Abstract: A heating element for resistance welding of thermoplastic components for aircraft comprises electrically conductive elements in the form of wires or fibers, which heat up upon application of an electric voltage to the heating element, to weld a first component to a second component in a region electrically heated by the heating element. The electrically conductive elements extend parallel to one another between contact regions for electrically contacting the heating element. After the welding procedure, the heating element remains between the welded components to enhance the strength of the welded bond. A device for bonding thermoplastic components by resistance welding comprises the heating element and a unit in the form of roller electrodes for displacing an electrically heated region of the components in the welding direction. The electrically conductive elements extend parallel to the axis of rotation of the roller electrodes.