With the increasing applications of novel materials and structures in new-generation air-craft, conventional joining techniques in aircraft component assembly are greatly challenged. To meet those challenges, the electromagnetic riveting (EMR) technique was developed as an advanced joining tool, which exhibits obvious advantages in the assembly of new-generation aircraft. In this paper, the riveting principle of EMR was analyzed, and its development history and status were pre-sented in detail. Then, equipment features of three typical EMR systems were given. Moreover, three important applications of EMR were covered, i.e., composite structure riveting, titanium rivet and large-size aluminum rivet riveting, and interference fit bolt installation. Specially, a novel strengthening method for mechanical linking holes based on EMR was also presented, which can significantly improve the fatigue behaviors of mechanical joints. Finally, open questions in the EMR field were discussed, and some recommendations for future work were also made. This paper can be useful for optimizing the joint designs of aircraft components and improving the level of air-craft maintenance.