Mr Charles Chong, President of AAIS

As we recover from the economic downturn, signs are indicating that the industry is gearing up for better times ahead. A refresher survey conducted by the AAIS and AeroStrategy in the 3rd quarter of 2009 revealed that about half of aerospace companies are planning to increase hiring in 2010. This figure was only 33 per cent in the initial survey conducted in the 1st quarter of 2009. Salary budgets are also improving, and news of companies reinstating benefits to staff are also circulating. These are encouraging signs that an economic recovery is well on its way.

The survey also indicated that one of the top concerns in the industry now is the availability of skilled manpower. This is not surprising as Singapore’s aerospace industry has long been challenged with a shortage of aerospace engineers and technicians.

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