MRO & Manufacturing
Daher Group Advances Leadership and Take Off 2027 Strategic Plan
Daher Group appoints new leaders and implements Take Off 2027 plan to boost growth, innovation, and sustainability in aerospace and logistics.
Daher Group Leadership Transformation: Strategic Appointments Drive Aerospace Giant’s Evolution Through Take Off 2027 Plan
The Daher Group, a French aerospace and logistics conglomerate with a heritage spanning over 160 years, is in the midst of a significant organizational transformation. This evolution is driven by a series of high-level leadership appointments and a comprehensive strategic plan, Take Off 2027, aimed at reinforcing Daher’s position as a leading international player in aerospace, industrial services, and logistics. The company’s recent executive changes, including the appointment of Didier Kayat as Chairman and CEO and the elevation of new division heads, signal a renewed focus on operational excellence, innovation, and sustainable growth. These moves are designed to ensure Daher’s resilience and competitiveness in a rapidly changing global industry.
Understanding the significance of these appointments and the strategic context in which they occur is essential for appreciating Daher’s current trajectory. The company’s transformation is not merely a response to market pressures but a proactive realignment to seize emerging opportunities in aerospace manufacturing, industrial services, and defense. This article explores the key aspects of Daher’s leadership changes, strategic initiatives, and broader industry context, providing a factual and neutral analysis of the company’s ongoing evolution.
Company Background and Historical Evolution
Daher’s roots date back to 1863, when it was founded as a shipping company in France. Over the decades, the company diversified from maritime logistics into industrial services and aerospace, consistently adapting to the demands of new industrial revolutions. By the early 20th century, Daher had already established itself as a key player in logistics, leveraging its expertise to support industrial and technological advancements.
The company’s entry into aerospace was cemented through its association with Morane-Saulnier, a pioneering aircraft manufacturer founded in 1911. This partnership laid the groundwork for Daher’s future as one of the world’s oldest operating aircraft manufacturers. Key milestones in Daher’s aerospace journey include the 1915 operational deployment of the Morane-Saulnier Type L, recognized as the first fighter aircraft, and the 1954 launch of the Morane-Saulnier 760 Paris, the world’s first business jet.
Throughout the 20th and early 21st centuries, Daher expanded its capabilities through strategic partnerships and acquisitions. Notable developments include its role as a transportation partner for Airbus in 1989, its participation in the Falcon 7X program in 2001, and the manufacturing of Airbus A350 landing gear doors from 2009. The acquisition of US-based Quest Aircraft and KVE Composites in 2019 and a major aerostructure plant in Florida in 2022 further extended Daher’s global reach and technological expertise.
Today, Daher operates across four main sectors: aircraft manufacturing, industry (aerospace equipment and systems), industrial services, and logistics. With 14,000 employees in 15 countries and revenues reaching €1.8 billion in 2024, Daher’s diversified model has proven resilient, allowing it to weather economic downturns and capitalize on emerging opportunities in both civil and defense aerospace markets.
Recent Leadership Appointments and Organizational Changes
In May 2024, Daher’s Board of Directors appointed Didier Kayat as Chairman of the Board, succeeding Patrick Daher, who had served in the role since 2016. Kayat also retained his position as CEO, consolidating executive leadership at a pivotal moment in the company’s transformation. This move reflects Daher’s commitment to continuity and the strategic objectives outlined in its Take Off 2027 plan.
Olivier Genis, a board director since 2020 and a Daher family appointee, was named Vice President of the Board. Genis brings extensive governance experience from his tenure at Eiffage Construction, reinforcing Daher’s focus on robust and modern governance standards. These changes align with the company’s dual priorities of maintaining family control while adopting best practices in corporate governance.
At the executive level, January 2024 saw the appointment of Cédric Eloy as head of the newly formed Industrial Services Division. Eloy, who joined Daher in 2011, has held various roles including Director of Innovation and Managing Director of AAA (acquired in 2023). His leadership is expected to drive Daher’s ambitions in industrial services, particularly following the integration of AAA’s 3,000 specialists across 11 countries.
