Aerospace Products & Parts Manufacturing

Aerospace Products & Parts Manufacturing

Brief Excerpt from Industry Overview Chapter:

Companies in this industry develop and manufacture aircraft, aircraft components, and missiles and space vehicles. Major companies include US-based Boeing, General Dynamics, Lockheed Martin, Northrop Grumman, Raytheon Technologies, and SpaceX, as well as Airbus (the Netherlands), BAE Systems (the UK), Bombardier (Canada), and Leonardo (Italy). Many companies work primarily as subcontractors to the largest manufacturers.

COMPETITIVE LANDSCAPE

Demand is driven by military budgets and the overall economic climate, which affects airline traffic and demand for new commercial aircraft. The profitability of individual companies depends on technical expertise and the ability to accurately price long-term contracts. Large companies enjoy economies of scale in design, manufacturing, and purchasing. Small companies can compete effectively by concentrating on selected components and parts manufacturing for particular prime contractors. Increasingly, small companies are developing system integration capabilities as large firms outsource more aspects of contracts. The US industry is highly concentrated: the 50 largest firms account for about 90% of industry revenue.

PRODUCTS, OPERATIONS & TECHNOLOGY

Manufacturing of civilian aircraft accounts for about 50% of US industry revenue; manufacturing of military aircraft accounts for more than 20%. Other products include aircraft assemblies, civilian aircraft engines, and parts and accessories.