I believe that the current number of l.a.e's
is about 14,000. How many are working in the U.K. is a good question.
I believe the only way forward is for all aircraft maintenance engineers to be represented by one body. A change in ALAEs name would be a good start the current name is off putting to many. Association of Aircraft Maintenance Engineers would be my choice. Alae is to parochial.
After all, mechanics are just Licensed engineers who haven't passed the exam yet.