Editor's Viewpoint

Looking forward to 2009
The new administration will create new opportunities and challenges for the aerospace industry in 2009. While trends in defense spending are almost certain to change in some fashion, one thing is clear: the industry has the ability and the leadership necessary to adapt to political shifts.

Ongoing efforts to become more environmentally friendly may lead to exciting breakthroughs that will help our sector cut emissions. Defense contractors and commercial aerospace firms alike are working harder to find cleaner sources of fuel.

The economy will continue to pose real challenges to all sectors in 2009, but I am confident the diversity in the aerospace sector will keep it stable. Newer, expanding markets, such as commercial space, will present exciting opportunities for aerospace firms. Meanwhile, NASA will continue to move ahead with its innovative plan to replace the space shuttle program.

I hope you enjoy reading the results of our reader polls below.

Your Predictions

Poll: What will happen to the U.S. space program in the new administration?
Decreases in space investment.		49.41%
Continued commitment to exploration and other programs at levels similar to what is in place today.		28.82%
Increased investment to jump-start the Constellation Program.		21.76%

Poll: Where will the NextGen satellite-based air traffic management system be in 20 years?
Not fully implemented due to government/private coordination issues.		42.55%
Supplanted by a new technology before it is fully implemented.		34.04%
Fully implemented and globally harmonized through public-private partnerships.		23.40%

Poll: How will defense spending change in 2009?
The U.S. will spend less on defense and weapons programs.		52.94%
Defense spending will remain about the same.		36.47%
The U.S. will spend more on defense and weapons programs.		10.59%

Upcoming Events

Coming up for AIA in 2009

Feb. 11-15
AeroIndia
Yelahanka, Bengaluru

The 7th Aero India is organized by the Ministry of Defence, Government of India and managed by Confederation of Indian Industry (CII) at Air Force Station Yelahanka, Bengaluru, India. Aero India has already carved a niche for itself globally as a premier aerospace exhibition, with six successful editions between 1996 and 2007. The show brings together exhibitors from all around the globe under one roof to showcase the best in aviation. For more information on AIA's participation, contact Sherry Epperson, sherry.epperson@aia-aerospace.org.

March 24-26
Spring SMC Meeting
St. Louis

For more information, contact William Peterson, william.peterson@aia-aerospace.org.

May 4-6, 2009
AIA Spring Product Support Conference
Clearwater Beach, Fla.

For more information, contact Rusty Rentsch, rusty.rentsch@aia-aerospace.org.

May 7-8
AIA Joint Services-Technical Publications Workshop
Clearwater Beach, Fla.

For more information, contact Rusty Rentsch, rusty.rentsch@aia-aerospace.org.

June 15-21
Paris Air Show, France

The International Paris Air Show – Le Bourget celebrates its hundredth anniversary in 2009. The first show was held in 1909 at the Grand Palais, Paris. From 1909 to 1949, the show took place between November and December at the Grand Palais. The first flying displays were seen in Orly in 1949, then at Le Bourget in 1951. Since 1953, the show is held in June at Le Bourget. For more information on AIA's participation, contact Sherry Epperson, sherry.epperson@aia-aerospace.org.

Oct. 7-9
AIA Fall Product Support Conference
Hilton Head Island, S.C.

For more information, contact Rusty Rentsch, rusty.rentsch@aia-aerospace.org.

Oct. 12-16
2009 S1000D Forum
Hilton Head Island, S.C.

For more information, contact Rusty Rentsch, rusty.rentsch@aia-aerospace.org.

Nov. 15-19
Dubai Air Show
Dubai, UAE

The Dubai Airshow is organized by Fairs & Exhibitions in conjunction with Dubai Airports, the Government of Dubai and in collaboration with the UAE Armed Forces. The new Dubai Airshow site will cover 425,000 square meters -- double the size of Airport Expo Dubai -- with 42,000 square meters of exhibition space. For more information, on AIA's participation contact Sherry Epperson, sherry.epperson@aia-aerospace.org.

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