Aymeric Daher, a member of the founding family, was appointed to lead the Logistics Division. His international experience and strategic background, gained through roles at BNP Paribas and various leadership positions within Daher, equip him to advance the company’s logistics operations and support its international growth agenda. Other notable appointments include Alain-Jory Barthe as Senior Vice President of the Industry Division and Julie de Cevins as Sustainable Development Director, both joining the Executive Committee to reinforce Daher’s focus on operational excellence and sustainability.
“The constant focus by the Group’s shareholders: the Daher family and Bpifrance; to implement the optimal standards for governance of the Group.” — Daher official statement
These leadership changes are integral to the “D# project,” an internal restructuring initiative aimed at organizing Daher around its four business areas. This reorganization, expected to be technically finalized by the end of 2025, is designed to enhance agility, operational excellence, and responsiveness to market-specific challenges.
Strategic Context: The Take Off 2027 Plan
Launched in 2023, Take Off 2027 is Daher’s most ambitious strategic plan to date. Its primary goal is to transform Daher into a large, profitable international company operating across four complementary sectors: aircraft production, manufacturing, industrial services, and logistics. The plan is structured around three core priorities: internationalization, profitability, and innovation with a strong emphasis on decarbonization.
Internationalization is a key focus, with over 35% of Daher’s revenue coming from the United States by 2023. Strategic acquisitions in North America, such as the Florida and Idaho facilities, have expanded the company’s manufacturing and service footprint. This geographic diversification reduces reliance on European markets and positions Daher to leverage growth opportunities in the robust US aerospace sector.
Profitability improvements are being pursued through operational excellence, supply chain resilience, and cost management. The creation of the Industrial Services Division, following the acquisition of AAA, is a strategic move to capture growth in aerospace services. The division’s integration has positioned Daher as a leading player in industrial services, generating over €270 million in revenue in 2023.
Innovation and sustainability are central to the plan. Daher has established three innovation centers, Log’in, Shap’in, and Fly’in, dedicated to logistics, aerostructures, and aircraft, respectively. The company’s decarbonization initiatives include the EcoPulse hybrid-electric aircraft demonstrator, developed in collaboration with Safran and Airbus. With a target of a 5% annual reduction in CO2 emissions starting in 2025, Daher is positioning itself at the forefront of sustainable aviation technology.
“Decarbonizing aerospace is the fourth revolution in the sector, and a challenge we must tackle collectively.” — Didier Kayat, Chairman & CEO, Daher
The organizational restructuring under the D# project is creating four autonomous business divisions, each with dedicated leadership and resources. This decentralized approach allows each division to respond more effectively to market demands while maintaining strategic alignment at the group level.
Financial Performance and Market Position
Daher’s financial performance reflects the success of its strategic initiatives. Revenues grew from €1.3 billion in 2022 to €1.8 billion in 2024, with international markets accounting for 55% of total revenue. Aircraft manufacturing remains a major revenue driver, with 82 aircraft delivered in 2024 (56 TBMs and 26 Kodiaks). The Industrial Services Division’s rapid integration and performance underscore the value of Daher’s expanded service offerings.
The company’s order backlog, representing 2.5 years of revenue, provides strong visibility and stability for future growth. While profitability has improved, management acknowledges that levels have not yet returned to pre-pandemic benchmarks, highlighting a commitment to continuous improvement. Daher’s balanced model between industrial and service activities has proven resilient, enabling the company to navigate economic uncertainties and maintain a strong market position.
Strategic Investments continue to support growth, including facility expansions in Idaho and Florida, the establishment of new final assembly lines, and ongoing research and development in hybrid-electric propulsion. These investments are critical for sustaining Daher’s competitive edge in both established and emerging aerospace markets.
Industry Context and Challenges
The aerospace industry is facing significant challenges, including persistent supply chain disruptions, regulatory pressures, and the imperative for decarbonization. According to McKinsey, aerospace executives are increasingly concerned about supply chain shortages, with new aircraft orders and backlogs placing additional strain on production capabilities. The French aerospace sector, of which Daher is a key part, achieved sales of €77.7 billion in 2024, with exports accounting for 82% of consolidated sales.
