Witness List Includes AEA's Blakey, GAMA's Bunce

The Aviation Subcommittee of the U.S. House Transportation Committee, chaired by Congressman Frank LoBiondo (R-NJ), will hold a hearing Wednesday to review the state of American aviation manufacturing, including economic health and challenges facing the industry.

In 2012, aviation generated roughly five percent of the Nation’s gross domestic product, contributed $1.2 trillion dollars in economic activity, and supported 11.8 million jobs.  Manufacturing is a key component of the aviation industry.

The United States is home to several major aviation manufacturers, as well as half of the world’s major general aviation manufacturers for business jets.  After the recent severe economic downturn, economic indicators reflect that American aviation manufacturing is on the road to recovery.  While signs of economic recovery are present, this industry faces a number of challenges in an increasingly competitive global market.

The hearing, entitled “Domestic Aviation Manufacturing: Challenges and Opportunities,” is scheduled to begin at 10:00 a.m. on Wednesday, July 23, 2014 in 2167 Rayburn House Office Building.

Among those invited to testify include:

• Ms. Peggy Gilligan, FAA Associate Administrator for Aviation Safety
• Dr. Gerald Dillingham, Director of Civil Aviation Issues, Government Accountability Office

A second panel will consist of:

• Ms. Marion Blakey, President and CEO, Aerospace Industries Association
• Mr. Pete Bunce, President and CEO, General Aviation Manufacturers Association
• Mr. Joe Brown, President, Hartzell Propeller Inc.
• Mr. Dave Cox, Lead Administrator, Air Washington Project

FMI: http://transportation.house.gov