Aerospace Workforce Shortage Hits Inflection Point | Aviation International News

Paris Air Show 2025

Training and Workforce

Study: A&D at Inflection Point In Face of Retention Issues

Companies need to drive 30% to 40% more efficiency with existing workforce

Dassault Martignas facility

By Kerry Lynch • Editor, AIN monthly magazine

June 18, 2025

The aerospace and defense (A&D) industry is at a critical inflection point as it faces strong growth in business but continued attrition and talent recruitment issues, according to a study that the Aerospace Industries Association (AIA) and consulting firm McKinsey released this week at the Paris Air Show. In the face of this, A&D organizations need to generate at least 30% greater productivity within the existing workforce, the study found.

Titled “Accelerating Progress-Maximizing the Return on Talent in A&D,” the study delves into the A&D workforce dynamics and highlights the need for fresh approaches and sustained investment to strengthen the workforce pipeline. It drew insights from more than 30 organizations representing more than 600,000 U.S. employees, as well as those of industry leaders, talent executives, and national workforce data.

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