GIFAS

The French aerospace sector receives public funding for research but makes a strong contribution to the balance of trade, lobbying association GIFAS says.

Supply chain issues have impeded Airbus’ and ATR’s production, leading to delivery delays or difficulties to ramp up in recent years.

ADS Group, GIFAS and BDLI have established the Aero Excellence International association, tasked with improving supply chain performance in Europe and beyond.

Airbus, trade unions and consultancies explore how to ensure new hires become productive more quickly.

Around 40 major French aerospace suppliers are in financial difficulty and at risk of failure, according to a survey commissioned by GIFAS.

As suppliers struggle to follow the production ramps devised by Airbus, Safran and others, frustration is mounting over diminishing margins.

Despite a comfortable backlog, the country’s industry continues to grapple with financial woes and recovering know-how.

The aerospace industry is about to face new constraints in raw material supply, due to geopolitical tensions and needs for emerging technologies, GIFAS said.

After a successful 2023 in recruitment, the aerospace sector in France is planning to add 25,000-30,000 employees in 2024.

While adding production workers is the most immediate need, design engineers are in demand for the industry’s decarbonization push.

A number of GIFAS members, not only small suppliers, face a combination of financial problems.

Paris has announced the creation of Ace Aero Partenaires 2, a follow-on fund to continue supporting the French aerospace supply chain.

As production ramps up, hiring is now a major concern. Improved production techniques should help on-time delivery and quality.

The show’s organizers plan to celebrate aviation after a four-year gap.

Tools created to save ailing suppliers, such as a dedicated investment fund, are becoming permanent.

The French aerospace industry’s lobby group GIFAS is trying to help its members overcome unprecedented difficulties in hiring.

After bringing together seven small companies in three years, Aresia is gearing up to follow Airbus and Dassault in their planned ramp-up.