TOP 5 CHALLENGES IN THE AEROSPACE INDUSTRY

The aerospace industry continues to face a number of challenges. From supply chain disruption to the need for modernisation, the industry needs to be able to overcome these obstacles.

Digital Transformation of Manufacturing

Digital transformation is helping to streamline and revolutionise industries, but can the aerospace sector keep up? As technology continues to rapidly advance, it can be a challenge for industries to keep up.

As more and more updated and digitally revolutionised technologies are introduced, employees must receive the training to use them. Aerospace manufacturers must ensure that their business strategies consider what’s to come. If sufficient funds aren't put aside, companies will struggle to invest in these new technologies.

Cybersecurity Threat

Cybersecurity is a serious threat faced by the aerospace industry. Companies within this sector are a particular target due to the high-value data and assets that they hold.

These cyber criminals target the aerospace industry at each individual level of the supply chain. Whether it be phishing attacks, malware or other malicious activity, cyber-attacks can be detrimental.

Supply Chain Weaknesses

Shipping delays, material shortages, rising cost of supplies, compliance issues and global wars all impact supply chains. To mitigate these supply chain disruptions, companies have begun to change the way they operate. With shipping taking longer, production needs to be quicker. And with outsourcing slowing down the process, more in-house options need to be considered.

Increasing Passenger Numbers

There has been an undeniable increase in air travel passenger numbers since Covid-19 lockdown restrictions were lifted. In 2022 alone, global air traffic passenger demand increased by over 64% compared to the previous year.

With disruptions to supply chains and a need for modernisation, keeping up with such high demand is a challenge. Climate change has also impacted the industry and manufacturers are tasked with developing new, innovative solutions to keep air travel sustainable.

Skills Shortage

It’s vital to ensure that there is a constant flow of skilled aeronautic engineers and manufacturers ready to takeover. But finding these skilled individuals is a challenge in itself.

More specialist courses and opportunities to upskill are needed to help bring talented young people into the sector. One initiative addressing the skills shortage has been the introduction of University Technical Colleges (UTCs). These colleges equip students with the technical skills required to meet the needs of employee partners, who sponsor the college.