NAICS 336411 Quarterly Industry Report
Aircraft Manufacturing
Comprehensive industry research for valuation professionals, business owners, buyers, and lenders
NAICS Code: 336411Sector: 33Updated: Q1 2026
About This Report
This industry profile for Aircraft Manufacturing (NAICS 336411) draws on data from the U.S. Census Bureau[7] NAICS classification system, Bureau of Labor Statistics[8] employment and wage data, Federal Aviation Administration[6] certification requirements, the Aerospace Industries Association[9], and industry delivery data from public manufacturer filings. Published by Fair Market Value and updated quarterly, it provides valuation professionals, aerospace lenders, and business owners with the classification context and market intelligence needed for assessing aircraft manufacturing businesses. Additional data is drawn from SBA[10].. The editorial analysis reflects the independent assessment of FairMarketValue.com's research team, with all quantitative claims sourced to publicly verifiable databases.
Industry Snapshot
Key metrics for the aircraft manufacturing industry.
Industry Definition & Overview
Aircraft Manufacturing (NAICS 336411) encompasses establishments engaged in manufacturing or assembling complete aircraft, developing and making aircraft prototypes, performing major aircraft modifications (conversion), and complete aircraft overhaul and rebuilding. The industry produces a diverse range of aircraft types, from commercial airliners to business jets and specialized military platforms, with major producers including Boeing, Airbus, Bombardier, and Embraer operating U.S. manufacturing facilities. Employment reaches about 173,987 people across 584 verified active companies BLS OES Data[5], with average hourly wages of $55.53 as of April 2023.
Global air passenger traffic continues to drive demand for new commercial aircraft. Airlines worldwide are modernizing aging fleets and expanding capacity to meet rising demand, particularly in emerging markets, creating record order backlogs. Manufacturers face supply chain constraints, including workforce shortages and material availability challenges that have pressured production rates for Boeing, Airbus, and their supply chain partners. Strategic investment in manufacturing facilities, advanced tooling, and specialized production equipment remains critical for maintaining competitive advantage and meeting delivery schedules.
Production timelines of 2-3 years characterize the aircraft manufacturing cycle, with FAA certification requirements adding complexity and regulatory overhead. Type certification can take 5-9 years for new aircraft designs FAA Certification Process[6], while production certificates ensure compliance with design specifications throughout manufacturing. Aircraft manufacturers typically achieve profit margins of 12-15% with stable contracts, which exceeds profitability levels in many adjacent aviation sectors. Capital requirements prove substantial; aircraft development programs regularly cost billions of dollars before the first delivery, with ongoing investment required in automated tooling, composite material processing facilities, and integrated supply chain coordination.
What's Included in This Industry
- Manufacturing or assembling complete aircraft
- Developing and making aircraft prototypes
- Aircraft conversion involving major modifications to systems
- Complete aircraft overhaul and rebuilding to original specifications
- Commercial transport aircraft manufacturing
- Regional aircraft production
- Business jet manufacturing
- Airframe and fuselage assembly
- Wing fabrication, landing gear integration, and cockpit assembly
- Flight control systems installation and avionics integration
NAICS Classification Hierarchy
| Level | Description | Code |
|---|---|---|
| Subsector | Transportation Equipment Manufacturing | 336 |
| Industry Group | Aerospace Product and Parts Manufacturing | 3364 |
| NAICS Industry | Aerospace Product and Parts Manufacturing | 33641 |
| National Industry | Aircraft Manufacturing | 336411 |
Related NAICS Codes
| Code | Description | Relationship |
|---|---|---|
