The General Aviation Manufacturers Association (GAMA) and 16 other organizations, including the Regional Airline Association (RAA), recently sent their support for the Aviation Maintenance Workforce Development Pilot Program in a letter to Congress members who sponsored the bill.
The bill addresses a shortage in North America of technical workers in the aviation industry. Boeing estimates there will be 118,000 new technicians needed over the next 20 years while consulting firm Oliver Wyman forecasts demand will outpace supply by 2022. This shortage is a threat to competition and industry growth, the letter said.
“Your legislation would incentivize businesses, labor organizations, schools, and governmental entities to work together to pursue innovative new strategies to develop technical talent and encourage workers to pursue aviation careers,” the letter said. “Given the scale of the challenge facing companies in Oklahoma, Connecticut, Kansas, Washington, and elsewhere around the country, your proposal could not be timelier.”
More than 80 percent of respondents to an Aeronautical Repair Station Association survey said they had difficulties finding qualified technicians. The respondents said this has had other business consequences – 78 percent said it takes longer to complete work for customers, 30 percent have not added new technical capabilities, and 17 percent have turned down business.
“The U.S aviation industry is a diamond in the crown of our economy,” the letter said. “Working together, manufacturers, operators, maintainers, labor organizations, schools, and workers have built an industry that provides unprecedented mobility for people and goods. Your legislation will help ensure our member organizations have the technical professionals they need to grow, compete globally, and, most importantly, continue to ensure the safety of civilian aviation aircraft.”
The bill is sponsored by Richard Blumenthal (D-CT), Maria Cantwell (D-WA), James Inhofe (R-OK), and Jerry Moran (R-KS).