Authors  Say The Three Most Pressing Barriers To Continuing U.S. Leadership Are Globalization, Talent Shortfalls And Innovation Challenges

While all signs point to a second golden age for the U.S. commercial aircraft industry, there are several headwinds that may impact this resurgent trajectory, according to a new report launched Tuesday by PwC US in conjunction with The Manufacturing Institute titled "Aviation's Second Golden Age: Can the US aircraft industry maintain leadership?"

The report highlights pressing issues, including three top-of-mind that U.S. aerospace companies must address to maintain their leadership positions and competitive edges: globalization pressure, talent management shortfall and innovation challenges across a complex supply and product chain. "Emerging foreign competitors are ramping up their capabilities and technological advancements in their home markets, and are even expanding their manufacturing footprint here in the U.S. in ways that will likely alter the industry's competitive landscape through this decade and beyond," said Scott Thompson, PwC's U.S. aerospace and defense leader. "This is a critical time for the U.S. aviation industry. Aviation manufacturing is the U.S.'s leading net exporter, with nearly $100 billion in annual exports. To continue its global leadership, the industry needs to encourage collaboration among the private sector, educational institutions and government to re-tool an industrial workforce with the skills and technologies to compete and innovate in the 21st century."

Growth in new markets is altering today's world of commercial aviation, according to PwC's report. Shifts in air traffic demand and the geographies where fleets will be needed to satisfy that demand is changing the model that has existed for decades. Going forward, Asia Pacific is expected to lead in air traffic growth while being supported by the rapid development of their air transport infrastructure to accommodate the expected increase in demand. In addition, emerging aircraft manufacturers such as those in China, Canada, Brazil, Russia and Japan are all planning to capitalize on the shifts by grabbing a larger share of the global commercial aviation industry.

"Globalization is the driving force behind the aviation renaissance, and U.S. aerospace manufacturers are benefitting from global growth," continued Thompson. "Partnering with emerging aircraft manufacturers could present significant opportunities for U.S. suppliers, but it could also carry risks including intellectual property protection. The potential risks of forfeiting their competitive edges are leading some companies to reconsider the advantages of domestic production. Policy makers need to promote the skills and policies that will support investment in U.S. growth."

Commercial aviation's rapid global expansion also has the potential to outstrip the availability of talent needed to support growth and demand. In addition, the industry is already challenged to find the resources to support current volume. "The availability of skilled resources is a real problem to support growth, especially engineering and skilled manufacturing resources. Unless the U.S. can provide the skilled workforce needed, companies will be forced to off shore jobs - not for labor cost, but simply for availability of skills," said Jennifer McNelly, President of The Manufacturing Institute.

To meet the demand for the next generation of more efficient, sustainable aircraft, in addition to satisfying today's backlog demand for aircraft, the industry is attracting other types of engineers including materials engineers, computer engineers, electrical and electronic engineers and civil engineers. Non-engineering aviation jobs such as skilled manufacturing are also forecast to rise in demand, according to the report.

As the U.S. commercial aircraft industry continues to focus on producing more fuel-efficient, lighter and smarter aircraft, companies are pushing for innovation including "green technologies" to gain the competitive advantage as demand for these newest aircraft increases. "The sector is pursuing innovation to cut costs and increase production scale, in addition to lowering manufacturing-related energy consumption," added Thompson.

FMI: www.themanufacturinginstitute.org, www.pwc.com