The following is a statement from AIA President and CEO John W. Douglass on the administration's proposed initiative for manned space flight:

The aerospace industry welcomes today's proposal from the White House to begin a new phase in America's manned space flight program. By putting together a road map for the post-shuttle era, the administration has served notice to the world that the United States is ready to blaze new trails in the exploration of space, and very importantly, that it plans to remain the global leader in space for the 21st century.

Keeping manned space flight as the centerpiece of our space program is in agreement with recommendations made last year by the Commission for the Future of the U.S. Aerospace Industry. AIA is pleased that the administration has incorporated the commission's recommendations into this initiative and we look forward to working with Congress and the administration to start fleshing out their proposals in the political process.

This initiative will also give Congress and the administration an opportunity to accelerate aeronautics research and development programs that will inspire and challenge the next generation of designers, engineers and astronauts to shoot for the moon-and far beyond.

FMI: www.aia-aerospace.org