NAICS 336411

Overview

The North American Industry Classification System (NAICS) is the production-oriented taxonomy used by U.S. federal statistical programs to group business establishments for consistent collection and publication of economic data. Developed jointly by the United States, Canada, and Mexico under the Office of Management and Budget, NAICS replaced the SIC in 1997 and is maintained on a five-year cycle; the current vintage is 2022. ¹
NAICS 336411 (Aircraft Manufacturing) covers establishments primarily engaged in manufacturing or assembling complete aircraft; developing and producing aircraft prototypes; performing aircraft conversions (major system modifications); and executing complete aircraft overhauls and rebuilds to original design specifications. ²

What this NAICS covers

• Manufacturing or assembly of complete aircraft platforms. ²
• Development and fabrication of aircraft prototypes. ²
• Major aircraft system modifications (aircraft conversion). ²
• Complete overhauls and rebuilds that restore aircraft to original design specifications. ²
• Production performed under a variety of end uses; classification is based on production process, not customer type. ²
• Activities conducted within integrated facilities where the predominant output is complete aircraft. ²

Related NAICS and PSC codes

Type	Code	Descriptor
NAICS	336412	Aircraft Engine and Engine Parts Manufacturing. 2
NAICS	336414	Guided Missile and Space Vehicle Manufacturing. 2
PSC	1510	Aircraft, Fixed Wing (complete aircraft). 3
PSC	1520	Aircraft, Rotary Wing (helicopters; complete aircraft). 3

Key exclusions and boundary notes

• Routine aircraft repair and maintenance (other than conversion, overhaul, or rebuilding) are classified under NAICS 488190 (Other Support Activities for Air Transportation). ²
• Guided missile and space vehicle manufacturing is excluded and classified under NAICS 336414. ²
• Census cross-reference indicates aircraft research and development establishments (except prototype production) are classified outside aircraft manufacturing (historically noted under NAICS 541710). ²

Small business size standard (SBA)

The SBA small business size standard for NAICS 336411 is 1,500 employees (effective March 17, 2023), per SBA’s Table of Small Business Size Standards. ⁵

Frequently asked questions

• What activities qualify under NAICS 336411?
  Establishments in NAICS 336411 manufacture or assemble complete aircraft, build prototypes, perform aircraft conversions involving major system modifications, and conduct complete overhauls or rebuilds to original design specifications. Work is categorized by production process rather than customer end use or mission profile. ²

• How is NAICS 336411 different from 336412 and 336413?
  NAICS 336411 covers complete aircraft. NAICS 336412 covers aircraft engines and engine parts, while NAICS 336413 covers other aircraft parts and auxiliary equipment. Choosing the correct code depends on the predominant production output of the establishment. ²

• Are prototype development and conversions included?
  Yes. Prototype development and production are included when performed by manufacturers, as are aircraft conversions that implement major modifications. Complete overhauls and rebuilds to original specifications are also included. Routine maintenance and repair, however, are classified elsewhere and not under 336411. ²

• Does NAICS 336411 distinguish between military and civil aircraft?
  NAICS is production-oriented; classification hinges on the production process rather than the identity of the end customer. The industry definition does not specify separate treatment for civil versus military aircraft. Not specified by official sources ⁶.

• Which PSCs commonly align with complete aircraft buys?
  Common product PSCs for complete aircraft include 1510 (fixed wing), 1520 (rotary wing), 1540 (gliders), and 1550 (unmanned aircraft). Selection depends on platform type and procurement scope (e.g., complete systems vs. components). ³

Useful resources

• G2X — NAICS 336411 overview: https://app.g2xchange.com/naics/336411
• Census NAICS 336411 definition (Sector 31–33 archives). ²
• Census: Implementation of the 2022 NAICS (overview and timeline). ⁴
• SBA Table of Small Business Size Standards (effective March 17, 2023). ⁵
• GSA Acquisition: Product and Service Code (PSC) Manual (April 2025). ³

References

1. U.S. Census Bureau — Classifying Businesses: NAICS development and OMB adoption in 1997. https://www.census.gov/about/history/historical-censuses-and-surveys/census-programs-surveys/economic/classifying-businesses.html
2. U.S. Census Bureau — NAICS Sector 31–33 (includes the 336411 industry description and cross-references). https://www.census.gov/naics/resources/archives/sect31-33.html
3. U.S. General Services Administration — Product and Service Code Manual (April 2025). https://origin-www.acquisition.gov/sites/default/files/manual/PSC%20Manual%20April%202025.pdf
4. U.S. Census Bureau — The Census Bureau’s Implementation of the 2022 NAICS. https://www.census.gov/library/reference/code-lists/naics/2022/implementation-timeline.html
5. U.S. Small Business Administration — Table of Small Business Size Standards (Effective March 17, 2023). https://www.sba.gov/sites/default/files/2023-06/Table%20of%20Size%20Standards_Effective%20March%2017%2C%202023%20%282%29.pdf
6. U.S. Census Bureau — Economic Census Guidance: NAICS Codes & Understanding Industry Classification Systems. https://www.census.gov/programs-surveys/economic-census/year/2022/technical-documentation/code-lists/understanding-naics-redirect.html