Aeronautic & Defense
About GIFAS
What is the GIFAS Aero Excellence initiative?
About the Aero Excellence evaluation system
Which French companies already hold Aero Excellence medals?
After its restart in 2023 with order books full once again, surpassing its pre-crisis level is the ambition of the aerospace and space industry in 2024. The Aero Excellence initiative set up by GIFAS at the end of 2023 proposes 5 major challenges to reach this goal: safety, recruitment, training, securing financing, and sovereignty. But more concretely, what do these challenges consist of?
GIFAS is the French Aerospace and Space Industries Group (Groupement des Industries Françaises Aéronautiques et Spatiales). It is a professional federation created in 1908 that brings together companies specialized in the study, development, production, marketing, and maintenance of all programs and equipment related to aerospace, defense, and space.
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 around the world. It works in close collaboration with the French and European public authorities, as well as with the relevant international organizations, to support the growth and competitiveness of the French aerospace industry.
GIFAS is also involved in many initiatives aimed at strengthening innovation, training, and sustainability in the aerospace industry as a whole.
The Aero Excellence initiative is a program developed by the French Aerospace and Space Industries Group to promote excellence and quality in the French aerospace industry. It aims to strengthen the competitiveness of the sector's companies by improving their performance, their processes, and their compliance with international standards.
The Aero Excellence initiative rests on several key pillars:
Quality management: The program encourages the implementation of high-performing, certified quality-management systems compliant with international standards such as ISO 9001.
Industrial performance: This involves improving the efficiency and productivity of aerospace companies by implementing performance-management methods and tools.
Supply chain and customer-supplier relationships: The program aims to strengthen collaboration within the aerospace supply chain, by fostering lasting relationships and ensuring the control of risks and customer requirements.
Environmental management and sustainable development: The Aero Excellence initiative also takes environmental issues into account and encourages companies to put in place concrete actions to reduce their environmental impact.
R&D and innovation: The program supports innovation and research and development in the aerospace sector, thereby fostering the emergence of new technologies and more efficient, sustainable solutions.
Training and human resources: The Aero Excellence initiative encourages the development of skills and talent in the aerospace industry, with an emphasis on training, recruitment, and the valuing of human resources.
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 reached in terms of performance, quality management, and compliance with international standards.
By participating in the GIFAS Aero Excellence initiative, companies in the aerospace sector can improve their competitiveness, their industrial performance, their compliance with standards, and their ability to innovate, while contributing to the sustainable development of the industry.
To obtain medals as part of the GIFAS Aero Excellence approach, it is important to follow the guidelines and principles set out in the program. Here are a few steps that can help in obtaining medals:
Self-assessment: Start by carrying out a self-assessment of your organization's level of maturity in terms of quality management. The Aero Excellence program provides a diagnostic tool that allows companies to assess their current practices and identify the areas to improve.
Continuous improvement: Adopt a culture of continuous improvement and implement actions to improve your organization's processes, systems, and performance. This notably involves identifying and implementing best practices, optimizing workflows, and leveraging technology to streamline operations.
Collaboration and networking: Take part in the Aero Excellence community and build networks with other companies and industry experts in order to draw on their experiences and gain knowledge. This can be done by participating in industry events, workshops, and seminars organized by GIFAS or other relevant organizations.
Compliance with standards: Ensure compliance with the sector's standards and regulations, such as those established by aerospace regulatory bodies and authorities. Implementing robust quality-management systems and processes compliant with these standards will demonstrate your organization's commitment to excellence.
External assessment: Request an external assessment by assessors accredited and recognized by GIFAS. These assessors determine whether your organization meets the requirements and criteria of Aero Excellence. By reaching the desired level of performance in all aspects, your organization becomes eligible for recognition and potentially for obtaining medals.
It is important to note that the specific requirements and criteria for obtaining medals as part of the Aero Excellence program may vary and are determined by GIFAS. It is therefore recommended to consult the official GIFAS website or to contact GIFAS directly for detailed information on the medal-award criteria and the evaluation process.
Please also note that GIFAS can provide more detailed and more recent information on the specific processes and criteria for obtaining medals as part of the aerospace excellence program. It is advisable to refer to the official GIFAS website or to consult GIFAS directly to obtain the most precise and complete information.
Due to the confidentiality of the information linked to the GIFAS Aero Excellence program, the specific details about the companies that have won medals are not easily accessible. GIFAS does not publicly communicate about the companies or the awards granted as part of 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 the sector's companies.
You can contact GIFAS via their official website or by using the contact details available on their site to obtain more precise information on the companies that have obtained medals as part of the Aero Excellence program.