Decarbonization is both a regulatory requirement and a market expectation. Deloitte reports that Sustainability initiatives, such as sustainable aviation fuels and electric propulsion, could reduce industry emissions by up to 63% through 2050. Daher’s early investment in hybrid-electric technology positions it well to meet these evolving standards and customer expectations.
Talent shortages and geopolitical tensions further complicate the industry landscape. Daher has responded by investing in workforce development, hiring 2,500 new employees in 2024 and increasing training hours by 32%. The company’s recognition as a “Top Employer France” for three consecutive years underscores its commitment to attracting and retaining skilled talent in a competitive market.
Conclusion
Daher’s recent leadership appointments and strategic realignment under the Take Off 2027 plan mark a pivotal chapter in the company’s long history. By consolidating executive leadership, establishing autonomous business divisions, and investing in innovation and sustainability, Daher is positioning itself for continued growth and resilience in a challenging global aerospace environment.
The company’s balanced approach, combining family ownership with professional management, manufacturing excellence with service expansion, and operational agility with strategic vision, sets it apart from many industry peers. As Daher continues to implement its transformation initiatives, its ability to adapt to industry trends and capitalize on new opportunities will be critical to sustaining its leadership in aerospace, industrial services, and logistics.
FAQ
What is the Take Off 2027 plan?
Take Off 2027 is Daher’s five-year strategic plan aimed at transforming the company into a leading international player in four sectors: aircraft production, manufacturing, industrial services, and logistics. The plan emphasizes internationalization, profitability, and innovation, with a strong focus on sustainability.
Who are the key recent appointments at Daher?
Recent appointments include Didier Kayat as Chairman and CEO, Aymeric Daher as head of the Logistics Division, Cédric Eloy as head of Industrial Services, Alain-Jory Barthe as Senior Vice President of Industry, and Julie de Cevins as Sustainable Development Director.
How is Daher addressing sustainability?
Daher is investing in hybrid-electric propulsion (EcoPulse program), aiming for a 5% annual reduction in CO2 emissions from 2025, and has established three innovation centers focused on logistics, aerostructures, and aircraft. The company’s sustainability strategy is integrated across all business divisions.
What challenges does Daher face in the current aerospace market?
Daher faces industry-wide supply chain disruptions, regulatory pressures for decarbonization, talent shortages, and geopolitical uncertainties. The company is addressing these through operational excellence, workforce investment, and strategic diversification.
What is the significance of Daher’s expansion into defense markets?
Defense now accounts for over 15% of Daher’s revenue. The company’s involvement in the French MALE drone program and its multi-mission aircraft platforms position it as a key partner in France’s defense industrial base and provide diversification from civil aerospace markets.
Sources
Photo Credit: Daher
MRO & Manufacturing
Bridger Aerospace and Metatek Sign BT-67 Survey Agreement
Bridger Aerospace and Metatek Group agree to deploy three Basler BT-67s for geophysical surveying in a deal worth $58M per aircraft.
Bridger Aerospace Group Holdings, Inc. (NASDAQ: BAER) and Metatek Group Ltd. (TSX: MTEK) have signed a long-term aircraft services agreement to deploy three modified Basler BT-67 aircraft for global geophysical surveying.
Announced in a joint press release on October 27, 2026, the partnership provides Bridger Aerospace with a year-round revenue stream outside its traditional seasonal wildfire suppression business. The arrangement allows Metatek to expand its airborne survey operations into extreme cold-weather markets without the capital expenditure required to establish an in-house flight department.
Financial structure and operational utilization
Under the terms of the agreement, Bridger Aerospace will modify, operate, and maintain the three turbine-converted aircraft on behalf of Metatek. The contract specifies an initial five-year term for each aircraft, which includes an automatic five-year extension unless a notice of non-renewal is provided by either party.
The financial structure shifts Bridger Aerospace away from purely seasonal firefighting contracts by securing fixed monthly availability fees combined with flight-hour charges. The company estimates aggregate gross revenue of $58 million over the assumed ten-year period for the first aircraft alone. The operational model is designed to support a 70 percent target utilization rate for Metatek’s global survey missions.
