The recent spread of the virus in China, South Korea and Italy has obliged the JEC Group and the industry’s stakeholders to reassess the situation. Increased travel restrictions have hampered both exhibiting and visiting companies alike to drastically reduce the potential show attendance. The upshot being that the composites manufacturing industry won’t get the event it deserves.

In previous years, JEC World has been affected by inclement weather and industrial strikes, but this takes things to a whole new level for an aerospace industry that has come to rely on JEC as an international composite innovation showcase. The mind bogles where we go from here. With billions already wiped off the value of the FTSE 100, the outbreak is said to be affecting aerospace supply chains and disrupting manufacturing operations around the world.

Is the worst yet to come? The predictions are that the impact on global supply chains will force thousands of manufacturers to adjust or temporarily shut their plants in the US and Europe – particularly those vulnerable companies that rely on China for parts and materials.

What spreads faster than a virus is the fear of contagion. It’s not the Black Death, but the aviation industry depends on open borders. There will be a significant impact on those aerospace companies rescheduling their attendance at JEC World, as well as the show itself. Whilst the current situation is continually evolving, I’m sure I speak on behalf of everyone concerned that we totally respect JEC Group’s decision.

Mike Richardson, editor