AIA Predicts Civil Aircraft Sales Growth

U.S. civil aircraft sales are expected to total $49.7 billion this year, a 3.2-percent annual increase. Marion Blakey, the former FAA Administrator who now heads the Aerospace Industries Association, told attendees at the group’s annual year-end review and forecast luncheon yesterday that after a disappointing 2010, new industry drivers include several factors, such as growth in Asia and the strong demand for fuel-efficient aircraft. Overall, aerospace annual sales are expected to top $218 billion, marking the eighth consecutive year of growth.