The Aero Excellence approach of Gifas, towards an exceptional French Aerospace and Aeronautics industry
19/01/2024
Reading time: 5min
After its restart in 2023 with order books once again full, exceeding its pre-crisis level is the ambition of the aerospace industry in 2024. The Aero Excellence initiative set up by Gifas at the end of 2023 proposes 5 major challenges to achieve this goal: safety, recruitment, training, securing financing, and sovereignty. But more concretely, what do these challenges consist of?
About Gifas
The Gifas is the Group of French Aerospace and Space Industries. It is a professional federation created in 1908 that brings together companies specialized in the study, development, implementation, marketing, and maintenance of all programs and equipment related to aeronautics, defense, and space.
The Gifas is a representative organization of the aerospace world in France, whose mission is to promote and defend the interests of the French aerospace industry worldwide. It works in close collaboration with the French and European public authorities, as well as with the competent international organizations, to support the growth and competitiveness of the French aerospace industry.
The Gifas is also involved in numerous initiatives aimed at strengthening the innovation, training, and sustainability of the aerospace industry as a whole.
What is the Aero Excellence approach of Gifas?
The Aero Excellence approach is a program developed by the Groupement des Industries Françaises Aéronautiques et Spatiales to promote excellence and quality in the French aerospace industry. It aims to strengthen the competitiveness of companies in the sector by improving their performance, processes, and compliance with international standards.
The Aero Excellence approach is based on several key pillars:
Quality management: The program encourages the implementation of effective and certified quality management systems that comply with international standards such as ISO 9001.
Industrial performance: It aims to improve the efficiency and productivity of aerospace companies by implementing performance management methods and tools.
Supply chain and customer-supplier relations: The program seeks to strengthen collaboration within the aerospace supply chain by promoting sustainable relationships and ensuring risk management and customer requirements.
Environmental management and sustainable development: The Aero Excellence approach also takes into account environmental issues and encourages companies to implement concrete actions to reduce their environmental impact.
R&D and innovation: The program supports innovation and research and development in the aerospace sector, thus facilitating the emergence of new technologies and more efficient and sustainable solutions.
Training and human resources: The Aero Excellence approach promotes the development of skills and talents in the aerospace industry, emphasizing training, recruitment, and the enhancement of human resources.
About the Aero Excellence assessment system
The Aero Excellence program offers a progressive evaluation in several levels or "stages": from level 1 (initiation) to level 5 (excellence). Each level corresponds to specific criteria to be met in terms of performance, quality management, and compliance with international standards.
By participating in the Aero Excellence initiative of Gifas, companies in the aerospace sector can improve their competitiveness, industrial performance, compliance with standards, and ability to innovate, while contributing to the sustainable development of the industry.
To obtain medals within the framework of the Aero Excellence approach of Gifas, it is important to follow the guidelines and principles outlined in the program. Here are some steps that can help in obtaining medals:
Self-assessment: Start by conducting a self-assessment of the level of maturity of your organization in terms of quality management. The Aero Excellence program provides a diagnostic tool that allows companies to assess their current practices and identify areas for improvement.
Continuous improvement: Adopt a culture of continuous improvement and implement actions to enhance the processes, systems, and performance of your organization. This includes identifying and implementing best practices, optimizing workflows, and leveraging technology to streamline operations.
Collaboration and networking: Participate in the Aero Excellence community and create networks with other companies and industry experts to leverage their experiences and acquire knowledge. This can be done by attending industry events, workshops, and seminars organized by Gifas or other relevant organizations.
Compliance with standards: Ensure compliance with industry standards and regulations, such as those established by aerospace regulatory bodies and authorities. Implementing robust quality management systems and processes that comply with these standards will demonstrate your organization's commitment to excellence.
External evaluation: Request an external evaluation by accredited assessors recognized by Gifas. These assessors determine whether your organization meets the requirements and criteria of Aero Excellence. By achieving the desired performance level in all aspects, your organization becomes eligible for recognition and potentially for medals.
It is important to note that the specific requirements and criteria for obtaining medals under the Aero Excellence program may vary and are determined by Gifas. Therefore, it is recommended to consult the official Gifas website or contact Gifas directly for detailed information on the criteria for awarding medals and the evaluation process.
Please also note that Gifas may provide more detailed and up-to-date information on the processes and specific criteria for obtaining medals within the aeronautical excellence program. It is advisable to refer to the official Gifas website or to consult Gifas directly for the most accurate and comprehensive information.
Which French companies already have medals in Aero Excellence?
Due to the confidentiality of information related to the Aero Excellence program of Gifas, specific details about the companies that have won medals are not easily accessible. Gifas does not publicly communicate about the companies or the awards given under this program.
However, it should be noted that the Aero Excellence program is aimed at the entire French aerospace sector, from large companies to SMEs. It aims to promote excellence and quality in the aerospace industry and to strengthen the competitiveness of companies in the sector.
You can contact Gifas through their official website or by using the contact details available on their site to obtain more precise information about the companies that have received medals in the Aero Excellence program.
Sources :
https://www.sae.org/standards/content/as1390a/
https://aeroexcellence.info/en/
https://www.economie.gouv.fr/plan-de-relance/plan-aeronautique-et-spatial
