Thousands of aviation jobs have gone already. The shock wave puts many more at risk

The fallout from the coronavirus pandemic has gutted airlines and is now spreading to companies that make the parts and systems powering their planes, threatening to devastate a highly skilled workforce and hamstring the industry's eventual recovery. About 1.2m people around the world work in civil aerospace, including engineers, aircraft designers and factory workers, according to the Geneva-based Air Transport Action Group. Another 9m work for airlines, airports and air navigation service providers. These jobs depend on people flying and many are at risk as the global aviation industry suffers the worst downturn in its history. Consumer demand for flights was suppressed during the pandemic by travel bans and shutdowns, and it is not expected to fully recover for several years after lockdowns are lifted. "Everything is dependent on people flying. That's the driver for the entire ecosystem," said CEO of the US Aerospace Industries Association, Eric Fanning.<br/>