Civil Aircraft Sales Improve as Defense Cuts Loom
The trend of robust U.S. military aircraft sales offsetting a lagging civil aircraft market is changing.
Improved civil aircraft sales in the coming years will help offset declining defense spending, according to forecasts. (Photo: Boeing)
Improved civil aircraft sales in the coming years will help offset declining defense spending, according to forecasts. (Photo: Boeing)

The trend of robust U.S. military aircraft sales offsetting a lagging civil aircraft market is changing. Delivering its year-end review and forecast December 14 in Washington, D.C., the Aerospace Industries Association (AIA) said civil aircraft sales grew 3.2 percent to $49.7 billion in 2011. This follows a “disappointing” 2010, when sales declined 6 percent.