Eric Fanning, President and Chief Executive Officer of the Aerospace Industries Association, joined Brenden Swanik’s Chasing Space podcast to discuss American leadership in the aerospace and defense industry, according to an April 15 announcement.
The conversation addressed how the association is working to keep the United States competitive globally and strengthen partnerships between government and industry. Fanning spoke about the importance of stable demand from government customers, ongoing private investment in aerospace, supply chain challenges in space operations, and supporting a skilled workforce. He also congratulated NASA on its recent Artemis II launch and urged continued support for NASA's exploration initiatives.
Fanning highlighted that "AIA is advancing the shared priorities of the United States aerospace and defense industrial base to remain competitive globally and to make sure the government is a good partner for industry." He also discussed findings from a recent study released by AIA with PricewaterhouseCoopers (PwC), which found that growth in the space sector has outpaced its supply chain at an unsustainable rate. The study offers recommendations for addressing these issues.
The Aerospace Industries Association operates within the aerospace and defense sector by supporting manufacturers and suppliers according to its official website. The association supports diversity initiatives to improve representation in the field according to its official website.
In addition, AIA promotes policies aimed at strengthening national security, fostering innovation, encouraging economic growth according to its official website, shaping U.S. policy on aviation safety, workforce development, space innovation according to its official website, promoting international business ethics through efforts like leading the International Forum on Business Ethical Conduct since 2010 according to its official website, as well as providing advocacy efforts, networking opportunities via councils and committees, and access to over 1,400 industry standards according to its official website.
Looking ahead, AIA recently released their 2026 Space Priorities calling for stronger American leadership in space exploration.
