.png?h=460&iar=0&w=2500&rev=-1&hash=A1719F6E8D0BEF351C1F9BBD823C4FAB)
In aeronautics, the supply chain extends across the globe. Aircraft manufacturers source materials, components and sub-assemblies from all corners of the world. This globalisation exposes the sector to geopolitical, social and environmental risks, as demonstrated by the post-war reorganisation in Ukraine around titanium. Added to this is economic tension: the industry is currently operating below capacity. The market is demanding more aircraft than factories can deliver.
As a result, the entire chain must speed up. In such a demanding environment, increasing production is no small feat. With thousands of players (from aircraft manufacturers to system integrators to subcontractors), getting everyone to comply with quality standards is a real challenge. Regulations and standards are strict, and responsibilities are clearly defined.
Every part produced must be perfectly compliant. In an aircraft, it is impossible to deviate from the specifications: everything is validated, certified and traceable. However, this increase in production is taking place in a tense context for industrial employment. Generational renewal is accelerating, profiles are changing and skills must be passed on. It is necessary to train, support and ensure reliability... while producing ever faster! The very structure of the supply chain adds to the complexity: each critical part must now come from at least two different sources. This is a beneficial risk mitigation strategy, but it requires more suppliers to be qualified and therefore brought up to the same level of requirements.
In this complex landscape, trusted third parties such as the Apave Group play a key role: ensuring the conformity of raw materials or parts, supporting the skills development of suppliers and assessing the robustness of digital systems. There are therefore many opportunities at the crossroads of quality, regulatory and technological challenges.
Cyber security
a new challenge
With aircraft production on the rise, the global supply chain is facing unprecedented pressures. Complexity, quality, human resources and cyber security: an overview of the main challenges facing this strategic sector. SUPPLY CHAIN 1 Train, build reliability and provide support Long confined to data protection, cyber security is now considered a key issue for aviation safety. The aeronautics industry is adopting a European regulatory framework to integrate it into flight safety. The aim is to protect information systems throughout the supply chain. Through its subsidiary OPPIDA, Apave supports companies in the sector in testing and strengthening the robustness of their digital products and infrastructure.
Interview with Frédéric Parisot
Managing Director of GIFAS
“The aeronautics industry is on track”
What is the current state of the aeronautics industry?
Frédéric Parisot: We are emerging from a period of unprecedented turbulence. After an almost total shutdown in 2020, the recovery has been much faster than expected. Demand for new, more fuel-efficient and higher-performance aircraft is booming: Airbus is aiming for 1,000 deliveries a year within a few years, with an order book already full for the next decade. This recovery is putting pressure on the entire supply chain: increasing production rates, recruitment, financing... These are our major challenges.
How is the supply chain doing?
F. P.: This is one of GIFAS's main areas of focus. Our SMEs and mid-cap companies, which supply both the civil and military sectors, are recognised worldwide for their expertise. But after the crisis, we need to rebuild teams, find financing, repay state-guaranteed loans and support the transition to maturity. We have launched several initiatives, including Aéro Excellence, a programme that creates a common standard of operational maturity for all players in the supply chain. This will enable us to move forward together, at the same pace. Operational excellence is essential to our competitiveness.
What are the other structural challenges?
F. P.: Preparing for the future. Together with the Civil Aviation Research Council (CORAC), we are co-piloting major R&D projects with the DGAC to ensure that France remains a leader in the coming decades. And we are accelerating the decarbonisation of the sector: more efficient aircraft, sustainable fuels, optimised flight paths, etc. The French aeronautics industry is one of the best in the world: let's fully support this unique expertise that makes our country shine far beyond its borders!
FOCUS
GIFAS, at the heart of the aeronautics ecosystem Created in 1908, GIFAS (Groupement des industries françaises aéronautiques et spatiales) brings together more than 500 companies, including Apave, representing 95% of the sector's turnover. From SMEs to aircraft manufacturers, GIFAS works to promote the competitiveness of the industry in France and internationally through industrial coordination, export promotion, support for innovation and environmental transition.
Discover our
news