Introduction
In recent months, we’ve discussed how the balance of power among aircraft manufacturers and passenger/cargo traffic has been gradually shifting towards new horizons. For years, the United States and the North Atlantic route dominated passenger and cargo transportation. However, this leadership has been slowly moving towards regions like the South Pacific and the Arabian Peninsula, especially considering the billions of dollars that Arab countries like the UAE, Saudi Arabia, and recently Turkey (though not Arab, it belongs to the Islamic world) have invested in influence, fleets, and airport infrastructure.
The Changing Dynamics
Today, the situation is so distinct that, in an unprecedented move, the President of the United States might accept a Boeing 747-800 from Qatar’s royal family due to Boeing’s inability to deliver a newly fabricated Air Force One within President Trump’s desired timeframe, meeting all necessary safety, space, and engine power standards.
Whether Trump will receive this “gift” remains uncertain, given the stringent regulations in the US Constitution preventing presidents from accepting gifts that could sway their judgment towards specific countries (i.e., receiving bribes from foreign entities or states).
US Declining Influence in Aviation and Aerospace
It’s a fact that the United States is losing its prominent position in the aviation and aerospace industry. The trajectory Boeing has taken, declining flight reservations to the US from various countries, and air traffic control issues in multiple centers are just the tip of the iceberg of a deteriorating situation.
In the case of Air Traffic Control (ATC), the situation is dire. As reported and made public, since summer 2024, there have been increasing alerts about ATC equipment and personnel shortages across the United States. A serious case is at Newark Airport, where power outages led to flight cancellations and near-collisions between aircraft. Similar incidents have occurred in Philadelphia and other US airports.
The question is what would happen if the Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) applied its standard audits to the US, as it does in other countries. Or if the International Civil Aviation Organization (ICAO) conducted a security audit under the Chicago Convention’s annexes. It’s clear that this is not the best time for US aviation, as less-developed countries take the lead.
Key Questions and Answers
- Q: What is the current state of US aviation and aerospace industry?
A: The United States is losing its dominant position in the global aviation and aerospace industry, with issues like Boeing’s delivery delays, declining flight reservations to the US, and air traffic control problems. - Q: Why is the US President considering accepting a Boeing 747-800 from Qatar’s royal family?
A: Due to Boeing’s inability to deliver a newly fabricated Air Force One within President Trump’s desired timeframe, meeting all necessary safety and performance standards. - Q: What are the concerns regarding US Air Traffic Control (ATC)?
A: There have been increasing alerts about ATC equipment and personnel shortages across the US, with serious incidents reported at Newark Airport and other airports. - Q: How would a US aviation audit by ICAO impact the industry?
A: If ICAO conducted a security audit under the Chicago Convention’s annexes, it could reveal further issues in the US aviation sector, potentially prompting necessary improvements.
