aerospace supply chain as a result of the European Union’s Registration, Evaluation, Authorisation of Chemicals (REACh) regulation, problems that could include increased costs and business or production interruptions.
AIA members expressed the need to coordinate with international partners in monitoring REACh and developing joint strategies as the regulation moves through an 11-year implementation cycle.
AIA source: lisa.goldberg[at]aia-aerospace.org
New Patent and Trademark Office Director Outlines Reforms for AIA’s Intellectual Property Committee
With more than 735,000 unexamined patent applications and reduced funding from fewer patent application filings, the U.S. Patent and Trademark Office is facing some significant challenges, Under Secretary of Commerce for Intellectual Property and USPTO Director David Kappos recently told AIA’s Intellectual Property Committee.
In laying out his vision for reform of USPTO and its operations, Kappos highlighted the role that intellectual property plays in innovation and the crucial part that innovation will play in economic recovery.
USPTO faces funding shortfalls because its budget depends on fees generated by a declining number of patent application filings. Without adequate funding, the agency will be unable to make improvements such as hiring of additional examiners, reducing its backlog and improving its information technology system. He added, however, that pending congressional legislation could provide funding relief.
Kappos provided the Intellectual Property Committee, part of the association’s Procurement and Finance Council, with updates on improvements in the USPTO such as changes to the patent examiner count system and to requests for continued examinations.
He said reform isn’t possible without collaboration with industry and opened the floor for a dialog with AIA committee members on their concerns and suggestions for improvements. The director said he would consider the input and return with a progress report in the near future.
AIA source: kirsten.koepsel[at]aia-aerospace.org
AIA Leadership Offers Recommendations to Administration Export Control Review
More than 100 chief executive officers and other senior officials from AIA member companies have signed a letter to President Obama thanking him for setting a review of the export control system in motion. The letter was signed by members of the Executive Committee of AIA’s Board of Governors, the Executive Committee of the Supplier Management Council and a significant number of other member companies in an unprecedented show of support encouraging the administration’s interagency review.
“An effective export control system must safeguard critical technologies as well as facilitate collaboration with our closest allies and international partners,” the letter states. “The review you have called for holds the potential to generate significant progress toward that end.”
In addition, AIA has delivered a set of four white papers to the administration in support of the government’s interagency review of U.S. export control policies and practices.
AIA’s white papers deal with improvements to the U.S. Munitions List and the commodity jurisdiction process, caseload management, Defense Department decisionmaking on technology release and treatment of unmanned aircraft systems in the multilateral Missile Technology Control Regime (MTCR).
The comprehensive papers offer recommendations that, if implemented, would provide a more predictable, efficient and transparent export control system to strengthen national security and benefit the competitiveness of U.S. aerospace manufacturers.
The papers are the product of broad industry collaboration and identify opportunities for immediate modernization of the export control process.
AIA is pleased that the National Security Council and the National Economic Council are leading the export control review, a sign that the administration recognizes that security and economic strength are critical factors for a more balanced export control system.
As the review process goes on, the association continues organizing meetings between key administration officials and member companies.
The white papers and the letter to President Obama are posted on AIA’s Web site at http://www.aia-aerospace.org/issues_policies/export_control_modernization/.
AIA source: pj.hart[at]aia-aerospace.org
December 2009 Viewpoint
UAS: Shifting terrain for a new frontier
By Marion C. Blakey
President and Chief Executive Officer
Aerospace Industries Association
Many of the technological advances we now take for granted first appeared as military hardware. Global Positioning Satellites, the internet and the Humvee all originated at the Department of Defense. It’s hard to predict what military product will next enter the public domain, but moving up fast is Unmanned Aircraft Systems. Their battlefield prowess is well established; now, their potential utility in the public and commercial sectors have many in the aerospace industry working hard together and asking tough questions about how to integrate UAS into our National Airspace System.