In the October 27 press release, Bridger Aerospace President and Chief Executive Officer Sam Davis highlighted the strategic shift for the operator.
“This agreement marks a transformational milestone in Bridger’s strategy to build diversified, durable revenue streams beyond wildfire suppression and expand into long-term, recurring global operations.”
Aircraft modification and sensor integration
The platform selected for the survey missions is the Basler BT-67, a heavily modified and remanufactured Douglas DC-3/C-47 airframe produced by Basler Turbo Conversions in Oshkosh, Wisconsin. Equipped with Pratt & Whitney PT-6 turbine engines and modernized avionics, the BT-67 is utilized in specialized aviation for its short takeoff and landing (STOL) capabilities and proven durability in extreme cold-weather environments.
Bridger Aerospace will manage the comprehensive sensor and mission systems integration for the three aircraft. This process covers initial engineering, structural modification, and final certification. The aircraft will be specifically configured to carry Enhanced Full Tensor Gravity Gradiometry (eFTG) systems.
Metatek Group Chief Executive Officer Dr. Mark Davies stated that the company requires dependable aviation capacity to support its existing operations and its next phase of growth, which includes additional eFTG systems currently on order from Lockheed Martin.
The first modified Basler BT-67 is scheduled to be ready for deployment and enter service in the second half of 2027. The remaining two aircraft are expected to be delivered over the subsequent three years, between 2028 and 2030.
Bridger and Metatek market positioning
The agreement bridges two distinct sectors of specialized aviation and aerospace services. Based in Belgrade, Montana, Bridger Aerospace was founded in 2014 and has built its operational footprint primarily around federal and state aerial firefighting contracts. The company operates a fleet that includes Viking CL-415EAF Super Scoopers, Pilatus PC-12s, and Kodiak aircraft. Because fire suppression is inherently tied to the North American summer and autumn months, the company has historically faced highly seasonal revenue cycles.
Headquartered in Calgary, Alberta, Metatek Group specializes in subsurface mapping for the minerals and energy resource sectors. The company utilizes both eFTG and Digital Full Tensor Gravity Gradiometry (dFTG) technologies to conduct high-resolution airborne surveys. By outsourcing the aviation component of its expansion, Metatek avoids the regulatory and capital burdens of acquiring an air operator certificate and maintaining a specialized cold-weather flight department.
AirPro News analysis
We view this agreement as a critical structural hedge for Bridger Aerospace against the inherent volatility of the North American fire season. By securing a ten-year revenue baseline with fixed monthly availability fees, the operator stabilizes its cash flow during the winter months, which has traditionally been a dormant period for aerial firefighting providers. For the geophysical survey sector, Metatek’s choice to outsource its aviation operations highlights the growing complexity of specialized flight operations. Operating legacy airframes like the Basler BT-67 in extreme environments requires a specific maintenance and engineering infrastructure that is difficult for a technology and data company to scale internally.
Photo Credit: Bridger Aerospace
MRO & Manufacturing
FL Technics Indonesia Earns EASA Part-145 Certification in Bali
FL Technics Indonesia receives EASA Part-145 approval for its Bali MRO facility, covering A320 and Boeing 737 maintenance.
FL Technics Indonesia has secured European Union Aviation Safety Agency (EASA) Part-145 certification for its maintenance, repair, and overhaul (MRO) facility at I Gusti Ngurah Rai International Airport (DPS) in Bali. The approval, announced on October 26, 2026, authorizes the provider to perform base and line maintenance on aircraft registered in the European Union.
The certification positions the Indonesian subsidiary as one of the few MRO providers in the country capable of servicing European carriers and other operators that mandate EASA-approved maintenance standards. According to a press release issued by the company, the approval covers the globally ubiquitous Airbus A320 family, including both CEO and NEO variants, alongside Boeing 737 Classic, Next-Generation (NG), and MAX aircraft.
