The successful deployment of Aero Excellence™ in the UK since its launch at Farnborough Airshow 2024, highlights the strength of collaboration between ADS and our French and German trade body colleagues, GIFAS and BDLI.
This new programme is creating standards that raise operational excellence across national borders and is providing opportunities for UK businesses in an increasingly competitive global landscape.
Since joining ADS in February 2025, the new UK Head of Aero Excellence™, Sarah Barnard, has continued to build on these relationships, inputting into the development of the tools and assessments that offer huge potential to improve performance and drive growth globally.
In this blog, Sarah reflects on her first five months in the role and outlines what’s coming next.
Reflections on Aero Excellence™
After just five months back at ADS, I can confidently say: it’s been a whirlwind—one filled with collaboration, transformation, and a few proud “firsts.” Returning as Head of Aero Excellence™ for the UK region, after leading the SC21 programme in a previous role at ADS, I’ve had the privilege of working alongside incredibly dedicated colleagues committed to helping drive continuous improvement across our sectors.
Right from day one, I’ve been involved in the various strategic groups – from contributing to the International Executive and Operational Committees to creating the UK Committee back in March.
It has been inspiring to observe the collective ambition on delivering a new standardised maturity assessment that can really help bring benefits to businesses through improved knowledge of performance, and I’m thrilled to be part of it.
Maturity Grid: The Global Assessment Platform
One of the highlights so far has been in the development of the global assessment platform, the Maturity Grid. Hearing from the companies who have completed it so far, we can see how useful the tool is in measuring maturity and benchmarking success. It’s helping them see their operational strengths and opportunities and companies are impressed with the platform’s live digital assessment.
Of course, continuous improvement applies to the programme too. As more assessments have been undertaken, we have continued to refine and improve the model, making it extremely intuitive for organisations to complete.
Signed up Original Equipment Manufacturers (OEMs) can access the platform, although you, as the supplier can control who sees your results. This transparency on suppliers’ capabilities will help OEMs decipher which companies have relevant procurement capabilities, creating an introduction for new opportunities.
Plus, a mutualised approach with a single assessment, recognised by multiple OEMS, avoids duplicate assessment visits and saves everyone time and money. These are easy wins and something suppliers are really getting onboard with.
We have also been streamlining the legal architecture—finalising MOUs, updating Codes of Conduct, reinforcing our mission letters, and defining the general terms and conditions of sale ready to increase the number of companies proceeding with the programme. It is as little as £1000 per year to sign up to the platform, a steal when you consider the long-term benefits (such as award recognition).
A World’s First Silver
Yes, we have even made history in my five months here!
I was lucky enough to observe a proud moment for UK manufacturing when Denroy received their Aero Excellence™ Silver award at Paris Airshow this year, a massive achievement and a global first. It validates the quality, resilience, and performance of our approach and shows what’s possible when rigorous standards meet outstanding performers in capability, culture and ambition.
Looking Ahead: Scaling Excellence
So, what’s planned next?
As more companies enter the fold, we’re ramping up assessment availability and expanding the qualified assessor pool. This ensures every participant receives consistent and credible evaluations while maintaining the highest standards.
Aero Excellence™ is also continuing to expand globally, tailoring the framework to different countries and markets while preserving the integrity and rigour that earned us the UK’s first Silver.
To support this growth, there will be further investment in:
- Platform Development: Think smarter analytics, deeper insights, and a more intuitive user experience.
- Supplier Training & Support: Enhanced training programmes and support networks to enable suppliers to unlock their full potential.
- Continuous Improvement: We’re embedding feedback loops with input from both suppliers and assessors. From assessment clarity to support materials, we’re listening, learning, and adapting.
Aero Excellence™ isn’t static – it’s a living benchmark. It’s refining what excellence looks like on a global stage.
Want to take your first steps into the programme?
Head to www.aeroexcellence.com to register your company profile. Once validated you will receive log in details and onboarding instructions.
Or go to our SCS Aero Excellence page for a reminder of the programme and where we outline some helpful FAQs.
