.png?width=1200&height=630&rmode=max&scale=both&w=860&resize=860,0&ssl=1 "Unions discuss aviation supply chain challenges")
Trade union representatives from the aeronautics supply chain in southern and south-western Europe met in Madrid on 6 and 7 November to discuss the economic, environmental, and social challenges facing the aviation sector — and to identify common solutions.
The meeting was the third in a series of regional workshops organised within the framework of industriAll Europe’s EU-funded project FLY-SUS: “Strengthening Cooperation through the Supply Chain for a Sustainable Transformation of the Aviation Sector.” The workshop brought together trade unions from Italy, Spain, France, Portugal, Belgium, and the UK.
Project partner Syndex guided participants through the workshop with presentations and discussions on the southern and southwestern European aeronautics industry, focusing on supply chain challenges and the decarbonisation of the sector. Syndex highlighted that demand for air transport remains very strong, with over 40,000 aircraft expected to be produced by 2040. The recovery following the COVID-19 crisis was the most significant in aviation history. However, despite this robust demand, aircraft manufacturers are still producing below pre-pandemic levels, largely due to persistent supply chain difficulties.
Participants raised several key issues, including the need for better supply chain coordination, upskilling to retain workers in the industry, access to affordable financing, the impact of AI and robotics, cybersecurity, sustainability, and decarbonisation. They also noted the challenges faced by subcontractors, who are under pressure to cut costs and therefore struggle to invest in future projects.
Isabelle Barthès, industriAll Europe’s Deputy General Secretary, emphasised that while the aviation industry is currently in a relatively favourable position, the sector must double down on innovation and investment in technology and skills to keep Europe’s leadership position:
“The aeronautics supply chain is strategic to ensure a future-proof and resilient aeronautics industry and our goal is to make it visible — because it is often invisible. To achieve this, sustainability must be at the heart of our approach. The economic dimension cannot be decoupled from the environmental and social one”.
The workshop concluded with a visit to ITP Aero’s Ajalvir plant, where participants met with HR and management representatives and received a guided tour of the facilities. ITP Aero is a Spanish manufacturer of aero engines for both commercial and defence aviation. The Ajalvir plant employs around 580 workers.
The FLY-SUS project will conclude with the presentation of its final report and recommendations at a conference with stakeholders and policymakers in January 2026.