Expanding capacity for European and international fleets
The regulatory approval follows a series of comprehensive technical and quality audits conducted by EASA inspectors. These evaluations assessed the hangar infrastructure, tooling systems, and the engineering workforce at the Bali site to ensure compliance with European aviation safety regulations.
With the certification secured, the facility is scheduled to commence maintenance work for its first European Union-based operator in early November 2026. Additional aircraft arrivals from European operators are expected later in the month.
Martynas Grigas, Chairman of FL Technics Indonesia, highlighted the immediate impact of the regulatory milestone:
“The facility is preparing to start the work for an EU-based operator by next week, with further arrivals expected in November 2026. FL Technics Indonesia is also positioned to serve operators across Asia, the Middle East, and Australia that require EASA-approved maintenance.”
Prior to receiving the EASA certification, the Bali facility had already been providing maintenance solutions for aircraft registered across the Americas, Asia, Africa, and Australia. The new approval allows the company to capture maintenance demand from European carriers operating in or flying to the Asia-Pacific region.
Building the Bali maintenance hub
The development of the Bali facility was initiated on August 17, 2023, through a joint operations agreement between FL Technics, PT Angkasa Pura Properti, and PT Angkasa Pura I. FL Technics committed an initial investment of US$25 million to construct the MRO hub, designed to serve the growing maintenance needs for narrowbody aircraft in the Asia-Pacific region.
The 17,000-square-meter facility officially opened on November 29, 2024. It features a 2,000-square-meter purpose-built paint booth. The October 26, 2026, announcement describes the site as featuring three hangars with three aircraft bays, though earlier company statements at the time of its 2024 opening referenced a six-bay maintenance capacity.
FL Technics global footprint
FL Technics Indonesia, operating legally as PT Avia Technics Dirgantara, is a subsidiary of FL Technics, which is itself part of the Avia Solutions Group. The EASA certification in Bali represents a continuation of the parent company’s strategy to expand its global hangar network and capture a larger share of the international narrowbody maintenance market.
The company operates a network of hangars across multiple continents. In addition to its Indonesian facilities in Jakarta and Bali, FL Technics maintains operations in Prestwick, United Kingdom; Vilnius and Kaunas, Lithuania; and Punta Cana, Dominican Republic. The company has also pursued growth through acquisitions, notably purchasing Czech MRO provider JOB AIR Technic in June 2025 to add significant capacity in Central Europe.
AirPro News analysis
Securing EASA Part-145 certification in Southeast Asia provides FL Technics with a distinct strategic advantage. As global narrowbody fleets expand and MRO slots in Europe and North America remain heavily constrained, European airlines and lessors are increasingly looking further afield for heavy maintenance capacity. A certified facility in Bali allows European operators to utilize lower-cost, high-quality maintenance in the Asia-Pacific region, which is particularly valuable for aircraft transitioning between lessees or undergoing heavy checks.
Furthermore, EASA certification acts as a global gold standard. Many operators in the Middle East, Africa, and Australia mandate EASA-approved maintenance in their contracts, even if their aircraft are not registered in the European Union. By elevating the Bali facility to this regulatory standard, FL Technics effectively unlocks a much broader international customer base beyond its immediate geographic region.
Photo Credit: FL Technics
MRO & Manufacturing
Embraer Renews Component Support Deal With Alliance Airlines
Embraer and Alliance Airlines extend a Component Support Agreement for 40 E190s, contributing to a record US$5.6B services backlog.
Embraer S.A. and Alliance Airlines have renewed a long-term Component Support Agreement to provide ongoing maintenance and repair solutions for 40 Embraer E190 aircraft operating in Australia.
Announced on October 21, 2026, the contract extension secures supply chain stability for Australia’s largest E-Jet operator. The agreement ensures component availability for a fleet heavily utilized in regional connectivity and specialized charter operations. According to Embraer, the deal directly contributed to the manufacturer’s record third-quarter services backlog.