| 336412 | Aircraft Engine and Engine Parts Manufacturing | Aircraft engines and propulsion systems are critical components for aircraft manufacturers, though 336412 covers establishments specifically manufacturing aircraft engines and engine parts separately from complete aircraft assembly in 336411. |
| 336413 | Other Aircraft Parts and Auxiliary Equipment Manufacturing | Aircraft parts manufacturers produce landing gear, propellers, brakes, control surfaces, and auxiliary equipment supplied to aircraft manufacturers, representing critical supply chain components for aircraft assembly operations. |
| 336414 | Guided Missile and Space Vehicle Manufacturing | While sharing similar advanced manufacturing techniques and defense contracting relationships with aircraft manufacturers, 336414 focuses on guided missiles and space vehicles rather than manned aircraft for aviation operations. |
| 488190 | Other Support Activities for Air Transportation | Air transportation support activities including aircraft repair services (excluding overhaul, conversion, and rebuilding) are classified separately from the manufacturing, overhaul, and rebuilding activities covered in 336411. |
| 541715 | Research and Development in the Physical, Engineering, and Life Sciences (except Nanotechnology and Biotechnology) | Research and development establishments primarily engaged in aircraft R&D, except prototype production, are classified separately from aircraft manufacturers who produce prototypes as part of their manufacturing activities. |
| 334511 | Search, Detection, Navigation, Guidance, Aeronautical, and Nautical System and Instrument Manufacturing | Search, detection, navigation, guidance, and aeronautical instrument manufacturers supply avionics and navigation equipment to aircraft manufacturers, representing critical electronic systems integrated during aircraft assembly. |
Geographic Concentration
Top states by share of national establishments.
| # | State | % Est. | Total Est. |
|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | California | 16.9% | 60 |
| 2 | Texas | 10.2% | 36 |
| 3 | Florida | 10.2% | 36 |
| 4 | Washington | 5.1% | 18 |
| 5 | Georgia | 4.2% | 15 |
| 6 | Oregon | 4.0% | 14 |
| 7 | New York | 3.4% | 12 |
| 8 | Kansas | 3.4% | 12 |
| 9 | Arizona | 3.4% | 12 |
| 10 | Alabama | 3.1% | 11 |
% Of Establishments
0%
17%
Source: County Business Patterns, U.S. Census Bureau[3]
SBA Lending Summary
40
Total SBA Loans
$14.2M
Total Loan Volume
$356K
Average Loan Size
10 yrs
Average Loan Term
11.70%
Average Interest Rate
1,592
Jobs Supported
Source: SBA 7(a) Program Data, U.S. Small Business Administration — FY 2025[4]
Key Insight: The Small Business Administration size standard for NAICS 336411 (Aircraft Manufacturing) is 1,050 employees SBA Size Standards[11]. Manufacturers with 1,050 or fewer employees qualify as small businesses under SBA definitions and may access SBA-guaranteed loan programs, including 7(a) loans and 504 loans for capital equipment purchases and facility improvements. Small aircraft manufacturers face unique financing challenges due to extended production cycles, large working capital requirements, and capital-intensive tooling investment. SBA financing can help qualified manufacturers secure funding for production facility expansion, advanced manufacturing equipment, and supply chain infrastructure.
Top SBA Lenders
| # | Lender | Loans | Volume | Avg Loan |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | United Community Bank | 8 | $8.4M | $1.0M |
| 2 | Cadence Bank | 8 | $2.8M | $350K |
| 3 | Zions Bank, A Division of | 16 | $2.7M | $167K |
| 4 | BayFirst National Bank | 8 | $399K | $50K |
Frequently Asked Questions
Common questions about this industry.
What types of businesses are classified under NAICS 336411?
NAICS 336411 covers establishments manufacturing or assembling complete aircraft, developing aircraft prototypes, performing major aircraft conversions, and conducting complete aircraft overhaul and rebuilding. This includes manufacturers of commercial transport aircraft, regional aircraft, business jets, and military platforms. Companies range from large OEMs like Boeing and Airbus to smaller manufacturers specializing in light aircraft, business jets, or defense platforms. FAA Aircraft Certification[6]
How is the aircraft manufacturing industry structured?
