GRAHAM WARWICK / WASHINGTON DC
The US equivalent to Europe's STAR 21 group, the Commission on the Future of the United States Aerospace Industry, is not due to report its final findings until November, but has "begun testing its ideas against the European view", with meetings between the two sides planned for this week.
The Commission is focusing on what the US government could do to maintain a robust aerospace industry. In three interim reports, the 12-member panel has so far highlighted the need for action to improve the business environment, streamline defence exports, transform the US air transport system, modernise the space launch infrastructure, address industrial base issues and attract and retain a skilled workforce.
Chairman Robert Walker says some expected recommendations, including an overhaul of the US air traffic management system, will require co-ordination with Europe. But the European Union's stated intent to wrest leadership of civil aeronautics from the USA, as articulated in its Vision 2020 blueprint for government research and development funding, has attracted concern.
The Commission is likely to focus its recommendations on increased government support for the civil sector.
Source: Flight International
