Aviation Manufacturing Jobs Protection Update

A month ago we advised our members to start assembling their paperwork to apply for the Aviation Manufacturing Jobs Protection (AMJP) Program. We are getting closer to the application period.

The AMJP is a grant program that provides eligible aviation companies with matching funds for a portion of your workforce payroll (for six months). That portion can be up to 25% of your US workforce (so if your US manufacturing workforce is 500 people then the government will support payroll for up to 125 of them). In practice this means that the government pays for half of your payroll (for the eligible group) during this period. It is a great way to help recall furloughed employees, and to keep talented people employed while aviation recovers from Covid.

We’ve previously discussed in blog posts (and in blog posts about the legislative process). This Covid relief grant program applies to both aviation manufacturing and aviation maintenance organizations. PMA manufacturing companies are likely to be eligible to participate in the program.

The AMJP was authorized in the March 11 American Rescue Plan Act (Public Law 117-2, sections 7101-02).

The DOT has been hard-at-work developing the processes and rules for managing this program. They have asked us to set aside time late next week to discuss the roll-out of the program.

ACTION: Check if your business is tentatively eligible. Tentatively eligible businesses include American (1) PMA, TSOA, and PC holders, (2) MROs (holding a Part 145 certificate), and (3) suppliers with AS9100 certificates.

ACTION: If you think that your business might be eligible then check the ineligibility rules to ensure it is not disqualified. Also check the full range of eligibility requirements (Public Law 117-2, sections 7101-02).

ACTION: If your research shows that your business is eligible then make sure your paperwork is assembled so you can submit your application as soon as the application process opens. We expect a relatively short window of opportunity for making applications.