ARSA Notes Repair Stations Hit Hard by Economy

A survey conducted in mid-November of Aeronautical Repair Station Association (ARSA) members indicates that the downturn in the global economy has taken a toll on repair stations. The survey included 144 responses from ARSA repair station and corporate members. It indicates the majority of the organization’s members have watched revenues drop over the last year, forcing many to reduce their payrolls. The survey also indicated little optimism for next year, as barely more than half of the respondents suggested they anticipate revenue increases. Six percent were planning to make additional layoffs next year but 21 percent indicated they might be hiring next year. “Overall, the survey suggests that industry recovery is likely to be sluggish,” said Matt Hallett, director for government affairs. The sampling represented a wide range of business sizes, consistent with the makeup of the repair station industry; the vast majority were small companies. Seventy-four percent of respondents had less than $10.5 million in revenues in 2008.