Welcome to the June edition of Aerospace Manufacturing. The global pandemic has been the strangest of times for aviation. For some it has destroyed livelihoods whereas for others it’s meant rethink, reimagine and reinvent. It’s been a chance to ‘reset’ and look at how efficiently we run our businesses.
But it’s a long road back. Many will feel what they've lost can no longer be found and that the weight of the world weighs them down. They may feel like they no longer have the will to fly. Perhaps it’s time to look ourselves in the eye?
Okay, so my motivational speech skills need some work, but what got me thinking was a speech by Admiral William McRaven in 2014. He said that making our bed every morning accomplishes the first task of the day, gives us a small sense of pride, and encourages us to do another task. By the end of the day, that one completed task will have turned into many completed tasks.
It reinforces the fact that in life, the little things matter. If we can't do the little things right, we’ll never do the big things right. If we have a miserable day, we’ll still come home to the bed that we made - a made bed giving us encouragement that tomorrow will be better. So, if you want to change the world, start by making your bed.
The basis for my new-found optimism is Airbus’ recent punchy production plan announcement. The OEM expects the commercial aircraft market to recover to pre-Covid levels between 2023 and 2025 - led by the single-aisle segment. Importantly, Airbus has given suppliers a ‘call to action’ in terms of its production plans: schedule necessary investments and secure your long-term capacity and production rate readiness. For me, it signals a clear road to recovery.
Mike Richardson, editor
