Aerospace Diary

Posted by- Neelam Mathews Jan 23, 2012  The U.S. space industry is losing its competitive edge and risks falling short of future national security requirements unless government reforms our export control system and promotes the international competitiveness of U.S. industry, according to a new report released by Aerospace Industries Association (AIA). “A strong and globally competitive space industrial and supplier base is a major national security asset,” said AIA President and CEO Marion C. Blakey.  “Reforming America’s export control system and promoting space exports will better serve our national security and bolster our economy and technological leadership.”  The report, Competing for Space: Satellite Export Policy and U.S. National Security , surveys U.S. satellite systems and components manufacturers about the challenges the space industrial base faces as a result of U.S. export policies. Among the adverse impacts on industry are loss of global market share...

By Marion C. Blakey President & CEO AI, U.S No more. That was the message AIA executives delivered to reporters at a press briefing launching the Second to None campaign during National Aerospace Week. With $460 billion in defense cuts already on the table, this industry has been cut to the bone. Hundreds of thousands of jobs and our national security are at risk as the supercommittee meets to decide how they can achieve the $1.5 trillion in deficit reduction mandated by the Budget Control Act. As Chuck Gray, vice president and COO of Frontier Electronics Systems Corporation said, “We’ve already given at the office.” But, apparently that isn’t enough as another $600 billion in defense cuts could be mandated if sequestration takes effect. Certainly FAA and NASA will be eyed for sharp reductions as well. According to estimates prepared by Deloitte Consulting LLC, the aerospace and defense industry employs more than one million workers. Barr Group Aerospace calculates that 2...

Posted by- Neelam Mathews July 16, 2011 The lobby against cuts in US defense spending is getting louder.  Responding to President Obama's remarks on defense spending, Marion Blakey, president and CEO of the Aerospace Industries Association, said: "For months, there have been calls from a number of quarters for severe cuts that would undermine our dominance in the skies, fail to recognize the dynamic and changing security realities that we face in an age of asymmetrical warfare and which would undermine our industrial base and research capabilities for decades.  “Instead of hiding behind abstract numbers pulled from thin air, it’s time for everyone to put their cards on the table. Almost $200 billion in defense spending has already been identified for the chopping block. Those calling for indiscriminate additional cuts should explain specifically how and why these cuts will not cost jobs or compromise our national security. “When asked about additional cuts in defense s...