Securing operational reliability for FIFO networks
Alliance Airlines operates a highly specialized network as Australasia’s leading provider of Aircraft, Crew, Maintenance, and Insurance (ACMI) services, alongside contract and charter flights. A significant portion of the carrier’s operations supports the Australian mining, energy, and government sectors through Fly-in Fly-out (FIFO) services. These operations require high dispatch reliability in remote and demanding environments, where schedule disruptions can severely impact resource extraction and industrial projects.
To maintain operational standards, Alliance Airlines holds the International Air Transport Association (IATA) Operational Safety Audit (IOSA) certification and maintains Flight Safety Foundation “BARS Gold” status. The renewed Component Support Agreement guarantees the airline access to Embraer’s global inventory of spare parts and repair capabilities. By pooling component resources, the airline can minimize aircraft downtime, streamline its supply chain, and manage maintenance costs predictably across its expansive network.
Carlos Naufel, President and CEO of Embraer Services & Support, highlighted the operational impact of the fleet in a press release issued on October 21, 2026.
Alliance Airlines’ E-Jets have been instrumental in enhancing Australia’s regional connectivity. As the airline grows, we remain committed to providing the maintenance solutions, expertise and support needed to keep the E190s performing at the highest levels every day.
Embraer’s growing aftermarket backlog
The Alliance Airlines renewal aligns with a broader expansion of Embraer’s aftermarket business. On October 23, 2026, the Brazilian manufacturer reported a record company-wide order backlog of US$35.7 billion for the third quarter of 2026.
Within that total, the Services & Support division reached its own all-time high backlog of US$5.6 billion, representing a 14 percent year-over-year increase. Embraer explicitly cited the Alliance Airlines contract as a key contributor to this financial milestone.
The manufacturer has actively pursued similar maintenance contracts globally to secure long-term revenue streams from its mature aircraft programs. In a comparable recent transaction highlighted in the third-quarter financial results, Embraer signed a Component Pool Program Agreement with Portugália Airlines to support its fleet of 19 Embraer E190 aircraft. These agreements demonstrate a concerted effort by Embraer to retain aftermarket market share as its first-generation E-Jet aircraft transition to secondary operators.
Alliance Airlines and the Australian E-Jet market
Asia-Pacific represents a foundational market for Embraer in the Australia region. The manufacturer delivered its first aircraft to an Australian customer in 1978. Today, approximately 70 E-Jets are in service across six different Australian operators, heavily supporting the country’s critical FIFO operations and regional airline networks.
Alliance Airlines introduced the Embraer E190 to its fleet in 2021. The carrier rapidly expanded its reliance on the type to support both its independent charter operations and wet lease agreements with major domestic carriers, including Qantas and Virgin Australia.
To fuel this expansion, Alliance Airlines has aggressively acquired secondary market airframes. On February 27, 2023, the airline announced an agreement to purchase 30 additional Embraer E190 aircraft from aviation lessor AerCap. These aircraft, previously operated by a North America-based airline, were scheduled for delivery through January 2026.
While Alliance Airlines owns more than 60 Embraer E190s in total, the newly renewed Component Support Agreement specifically covers an active fleet of 40 operational aircraft. The remaining airframes in the carrier’s inventory are utilized for spare parts, undergo heavy maintenance, or await certification for service entry in Australia.
AirPro News analysis
The renewal of this Component Support Agreement underscores a strategic shift in how regional aircraft manufacturers manage the lifecycle of their products. As the Embraer E190 transitions deeper into the secondary market, Embraer is successfully capturing aftermarket revenue by offering original equipment manufacturer (OEM) backed support to operators acquiring used airframes. For Alliance Airlines, the Embraer E190 has proven to be an ideal platform for the Australian mining sector. The aircraft offers the payload and range required for remote Fly-in Fly-out operations while maintaining economics that support Aircraft, Crew, Maintenance, and Insurance (ACMI) and charter business models. By locking in component support directly with the manufacturer, Alliance Airlines mitigates the supply chain risks associated with operating a mature aircraft variant in a high-utilization environment. We view this agreement as a mutually beneficial model that secures Embraer’s services backlog while stabilizing operational costs for Australia’s largest E-Jet operator.
Photo Credit: Embraer
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