While all indicators exceeded year-earlier third quarter levels, most indicators (not employment and orders) turned down during the quarter. Military exports fell sharply while civil exports declined moderately--both from relatively high levels. Profits fell three percent on slightly lower sales. For bright spots, employment continued to grow and orders rose three percent to a strong $40 billion--the best third quarter since 2000.

In Billions of Current Dollars	3Q 2004	2Q 2004	% Change 2Q04 to 3Q04	3Q 2003	2003 Year-End	2002 Year-End
Aerospace Sales	$45.50	$45.95	-1.0%	$41.98	$171.71	$159.58
Profits	$2.57	$2.66	-3.3%	$1.69	$7.24	$6.55
Orders	$39.98	$38.80	3.0%	$31.90	$147.74	$139.72
Exports--Total	$13.63	$14.61	-6.7%	$12.35	$52.50	$56.78
Exports--Civil	$11.53	$11.82	-2.4%	$10.26	$44.06	$47.35
Exports--Military	$2.10	$2.79	-24.8%	$2.09	$8.44	$9.43
Employment (in thousands)	586	577	1.6%	577	574	603

For more information about AIA's Statistics, please contact stats@aia-aerospace.org.