The Aviation Industry Has a Major Supply Chain Problem. Here's How Investors Can Still Win.

Industry Overview - The aviation industry is currently facing a strong demand for air travel, which grew by 10.4% last year and is projected to continue growing at an annual rate of 4.2% through 2030 [2] - There is a significant shortage of new aircraft to meet this rising demand, with a global backlog of over 17,000 aircraft due to supply chain disruptions caused by the pandemic [3] Impact on Airlines - Airlines are expected to struggle with finding enough new aircraft to meet demand, leading to higher maintenance and leasing costs [4] - Supply chain issues are projected to cost airlines more than $11 billion this year according to the International Air Transport Association [4] Opportunities for Suppliers - The supply-demand mismatch is anticipated to benefit aircraft leasing companies, maintenance and repair companies, and manufacturers of planes, engines, and parts [5] - The iShares US Aerospace & Defense ETF (NYSEMKT: ITA) has seen a significant increase of 48% in 2025, outperforming the S&P 500 index, and is expected to continue rising as aviation industry challenges persist [5][6] ETF Holdings - The ITA ETF tracks the Dow Jones U.S. Select Aerospace & Defense Index and includes major holdings such as GE Aerospace (21.2%), RTX (16%), Boeing (8%), Lockheed Martin (4.5%), L3Harris Technologies (4.5%), and General Dynamics (4.4%) [6][7]