The Aerospace Industries Association (AIA) has announced its executive committee leadership for 2026. Phebe Novakovic, Chairman and Chief Executive Officer of General Dynamics Corporation, will serve as Chair of the Board of Governors. Christopher T. Calio, Chairman and CEO of RTX, has been named Vice Chair. Eric Fanning has been reelected as AIA President and Chief Executive Officer.
Novakovic commented on her new role: "The aerospace and defense industry is an important component of our nation’s national and economic security. I am pleased to serve as the chair of the industry’s most important association."
Fanning highlighted the significance of strong leadership in the current global environment: "At a time when global competition is intensifying, supply chains are being reimagined, and innovation is reshaping every corner of aerospace and defense, strong leadership is more important than ever. We’re honored to have Phebe Novakovic as Chair and Chris Calio as Vice Chair of the Aerospace Industries Association’s Board of Governors in 2026."
He added: "Phebe’s strategic leadership and deep experience in national security make her an exceptional voice for our industry at a critical moment. Chris brings a sharp understanding of innovation and global competitiveness that will help guide our work in the year ahead. Together, they represent the strength and forward momentum of America’s aerospace and defense sector — and I look forward to partnering with them to advance our shared priorities."
Fanning also expressed appreciation for outgoing Chair Christopher E. Kubasik: "We thank Chris Kubasik for serving as our Chair for an extended term, since fall 2024. His energy has propelled us forward when it mattered most and reinvigorated how we engage at every level of our organization, from Executive Committee CEOs, to our team members, to our partners in the U.S. government. We look forward to continuing to benefit from his guidance as Chair Emeritus."
AIA represents hundreds of manufacturers and suppliers throughout all levels of the aerospace and defense sector in the United States. The association's member companies contribute over 2 million jobs across the country, supporting significant economic growth nationwide.
In 2024, the American aerospace and defense sector reached nearly $1 trillion in output while maintaining its position as the country's leading manufacturing exporter.
AIA’s policy agenda is set through direct involvement from top executives within major aerospace and defense firms. The organization operates under a Board of Governors that convenes twice yearly alongside an Executive Committee—composed of AIA’s Chair, Vice Chairman, President & CEO—that meets more often to ensure coordinated strategy across the industry.
For 2026, members appointed to AIA's Executive Committee include leaders from organizations such as AAR CORP., Acorn Capital Management, Acutec Precision Aerospace Inc., Acutronic Group, Astroscale U.S., BAE Systems, Belcan Engineering, Corvaer, CPI Aerostructures, GE Aerospace, General Dynamics Corporation (Novakovic), Hexcel Corporation, HII (Christopher D. Kastner), Honeywell Aerospace (Jim Currier), L3Harris Technologies (Kubasik), Leidos Corporation (Thomas Bell), Marotta Controls (Patrick Marotta), Northrop Grumman Corporation (Kathy Warden), RTX (Calio), Textron Inc., The Boeing Company (Kelly Ortberg), among others.
