The German Aerospace Industries Association (BDLI) announced its industry figures for 2024. "Contrary to the general trend, our companies are growing continuously and are making a decisive contribution to Germany's sovereignty and global competitiveness." said Mike Schoellhorn, President of the BDLI.
In 2024, the industries‘ total turnover was € 52 billion (+13%), of which civil aviation accounted for € 39 billion (+18%, 2023: 33), military sector € 10 billion (unchanged) and aerospace € 3 billion (unchanged). The sector already grew by 18% in 2023 and by 56% over the previous 10 years.
The number of employees reached a record high of 120,000 (+4%, compared to 115,000 in 2023). The export ratio remains at 67%, investments in research and development stand at €3.6 billion - a 7% share of total turnover (2023: €3.8 billion).
Industry guarantees competitiveness and sovereignty.
„Germany is facing extraordinary challenges that the aerospace industry is ready to tackle, including growing security and defence requirements, the new space race, and pioneering civil aviation. It is therefore important that we establish the right framework. Our companies have made advance investments; now politics must follow suit ", Mike Schoellhorn added.
Germany's special defence fund (Sondervermögen) must now be put into action, ist investments being consistently directed towards domestic companies according to the principle „buy European“. In the space sector, the German government is urged to play an active role within the European Space Agency (ESA). This will require a commitment of €6 billion. Thirdly, a commitment to strengthening research for sustainable aviation is necessary to ensure our global leadership role in the field.
In addition, fragile supply chains, the ongoing customs conflict and an excess of bureaucracy or dual-use obstacles are still slowing down the industry's success in some areas. „We are calling on the German government to proclaim a new German-European industrial policy that enables security and prosperity for our community. Our industry is an important driver of innovation that has an impact on many other areas of the economy and society," concluded Mike Schoellhorn.
The industry data are the result of a qualified survey conducted by the BDLI among its member companies.
