AIA calls for increased liquidity, workforce support

The Aerospace Industries Association is seeking several key steps, including temporary investments and workforce support measures, to help companies weather the coronavirus crisis.

In a statement issued Tuesday, Eric Fanning, the chief executive of AIA, said "extraordinary challenges to our workforce and our heavily integrated supply chain are reverberating across America's industrial base, which in turn, is having a major and measurable impact on our economy."

He detailed four key proposals, including a "temporary injection of public and private investment into the system to help mitigate reduced cash flow and financial burdens stemming from the COVID-19 crisis."

Liquidity, he said, "is the prime tool" to help companies manage the situation.

Fanning also called for workforce support measures, such as the federal government designating national security programs and workforce as essential. He said AIA is seeking support for small businesses and "clear and consistent guidance" for all federal contracts.