The coronavirus pandemic has stalled the global economy, impaired businesses and continues to impact the world and global economy; as a result, the American Institute of Aeronautics and Astronautics has requested that policymakers protect the defense industry supply chain, the organization announced on Monday.
The aerospace and defense industry currently supports over 2.5 million jobs and 17,000 suppliers from large manufacturers to small businesses that form the backbone of the supply chain. It represents more than $928 billion in economic output for the United States and more than $237 billion in wages.
As a result of the COVID-19 outbreak, the aerospace and defense sector has filled an essential need to protect national security and provide logistics capability to bring critical supplies to areas. The sector has provided a skilled workforce and has made significant advances in areas such as autonomy, cybersecurity, air mobility, and space exploration.
The aerospace and defense workforce is an essential driver of innovation for the U.S. economy, national security, and has expanded the utilization of space for future generations. The industry has been an integral part of the United States in global competitiveness, innovation and technical leadership.
The aerospace and defense contribution to the economy after recovery from the COVID-19 crisis will be crucial for restarting and building the economic engine. The industry has experienced an economic downturn that's worse than 9/11.
Airlines have laid off thousands of workers and cut flights. Maintenance, repair and overhaul workers have also experienced major impacts. AIAA has requested federal government officials and lawmakers to be mindful of and support the aerospace and defense industry throughout the pandemic.
About AIAA
The American Institute of Aeronautics and Astronautics (AIAA) is the world's largest aerospace technical society. With nearly 30,000 individual members from 91 countries, and 100 corporate members, AIAA brings together industry, academia, and government to advance engineering and science in aviation, space, and defense.
