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Industry leaders warn that production bottlenecks, aircraft certification uncertainty, and geopolitical tensions are weighing on global aviation and aerospace expansion.
Global leaders in the aviation and aerospace sectors have cautioned that supply chain disruptions, geopolitical tensions, and a lack of clarity on aircraft certification are hindering the growth of aviation. As industry leaders gathered on February 2 in Singapore in preparation for the Singapore Airshow, they expressed concerns about these issues.
During the Changi Aviation Summit, industry leaders pointed out the disruptions that continue to affect the commercial aviation, aircraft, and engine supply chains. Aircraft manufacturers and engine suppliers continue to experience production delays while trying to maintain their backlogs. Trade tensions and changes in tariff policies have also impacted air cargo logistics, with cargo traffic between Asia and North America declining, while growth was recorded on Europe-Asia routes.
“This disruption remains a significant factor for global airlines and aerospace manufacturers,” said Willie Walsh, Director General of the International Air Transport Association (IATA). “A system designed for four billion passengers cannot accommodate three times that number without change,” said ICAO governing council president Toshiyuki Onuma, who emphasized the need for infrastructure development and achieving net-zero aviation by 2050.
The issues come against the backdrop of increasing discussions on political meddling in aircraft certification, which is the cornerstone of international aviation safety as enshrined in the Chicago Convention. Industry players have also expressed concerns about the “weaponization” of global supply chains, especially in the use of rare earth elements essential for jet engines, avionics, and new-generation aerospace technologies.
Despite the issues, industry players have reiterated their support for sustainable aviation, the use of SAF, and international cooperation. With the growth of aviation in the Asia-Pacific expected to outpace the rest of the world, more policy and industry announcements are expected to emerge during the Singapore Airshow.
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