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Air Force Secretary Michael Donley, Aurora Flight Sciences Chairman & President John Langford and FAA Administrator Randy Babbitt |
When you have tough questions, the place to go for answers is at the top. So, at AIA’s Fall Board of Governors meeting in Phoenix in November, AIA invited Air Force Secretary Michael Donley, FAA Administrator Randy Babbitt and senior industry representatives to talk about the challenges of integrating aviation’s newest “game changer” into the civil airspace.
On the defense side, as military operations in Iraq draw down and unmanned systems return to the United States, DoD will need dramatically more airspace to accommodate a fifty-fold increase in UAS training requirements. Between 2007 and 2012, UAS flight training hours are expected to jump to 1.2 million from 30,000. The number of UAS has also jumped from about 50 tactical unmanned vehicles (most about the size of a model airplane) nine years ago to more than 2,400 today, with some as large as an airliner.
As UAS have become integrated into defense operations, it’s clear that there are many civil and commercial applications that have valuable public safety benefits -- natural disaster assessment, environmental monitoring and search and rescue, for example. Moreover, there is mounting pressure for the FAA to enable such operations as soon as possible. However, entrusted as he is with keeping our civilian airspace safe, FAA’s Randy Babbitt stated unequivocally at the AIA meeting that the era of the unmanned aircraft system in civil airspace has not yet arrived.
There are a host of issues to resolve to mesh the needs of military and commercial UAS with the requirements of operating in the civil airspace: aircraft configuration, air traffic management, performance parameters, spectrum, security, communications, human factors and pilot training. These are just a few of the “box-stretching” issues that UAS present to FAA for standards, certification and regulation.
However, all agree it’s important to step up smartly to these issues because the evolution of UAS is not going to slow down and their game-changing benefits are clear.
A new multi-agency, high-level Executive Committee consisting of FAA, DoD, DHS and NASA is sharing information learned from many combined years of experience. But there needs to be more than table-top planning. The first priority ought to be increased airspace for training and testing; not only for defense use, but for new commercial UAS products as well.
AIA believes there is a clear path forward to integrate UAS safely into our civilian airspace. We need defined goals and objectives – in other words, a roadmap -- with standards and procedures established by the FAA. We need to start collecting UAS safety data as we do for other aircraft operations. Furthermore, UAS should be included in NextGen planning and development.
These steps, along with dependable, dedicated funding and resources and a continuation of the dialogue we started in Phoenix, will result in a vibrant commercial UAS industry, beneficial public UAS applications and a fully trained UAS warfighter.
AIA on the Hill
DOT Reviewing Status of the Aviation Industry
The U.S. Department of Transportation hosted a forum last month to discuss the state of the aviation industry. Representatives from airlines, the general aviation community, manufacturers, labor and consumer groups and the financial sector participated in the forum, which wasn’t open to the public or media.
At the end of the three-panel forum, DOT Secretary Ray LaHood announced the formation of a federal advisory panel to develop solutions to the industry's economic problems. He said he wants the panel to take "no longer than a year" to come up with a roadmap for solutions.
LaHood asked forum participants for suggestions on the top five issues the panel should address and recommendations of candidates to serve on the panel.
Defense Trade Treaties Appear to be Making Progress
The U.S. State Department and the Senate Foreign Relations Committee (SFRC) have reportedly reconciled their differences on the United Kingdom and Australian Defense Trade Treaties.
It is likely that a hearing will take place in the near future featuring witnesses from the departments of Justice and State. AIA is submitting a statement for the hearing stressing the treaties' merits and noting our support over the last two years. The full Senate could potentially consider the treaties before Congress breaks for the Christmas recess.
Senate Passes NASA Appropriations
The Senate has approved its fiscal 2010 Commerce-Justice-Science and Related Agencies Appropriations bill (H.R. 2847), including $18.7 billion for NASA. The Senate version now heads to a conference committee with the House, which okayed $500 million less for NASA than the Senate’s topline funding.
As passed, the Senate version includes the following mission directorate funding levels:
- Science Mission Directorate: $4.5 billion, including $1.4 billion for Earth Sciences.
- Aeronautics Mission Directorate: $507 million, including $60 million for the Environmentally Responsible Aviation Project.
- Exploration Mission Directorate: $3.96 billion, including $3.58 billion for the Constellation program.
