AEA Members Optimistic for Increased Business Growth in 2012 Rate & Labor Survey

LEE'S SUMMIT, MO., Dec. 5, 2012 -- In comparing this year's annual survey results with the last three years of AEA Rate & Labor Survey data, Aircraft Electronics Association members have a more positive business outlook, as negative growth expectations are leveling off and improved numbers for increased growth are emerging.

Of those repair stations responding to this year's survey, 56 percent said they expect their business to increase this year compared to 49 percent in 2011. In addition, only 6 percent expect a decrease in business compared to the 15 percent that expected a decrease in 2009 and 8 percent in 2010. Business growth is expected in installations, modifications, upgrades and completions specifically with glass cockpits, ADS-B and Wi-Fi products.
  
Consistent with the rest of the aviation industry, AEA members also are seeing an increase in rotorcraft activity. The number of shops reporting rotorcraft as a type of aircraft maintained jumped 14 percent from the previous year.
  
"It's clear the rotorcraft market is building momentum and attracting new and innovative products from avionics manufacturers," said Mike Adamson, AEA vice president of member programs and education. "With the AEA's focus on improving the certification of avionics equipment in rotorcraft, it is possible that we will see even greater growth in the years to come."
  
According to the survey, employee wages are climbing and driving repair shop rates higher, and the trend is expected to continue.
  
"The largest increases in wages appear to be on the East Coast and West Coast of the U.S.," Adamson said. "The Midwest shows only a slight increase in repair shop and labor rates."

This annual survey, which is distributed to AEA members at no charge as one of their membership benefits, examines and compares shop and labor rates by national and international regions. It also shows employee benefit/compensation package information, a profile of technician experience, regional employment demand and a business outlook perspective. The quick-glance layout allows repair shop owners and managers to easily compare their businesses to others in their regions of operation.

AEA members may view the entire survey results online with a member login by clicking on the link below.