Fifteen Organizations Write to Trump Administration Requesting a Meeting

A group of fifteen aviation organizations recently sent a letter to US Government officials asking for help stabilizing the industry’s supply chain. They argue that maintaining cost effectiveness and consistent availability will make the US a more competitive market.

The statement, sent to Transportation Secretary Sean Duffy, Commerce Secretary Howard Lutnick, and Trade Representative Jamieson Greer, was written by several forefront aerospace groups that advocate for all sectors of the industry. The 15 organizations include the Aircraft Owners and Pilots Association (AOPA), Experimental Aircraft Association (EAA), General Aviation Manufacturers Association (GAMA), National Business Aviation Association (NBAA), Vertical Aviation International (VAI), and more.

“The aviation supply chain involves tens of thousands of suppliers from all over the globe which provide parts, platforms, and systems that require safety approval for use and installation, all of which may not be easily replaced or substituted,” the letter read. “Given this reality, it is essential that both government and industry work together to minimize cost and availability disruptions in the aviation supply chain, which in many cases cannot be easily or quickly addressed.”

The groups have many suggestions for the industry's future and are requesting a meeting with the Trump Administration to discuss them. Implementing these changes, the coalition claims, will give domestic manufacturing and maintenance a competitive edge as they continue to modernize the industry.

In addition to the proposed meeting, the letter asks the US Government to consider exempting the aerospace industry from tariffs. As promised in his campaign, President Trump imposed a large tax hike on imported goods from China, Mexico, and Canada as soon as he took office. The tariffs aim to protect domestic production, but bring big trouble for industries like aviation that rely on a largely international and interdependent supply chain.

“We believe such dialogue and analysis will benefit the competitiveness of the U.S. aviation manufacturing and maintenance sectors and will be critical as the industry continues to innovate and contribute positively to the U.S. balance of trade,” the letter continued.

FMI: https://gama.aero/wp-content/uploads/Tariff-Supply-Chain-Assn-Ltr-031225.pdf