- Space Operations Mission Directorate: $6.16 billion, including $3.15 billion for remaining space shuttle operations.
House Subcommittee Reviewing NextGen Modernization Recommendations
The House Transportation and Infrastructure Aviation Subcommittee is reviewing testimony from government and industry representatives on the Radio Technical Commission for Aeronautics (RTCA) Mid-Term Implementation Task Force Report.
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Neil Planzer |
Testifying on behalf of AIA, Neil Planzer, vice president of strategy at Boeing Air Traffic Management, discussed wide stakeholder consensus on the value of NextGen to the U.S. aviation system, security, economy and environment.
His testimony detailed AIA's position on the need for NextGen implementation to include clear performance metrics, specific milestones to identify benefits for users, policy and procedure alignment with technology improvements, aircraft equipage incentives and accommodations for future developments such as the integration of unmanned aircraft systems into the national airspace system.
Senate Committee Hears Witnesses on Contracting Efficiency
The Senate Committee on Homeland Security and Government Affairs recently held a hearing on new "OMB Guidance to Combat Waste, Inefficiency and Misuse in Federal Government Contracting."
Jeffrey Zients, deputy director for management and chief performance officer for the Office of Management and Budget, testified on behalf of the administration.
The hearing focused on plans to save 7 percent of contracting costs by 2011 and 10 percent on cost-plus or non-competitive contracts by 2010 by changing contract types, ending some contracts and strengthening the acquisition workforce.
December 2009 eUpdate
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AIA Calls for Stable and Robust Space Funding in House Testimony
Our nation’s space programs need stable and robust funding to maintain U.S. leadership AIA’s Vice President of Space Systems J.P. Stevens said in testimony before the House Science and Technology Subcommittee on Space and Aeronautics Thursday.
“Interruptions or cancellations impact large companies and can be catastrophic to smaller firms – often the only entities with the unique abilities to produce small but critical components on which huge portions of our economy, infrastructure and security depend,” Stevens said.
Stevens also raised concerns about U.S. export control policies that are counterproductive for the space industry, negatively impacting America’s security interests. Barriers to the export competitiveness of U.S. companies have prompted numerous countries to develop their own indigenous aerospace capabilities, Stevens said. Without a cutting edge U.S. space industrial base, our government could be forced to rely on foreign suppliers for key components.
The critical point according to Stevens, is that space programs and policy are long-term propositions that take years to accomplish. “To return to the moon or explore asteroids will take several administrations. We can’t keep changing course mid-stream every four or eight years.”
Chairwoman Giffords made a strong statement in support of manned space programs, “There is a cost for greatness, and I am willing to pay it.”
View Mr. Stevens' written testimony at: http://www.aia-aerospace.org/newsroom/speeches_testimony/
AIA Leadership Signs Global Principles of Business Ethics
The member companies of the Executive Committee of AIA’s Board of Governors have signed on to the Global Principles of Business Ethics for the Aerospace and Defense Industry, setting the stage for other companies across the industry to join, AIA announced today.
“The establishment of a global set of ethics sends a clear message to our customers all over the globe that we are serious about our ethical values,” said Robert J. Stevens, chairman of the Board of Governors and chairman, president and chief executive officer of Lockheed Martin Corporation. “It affirms our industry’s commitment to substantive, clear and uniform principles and behavior.”
The Global Principals of Business Ethics were developed over the course of this year, and endorsed by AIA and the Aerospace and Defence Industries Association of Europe (ASD) in October during the ASD annual convention in Helsinki. The principles extend to an international arena many of the tenets included in the Defense Industry Initiative on Business Conduct, which was established in the United States in 1986, and expands upon the Common Industry Standards for European Aerospace and Defense.
The Global Principles address business conduct as it relates to zero tolerance of corruption, use of advisors, management of conflicts of interest and respect for proprietary information.
“Long-term success in today’s global marketplace depends on ethical business behavior and a common set of standards,” said AIA President and CEO Marion Blakey. “We’re looking forward to the time when companies across the world sign up to the principles.”
