The U.S. aerospace industry added 8,000 more jobs during the fourth quarter of 2004, continuing a dramatic upswing from Feb., when the industry hit a 50-year employment low of 579,900.
The industry added 27,400 jobs from Feb. through Dec. last year, ending 2004 with employment at 607,100, says the Arlington, Va.-based Aerospace Industries Association. Aerospace jobs accounted for one of every six manufacturing jobs created last year, says John W. Douglass, the association's president and CEO.
During 2004, jobs in the industry's aircraft sector increased 5%. Those in the instrument manufacturing sector increased 4%. Employment in the missile and space vehicle sector declined slightly.
