The Aircraft Electronics Association opened its 56th convention and trade show in Las Vegas Tuesday with an eye-opening number: $6.3 billion. That’s the current size of the avionics industry — including new installation and retrofits, but not repairs — according to a recently compiled economic study done by the association based on 2012 sales. The report drew surprised reactions from several attendees we spoke to at the show, including some major players.
AEA’s Paula Derks told AVweb that the study will be continued and conducted on a quarterly basis to track industry performance. The next phase of the study will lend more detail to both certified and uncertified sales. At AEA’s opening session, 27 companies announced new products, including Garmin, Aspen and Universal. Some 1500 manufacturers, dealers and installers are attending the show, which runs through Thursday. AVweb will have continuing coverage of the show this week.