Companies that sign the principles commit to including programs and policies that foster ethical business conduct consistent with the Global Principles in their corporate business practices.
The companies represented on the AIA Executive Committee are listed on AIA’s web site at http://www.aia-aerospace.org/about_aia/executive_committee/.
More ethics materials are available on AIA's Issues by Subject page, under Ethics.
The Economic Impact of Aerospace and Defense
Dubai Air Show 2009 Blog
AIA Members at Northrop Grumman Chalet | Nov. 19, 2009
The afternoon of Tuesday Nov. 17, Northrop Grumman invited AIA supplier members to view the flight demonstrations from their chalet. Members had prime seats to view flights from the C-17 and F-15 among others. “It was a great opportunity to get together in a social and fun atmosphere. A lot of the suppliers in attendance manufacture parts to the planes they saw fly, so I know it was a real treat to see their products in action,” said AIA Director of Supplier Management Bill Peterson.
Supplier Members in Dubai
U.S. Military Support at the Dubai Air Show | Nov. 18, 2009
Almost 200 U.S. military personnel have travelled to the Dubai Air Show to support the eight U.S. military planes on the static display. The troops have come from all over the world and encompass specialties in everything from aircraft maintenance and infantry to F-15 and F-22 fighter pilots. AIA is proud of the support we are able to offer our troops and we would like to thank Boeing, Lockheed Martin, Northrop Grumman, and Raytheon for making our support possible.
Major Holmberg, U.S. AFCOM Aircrew Boss, commented on the troops on the ground, “We have got a lot of very dedicated young men and women at this air show. Our troops dutifully stand guard by the planes 24 hours a day, through the heat and the sun. The city of Dubai has been a great host and I’m already looking forward to the 2011 Dubai air show.”
Major Holmberg, U.S. AFCOM Aircrew Boss
The Dubai air show does more than simply offer an opportunity to display our U.S. military aircraft; it also provides younger soldiers a chance to see the world. Airman First Class Noah Knauf from Sparta, Michigan noted “I’ve been looking forward to the Dubai mission for a long time. This is my first international trip and it’s everything I could have imagined. The people, the food, really the whole experience has been great. Meeting General Schwartz was a highlight of my military career and getting my picture taken with him was a double bonus. I can’t wait till the next time I see my parents and show them all the pictures.”
Airman First Class Jillian McIntyre from Chicago, Illinois also commented, “Dubai has been an incredible experience. I’m honored that the command selected my flight to guard over $500 million dollars worth of U.S. aircraft. My parents were so excited when I told them I had been selected for the Dubai air show mission. Dubai has been great but I can’t wait to get home and tell my parents all about the trip.”
Airman First Class Jillian McIntyre
Though Dubai is halfway around the world from the U.S., some soldiers have found similarities, Airman First Class Giancarlo Del Valle noted “The heat is pretty intense but I’m from Miami so it’s about what I’m used to. I do feel a little bad for the guys from Minnesota, they’re not enjoying the heat as much as me. I’ve been here a week and a half and I still can’t believe I’m actually in the city of Dubai. This is the first time I’ve ever been on this side of the world. Stopping by Germany on the way to Dubai was especially cool. For most of this week I’ve been guarding the JSTARS [Joint Surveillance and Target Attack Radar System] aircraft. It’s pretty impressive to know the airplane I’m assigned too can run an entire war from 40,000 feet in the air. I want to give a shout out to my mom and dad and my brothers and sisters back in Miami. This experience has been great and it’s a once in a lifetime opportunity.” Airman Del Valle went on to comment, “I’ve got a brother in the Marines right now stationed in Iraq and I’m not going to get to see him while I’m over here, but it feels good to know he’s only a few hours away. I’d like to thank God and please bring my brother back home safely.”
