The US aerospace industry generated $144 billion in sales in 2000 and is predicted to make $145 billion in 2001 - slightly down on 1999's record $151 billion.
Total aerospace sales this year were down 5% or $7.4 billion, largely because of a $7.2 billion dip in commercial transport deliveries to $31 billion. But commercial transport production will increase in 2001 following 2000's record $155 billion orders.
Companies in the US Aerospace Industries Association (AIA) posted $9.4 billion in profits in 2000, down from $10.2 billion the year before but still the second highest on record.
AIA analysis shows that export sales fell $3.5 billion from last year's total of $62.4 billion. Sales of military aircraft, engines and parts slipped $2.7 billion to $33 billion. General aviation showed rising sales in 2000, with civil helicopter sales increasing to $236 million.
Next year, sales to the US Department of Defense are expected to rise $2.2 billion to $48 billion as aircraft procurement rebounds, while civil space-related spending falls $1.5 billion to $11.4 billion.
Source: Flight International