The industry is dominated by a small number of large OEMs (Boeing, Airbus, Bombardier, Embraer) supported by a multi-tier supply chain of thousands of component suppliers. Tier 1 suppliers provide major integrated systems like engines and avionics. Tier 2 and Tier 3 suppliers provide subassemblies, structural components, and raw materials. About 584 active companies employ roughly 173,987 workers in the U.S. The industry operates on long production cycles of 2-3 years with substantial order backlogs. DataUSA Aircraft Manufacturing[12]
What is the SBA size standard for aircraft manufacturing?
The SBA size standard for NAICS 336411 is 1,050 employees. Manufacturers with 1,050 or fewer employees qualify as small businesses for SBA loan programs, federal contracting set-asides, and other federal assistance. Size calculations include all entities under common ownership, including subsidiaries and affiliates. SBA Size Standards[11]
What NAICS codes are related to aircraft manufacturing?
Closely related codes include 336412 (Aircraft Engine and Engine Parts Manufacturing), 336413 (Other Aircraft Parts and Auxiliary Equipment), 336414 (Guided Missile and Space Vehicle Manufacturing), 488190 (Other Support Activities for Air Transportation), 541715 (R&D in Physical, Engineering, and Life Sciences), and 334511 (Search, Detection, Navigation, and Guidance Instruments). Each represents a distinct segment of the broader aerospace value chain.
Which industries work most closely with aircraft manufacturing?
Aircraft engine manufacturers (336412) supply propulsion systems. Parts and auxiliary equipment manufacturers (336413) provide landing gear, control surfaces, and structural components. Commercial airlines (481111) are the primary customers. MRO providers (488190) perform aftermarket maintenance. Avionics manufacturers (334511) supply flight management and navigation systems. Defense contractors overlap substantially in military aircraft programs. Material suppliers provide composites, aluminum alloys, and titanium for airframe construction.
What activities are included in NAICS 336411?
Activities include manufacturing or assembling complete aircraft, developing aircraft prototypes, performing major aircraft conversions, and complete overhaul and rebuilding to original design specifications. Covered products include commercial transport aircraft, regional aircraft, business jets, military platforms, airframes, fuselage assembly, wing fabrication, landing gear integration, cockpit assembly, avionics integration, and environmental control systems installation. Aircraft engine manufacturing (336412) and aircraft parts manufacturing (336413) are classified separately. Census NAICS 336411[7]
Can you get an SBA loan for an aircraft manufacturing business?
Yes. Aircraft manufacturers with 1,050 or fewer employees qualify for SBA loan programs including 7(a) loans for general business purposes and 504 loans for fixed asset financing. SBA-guaranteed lending can fund production facility expansion, advanced manufacturing equipment, tooling, supply chain infrastructure, and working capital. Small aircraft manufacturers should work with SBA-preferred lenders experienced in aerospace manufacturing due to the industry's unique capital requirements and long production cycles. SBA Loan Programs[13]
Which states have the highest concentration of aircraft manufacturing?
California leads with about 146,000 employees in aircraft and parts manufacturing, followed by Washington with 87,300 employees and Texas with 68,000 employees. Additional concentrations exist in Arizona, Kansas, and Florida. Boeing maintains major production facilities in Washington State (Puget Sound) and South Carolina. Airbus operates North American operations in Alabama. These geographic clusters reflect historical facility locations, workforce skills, supply chain relationships, and access to specialized vendors. DataUSA Aircraft Manufacturing[12]
Sources & References
Government datasets and editorial sources used in this report.
- [1]U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics, Quarterly Census of Employment and Wages bls.gov
- [2]U.S. Census Bureau, Economic Census census.gov
- [3]U.S. Census Bureau, County Business Patterns census.gov
- [4]U.S. Small Business Administration, SBA 7(a) Loan Program Data data.sba.gov
- [5]BLS OES Data bls.gov
- [6]FAA Certification Process faa.gov
- [7]U.S. Census Bureau census.gov
- [8]Bureau of Labor Statistics bls.gov
- [9]Aerospace Industries Association aia-aerospace.org
- [10]SBA sba.gov
- [11]SBA Size Standards sba.gov
- [12]DataUSA Aircraft Manufacturing datausa.io
- [13]SBA Loan Programs sba.gov
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