AIA Lunch with Air Force Deputy Under Secretary Bruce Lemkin | Nov. 17, 2009
On November 16 industry leaders had the opportunity to sit down with Deputy Under Secretary of the Air Force Bruce Lemkin to discuss issues of the day. Debi Davis, Vice President, International Trade at Goodrich Corporation and Chairman of AIA’s International Council, said “The lunch was an excellent opportunity to bring together several U.S. defense companies with Mr. Lemkin. Hearing DoD’s priorities for the region first hand and exchanging information about doing business in the region helps U.S. manufacturers succeed and meet the goals of DoD, industry and the customer.”
Fred Downey, AIA Vice President for National Security, Debi Davis, Vice President for International Trade at Goodrich Corporation, and Bruce Lemkin, Deputy Under Secretary of the Air Force
Air Shows Connecting Companies and Customers | Nov. 16, 2009
Air shows provide companies with an excellent opportunity to display their products and strengthen business connections. The Dubai air show, with almost 900 companies in attendance and over 100 aircraft on display, plays a critical role in opening the Middle East market.
Shows like Dubai not only help build business relationships between prime contractors and their suppliers, but also provide a great opportunity to meet with potential customers who want to get a first hand understanding of products available.
Bruce Graham, Executive Director at Textron and AIA International Council Vice President, said “Paper is wonderful but nobody buys paper. Seeing the aircraft and touching the metal, or composite, is what it is all about. The commitment of AIA and the Department of Defense to bring our military planes to the Dubai air show is critical to the success of U.S. industry. “
Bruce Graham (Textron) discusses the Shadow UAV with potential customers
F-22 Raptor Flies at Dubai Air Show | Nov. 16, 2009
The F-22 Raptor made its Dubai Air Show debut on Sunday, Nov. 16. Coming in from BLANK Air Force base, the F-22 performed 14 minutes of impressive aerial maneuvres before returning to base.
Said F-22 pilot Major Dave “Zeke” Skalicky, “The Dubai air show is a great opportunity to showcase the 5th Generation capabilities of the F-22 Raptor. I’ve flown and fought against a number of 4th generation planes in my career and I can say the F-22 takes the best parts of all those planes and combines it on one aircraft. I’m looking forward to the planned F-22 demonstration on Thursday to put on a good show for everyone here.”
Major Dave 'Zeke' Skalicky and Captain Mike 'Sajak' Trujillo
Opening Day in Dubai | Nov. 15, 2009
The 2009 Dubai Airshow opened strong on Sunday with total of 890 exhibitors from 47 countries (including over 80 U.S. exhibitors) - a 10% jump from 2007.
Several U.S. dignitaries kicked off the show at the ribbon cutting ceremony at the U.S. Pavilion. Chief of Staff of the Air Force General Norton A. Schwartz, Lieutenant General Michael Hostage, Deputy Under Secretary of Air Force for International Affairs Bruce Lemkin and Georgia Governor Sonny Purdue welcomed everyone to the show. General Schwartz, Lt. General Hostage and Mr. Lemkin paid a special visit to the U.S. Corral and the AIA Chalet and to salute the men and women of the U.S. military.
General Norton A. Schwartz recognizes the U.S. military at the Dubai Air Show
General Schwartz shakes hands with the E-2c Hawkeye crew
AIA and its member companies are once again supporting the U.S. Military at the show. Special thanks to Boeing, Goodrich, Gulfstream, Honeywell, L-3, Lockheed Martin, Northrop Grumman, Raytheon, Sikorsky and Textron for their support of the chalet and aircrew. The AIA chalet functions as the DoD operations center for the show and provides lunch and water to the aircrew each day.
A maintainer from the F-22 gives a “thumbs up” outside the AIA chalet
AIA Presents Worker Safety Awards
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Upcoming Events
February 10-11, 2010
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February 22-24, 2010
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February 25, 2010
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Upcoming Events
February 10-11, 2010
FAA Commercial Space Transportation Conference
February 22-24, 2010
Aviation and Aerospace Industry Manufacturing Summit
Orlando, FL
February 25, 2010
Las Vegas, NV
Upcoming Events
February 10-11, 2010
FAA Commercial Space Transportation Conference
February 22-24, 2010
Aviation and Aerospace Industry Manufacturing Summit
Orlando, FL
February 25, 2010
Las Vegas, NV
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