Analysis & Market Data

The industry is highly concentrated, both geographically in a few EU Member States and in terms of few larger enterprises. Employment in the aerospace sector is particularly significant in the United Kingdom, France, Germany, Italy, Spain, Poland and Sweden. Productivity is considerable and, even though average employment costs tend to be high, the sector is quite profitable. An appreciable share of added value is spent on R&D, which is reflected in the increasing number of patent applications originating from the sector. The EU has a trade surplus for aerospace products, which are exported all over the world.

This study on the competitiveness of the EU Aerospace Industry provides a comprehensive picture of the sector

    • Competitiveness of the EU Aerospace industry (with focus on Aeronautics industry) – Full Report [5 MB]

    • Competitiveness of the EU Aerospace industry (with focus on Aeronautics industry) – Summary [143 KB]

The European Commission regularly collects data on aircraft and spacecraft production in the European Union. A summary analysis on the manufacturing of aerospace equipment is provided in the following publication: Eurostat, Statistics in Focus - Manufacture of aerospace equipment in the European Union - Issue number 7/2006.

The AeroSpace and Defence Industries Association of Europe, a private association grouping the national aerospace associations in the EU and other countries as well as major manufacturers, regularly publishes a "Facts & Figures" booklet.

Several European and international aerospace companies frequently publish market outlooks, for example:

    • Airbus Global Market Forecast 2010-2029

    • Rolls-Royce Market Outlook 2009

    • Boeing Market Outlook 2010-2029