Opinion: How The U.S. Government Can Help Aerospace Innovate

For more than a century, the U.S. has been synonymous with aerospace innovation. Now adversaries across the globe are rapidly advancing their aerospace and defense capabilities, and they are watching how we meet this moment. We need to stay ahead of the curve and continue pushing the boundaries of what is possible. Several policy targets of opportunity will help us do just that.

To ensure continued U.S. aerospace and defense leadership, industry needs a strong public-private partnership that supports its world-class workforce, incentivizes critical research and development (R&D) and passes essential legislation such as FAA reauthorization and the National Defense Authorization Act (NDAA).

At the heart of maintaining our leadership in innovation is developing and retaining a skilled workforce. The 2.1-million-strong U.S. aerospace and defense workforce is the crown jewel of our industry and our biggest driver of innovation, but we risk falling behind. We must focus on policies that develop our workforce, create partnerships between industry and academia and invest in education, training and retraining programs that will prepare workers for the jobs of the future. We also must ensure that our workforce is diverse and inclusive, as diversity drives innovation.

Another key factor is R&D tax amortization. Last year, a harmful R&D tax policy change took effect, handcuffing American innovation, stifling our workforce and leaving U.S. companies at a disadvantage. At a time when China is doubling down on incentives for R&D, we must use every tool at our disposal to level the playing field. Congress should pass the American Innovation and Jobs Act to reverse course on the tax change, leverage private capital for public good and send a message to our adversaries that the U.S. is serious about investing in innovation and national security.

Finally, we need to ensure that FAA reauthorization and the NDAA are in place to enable innovation.

As emerging technologies such as electric, autonomous and supersonic aircraft become more prevalent, the FAA must keep pace to continue U.S. global leadership in innovation and aviation safety. This year’s FAA reauthorization legislation must include provisions to make sure the FAA certification workforce has the skills to review future aviation technologies and meet the highest safety standards.

Upgrading our air transport infrastructure is also an essential element of the FAA bill. The FAA’s air traffic control system has facilitated an enviable safety record in the U.S. over the last several decades. With air traffic recovering following the COVID-19 crisis and even exceeding 2019 levels, we are seeing strains on the aging infrastructure serving our air traffic system—the failure of the Notice to Air Missions system in January is one example. While the FAA received $5 billion to upgrade the air traffic control system last year, more resources are required to continue meeting our expanding needs.

Helping the aviation industry achieve a more sustainable future is a vital role for the FAA as well. While aviation is responsible for only about 2% of total carbon emissions, the incredible growth of air traffic means this amount could increase if the introduction of new technologies does not change the trajectory. The FAA is playing a critical role in helping to accelerate the use of sustainable aviation fuels, advance the development of hybrid-electric and electric propulsion, fund research on lighter materials and more aerodynamic architectures for air structures, and conduct research on the use of hydrogen power for aircraft.

Advancements in national security are rooted in innovation, too. The NDAA provides an opportunity to create the right policy and incentive environment to unleash technological transformation. We must focus on speed, agility and risk-taking to stay ahead of our global competitors. This means investing in innovative technology and a resilient supply chain. We also must ensure that our procurement policies encourage innovation and provide opportunities for small and diverse businesses.

Global innovation leadership is within our control, but we must act now to remain competitive. As an industry, we are ready to meet the moment, but we need commitment from our partners in government to do the same. Working together, we can unleash the full potential of our industry and secure America’s place as the world leader in innovation for years to come.

Tom Gentile is president and CEO of Wichita-based Spirit AeroSystems and chairperson of the Aerospace Industries Association.