Our industry is thriving but faces intense global competition. A robust supply chain is key to securing our collective edge in the face of an increasingly unstable geopolitical environment.
Aero Excellence™ is an important new tool for organisations to improve their competitiveness, maintaining our strong international presence and strengthening the UK’s position on the global stage.
David Lockwood, ADS President and CEO of Babcock International Group said of the launch at Farnborough Airshow 2024:
I am delighted that Aero Excellence™ will be coming to the UK. A united set of standards that has the support of both customers and suppliers in multiple countries will turbocharge efficiency and support supplier improvement activities for our businesses.
This was reinforced when British, German and French aerospace trade associations signed the creation of Aero Excellence International association at Aviation Forum in Munich in November 2024. The initiative is designed to improve supply chain resilience through a new and universal standard of operational excellence for the aerospace, defence and space community. This partnership was further highlighted at Paris Air Show 2025.
Aero Excellence™ a route to global excellence
Aero Excellence™ is an initiative aimed at fostering operational excellence within the aerospace and defence sectors by enhancing operational, environmental, and cybersecurity standards. It was launched in June 2023 at Paris Air Show by French aerospace trade association, GIFAS. Leading customers for the programme are Airbus, Safran, Thales, Dassault and MBDA.
Through a structured four-step assessment process, companies can self-diagnose their maturity levels and develop targeted roadmaps for improvement. This process encourages ongoing development and adaptation, ensuring that companies remain competitive and resilient against future challenges.
So what is it and how can it benefit companies? Watch this video for details:
We will be providing further updates on implementation of Aero Excellence™ in future months. To be kept informed on progress, contact ADS’ Head of Aero Excellence, Sarah Barnard by email: sarah.barnard@adsgroup.org.uk.
