US aerospace industry employment is on the rise after hitting a 50-year low of 568,700 in February. Figures released by the US Aerospace Industries Association (AIA) indicate employment rose to 579,800 in June, reversing a 14-year decline that began with the end of the Cold War.
All sectors of the industry showed positive signs in the first half of the year, says AIA. Defence aerospace sales increased and are expected to reach $76 billion this year, a rise of 9% over 2003. General aviation billings increased 17% in the first half and civil helicopter shipments totalled $264 million - a 19-year high, says AIA.
Source: Flight International