21st Century Workforce

AIA Announces VentConnect Online Platform to Scale the Production and Distribution of Ventilators

New portal developed with AdvaMed and Google connects ventilator component suppliers and manufacturers Arlington, Va. – Today, the Aerospace Industries Association (AIA) announced the launch of a new platform (www.VentConnect.org) to connect ventilator companies with component suppliers to help quickly scale production and distribution of these vital services. The new platform was developed with the Advanced Medical Technology Association (AdvaMed), Google, and other industry alliances a...

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AIA President and CEO: Planning and Preparation for Recovery is Critical to Ensuring the Nation’s Success

Arlington, Va. – Today, the U.S. House of Representatives passed H.R. 266, the Paycheck Protection Program and Health Care Enhancement Act, to provide additional funding for hospitals, COVID-19 testing, and the Paycheck Protection Program (PPP) for small businesses. The legislation now heads to the President’s desk to be signed into law. Aerospace Industries Association (AIA) President and CEO Eric Fanning released the following statement: “The American people are confronting this publi...

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AIA President and CEO: More Help is Needed to Support Small Businesses in the Supply Chain

Arlington, Va. – Today, Aerospace Industries Association (AIA) President and CEO Eric Fanning released the following statement on the need to increase support for the aerospace and defense industry’s supply chain: “Small businesses in our supply chain are the lifeblood of our industry. The best way to keep them whole is to keep them safe and working. Cash flow is the key to doing both. The tools and resources federal leaders already approved have been a powerful aid to these businesses ...

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The American Rocketry Challenge 2020 Competition Postponed Until 2021

Arlington, Va. – To ensure the health and safety of our rocketeers, mentors, teachers, and their families, the Aerospace Industries Association (AIA) is officially postponing the 2020 American Rocketry Challenge competition and will roll over this year’s rules into the 2021 competition. Last month, teams were directed to suspend all qualification flights and launches and follow the guidance of their schools, the Centers for Disease Control (CDC), and state and local health departments. Te...

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AIA Applauds Senate Passage of Coronavirus Stimulus Package, Urges House to Pass the Bill

Arlington, Va. — Today, Aerospace Industries Association (AIA) President and CEO Eric Fanning released the following statement on the U.S. Senate’s passage of H.R. 748, the Coronavirus Aid, Relief, and Economic Security Act: “This comprehensive package prioritizes public health and safety, laying out a roadmap for relief and recovery for the American public and U.S. economy. It provides critical tools to help our employees, small businesses, supply chain, and industrial base navigate ...

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AIA President and CEO to American Leaders: Put Politics Aside and Help Our Country Move Forward

Arlington, Va. — As the Administration and Congress develop an economic stimulus package to respond to the COVID-19 pandemic, Aerospace Industries Association (AIA) President and CEO Eric Fanning released the following statement: “Public health and safety are essential, but so are tools to help our employees and businesses bridge the gap created by COVID-19. It is essential for American leaders from both parties and at every level to put politics aside and take immediate action to help ou...

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AIA President and CEO Urges American Leaders to Help Protect America’s Aerospace & Defense Workforce and Support National Security

Aerospace and defense workers are essential, representing nearly 20 percent of the nation’s manufacturing workforce Arlington, Va. — Today, Aerospace Industries Association (AIA) President and CEO Eric Fanning released the following statement, which sets a path forward to ensure the resilience of the industry amid the COVID-19 pandemic. AIA represents more than 300 companies and the industry’s 2.5 million workers — ranging from multinational prime contractors to family-owned businesse...

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AIA Presents Inaugural “The Wright Stuff Award” to Representative Mac Thornberry

Arlington, Va. — The Aerospace Industries Association (AIA) honored U.S. Representative Mac Thornberry (R-Texas), Ranking Member of the House Armed Services Committee, as the inaugural recipient of “The Wright Stuff Award” at a Capitol Hill reception on February 26. Representative Thornberry’s leadership and policy contributions to America’s national and economic security during his 25 years in Congress are extensive and notable. “For more than two decades, Congressman Thornberry ...

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AIA Urges Congress to Use Spending Package as Roadmap for Regular Order in FY21

Statement by Aerospace Industries Association President and CEO Eric Fanning Arlington, Va. — The Aerospace Industries Association (AIA) welcomes the bipartisan Fiscal Year (FY) 2020 consolidated appropriations bills (H.R. 1158 and H.R. 1865) passed by Congress. By finalizing all 12 appropriations bills for the fiscal year, Congress has averted another costly continuing resolution or shutdown, which harm our economy and undermine a properly functioning federal government. “Passing full...

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AIA and First Book Launch Partnership to Bring 25,000 New STEM Books to Kids in Need

Partnership closes out the 2019 celebration of AIA’s centennial year with aerospace-themed book donations in time for winter break Arlington, Va. — The Aerospace Industries Association (AIA), the voice of the American aerospace and defense industry, and First Book, the nonprofit social enterprise committed to equal access to quality education, today announced a partnership to distribute over 25,000 new, high-quality science, technology, engineering, and math (STEM) books to elementary schoo...

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AIA Recognizes Brandon R. “Randy” Belote, III with 2019 Lyman Award

Arlington, Va. — Brandon R. “Randy” Belote, III, a former Corporate Vice President of Strategic Communications for Northrop Grumman Corporation, has been selected to receive the 2019 Lauren “Deac” Lyman award for outstanding achievement in aerospace communications. “It is our honor to recognize Randy Belote, an exemplary and community-minded communicator, with this year’s Lyman Award,” said AIA President and CEO Eric Fanning. “For more than ...

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Annual Report Shows Continued Strength of Aerospace & Defense Workforce

However, industry must build on efforts to expand training opportunities and diversity Arlington, Va. — The American aerospace and defense (A&D) industry continues to drive the U.S. economy and support high-paying jobs, but the industry must redouble hiring and recruiting efforts to maintain its role as a global leader, according to the Aviation Week Network’s 2019 Workforce Study Report released today. The study – conducted in partnership with the Aerospace Industries Association (...

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