Daher Reports Record 2025 Revenue Amid Strategic Expansion

French aerospace manufacturers Daher has reported a record-breaking financial performance for 2025, marking a pivotal milestone in its five-year “Take Off 2027” strategic plan. According to an official company press release, Daher achieved €1.9 billion in revenue, driven by aggressive international expansion, advancements in sovereign defense innovation, and a steadfast commitment to decarbonization.

The 2025 results highlight a period of rapid growth and transformation for the family-owned company. Alongside its financial-results, Daher announced significant operational milestones, including the rapid development of a new military drones and the expansion of its manufacturing footprint in the United States.

To support this new scale of operations, the company also revealed a major corporate leadership restructuring set to take effect in late March 2026, signaling a generational shift in its executive board as it prepares for the next phase of global aerospace demand.

Financial Growth and Global Expansion

Record Revenue and Workforce Expansion

Daher’s financial trajectory has shown marked acceleration under its current strategy plan. The company reported that its 2025 revenue reached €1.9 billion, a substantial increase from the €1.65 billion recorded in 2023. Furthermore, the manufacturer noted that it currently holds the equivalent of five years of revenue in its orders book, securing long-term operational stability.

This financial growth has been mirrored by a steady increase in human capital. According to the company’s release, Daher’s global workforce grew by 3.6% year-over-year, reaching 14,500 employees. In 2025 alone, the company recruited 2,772 external employees, split nearly evenly between France (1,427) and international locations (1,345). The company also highlighted its diversity and training initiatives, noting that women now represent 27% of the total workforce and 31% of new hires, while the Daher Learning Center delivered over 163,000 hours of training across its global facilities.

Expanding the U.S. Manufacturing Footprint

International operations now account for 55% of Daher’s total revenue, with 4,000 employees, representing 28% of its workforce, based outside of France. A cornerstone of this international strategy is the expansion of its manufacturing capabilities in the United States.

To meet robust demand in the Americas, which absorbs over 61% of TBM aircraft deliveries, Daher announced the construction of a third Final Assembly Line (FAL) at Witham Field in Stuart, Florida. Following a long-term lease renewal, this facility will assemble both TBM and Kodiak aircraft, complementing the company’s existing assembly lines in Tarbes, France, and Sandpoint, Idaho. The company projects that the first Florida-built aircraft will roll out in 2027.

Additionally, Daher expanded its global footprint in 2025 by opening new offices in Brazil to focus on aircraft sales and in the United Arab Emirates to bolster its industrial services. The company also consolidated its industrial service positions in Tianjin, China, supporting Airbus A320 and A321 final assembly lines.

Sovereign Innovation and Technological Advancements

The EyePulse MALE Drone

A major highlight of Daher’s 2025 operational year was its aggressive push into the aerospace and defense sectors, emphasizing what the company terms “sovereign innovation.” In June 2025, Daher was selected to co-develop the EyePulse Medium Altitude Long Endurance (MALE) drone demonstrator.

According to the company, the drone was designed, integrated, and completed its first flight by December 2025, a record development timeline of just six months. Utilizing a TBM 900 series airframe, the EyePulse project underscores Daher’s growing capabilities in complex system architecture, dual-use technology management, and high-level avionics integration for national defense applications.

Thermoplastic Composites and Sustainability

Daher continues to invest heavily in its three technology centers to prepare for the next generation of commercial aircraft. At the Shap’in Tech Center in Nantes, France, the company is accelerating the industrialization of induction welding, automation, and recycling for thermoplastic composites. These material innovations are achieving weight savings of up to 15%, which the company states will be critical for supplying future single-aisle short- and mid-range aircraft.

In recognition of these advancements, Daher was awarded a 2025 JEC Innovation Award for its welded wing rib made of thermoplastic composites.

These technological investments are closely tied to Daher’s sustainability targets. The company has integrated a strict climate policy aligned with the Paris Agreement into its “Take Off 2027” plan, aiming to reduce operational emissions by 50% by 2032 compared to a 2022 baseline. As of early 2026, Daher reported it has already achieved a 15% reduction in emissions. Consequently, the independent Carbon Disclosure Project (CDP) awarded Daher a Leadership score of “A-“, ranking it among the most committed aerospace companies regarding climate transition.

Corporate Governance Restructuring

Leadership Changes for the Next Era

To support its expanded scale and future ambitions, Daher announced a significant leadership restructuring in March 2026. After 20 years with the group, including a decade as its leader, Didier Kayat will step down as Chairman and CEO on March 31, 2026.

The company announced that Thibault Scaramanga, previously Vice Chairman representing the Daher family, has been appointed Chairman of the Board of Directors. Aymeric Daher has been named Executive Deputy CEO. Furthermore, the board of directors will be strengthened with the appointments of Marwan Lahoud and Éric Versey, the latter representing private equity investor Bpifrance.

AirPro News analysis

We view Daher’s recent trajectory as a compelling case study in middle-market aerospace resilience and strategic foresight. By successfully balancing high-rate serial production for major OEMs like Airbus with proprietary aircraft manufacturing (the TBM and Kodiak lines) and defense contracting, Daher has effectively insulated itself against sector-specific downturns.

The strategic pivot toward the United States, most notably the upcoming Florida assembly line, demonstrates a clear recognition that the Americas remain the primary growth engine for general aviation. By transitioning from a distinctly French manufacturer to a transatlantic aerospace player, Daher is positioning its supply chain closer to its largest customer base.

Furthermore, the company’s heavy investment in thermoplastic composites is not merely an environmental initiative; it is a core business strategy. As the industry looks toward the next generation of commercial airliners, weight reduction will be paramount for fuel efficiency and emissions compliance. Daher’s proven ability to industrialize these lightweight materials places it in a highly competitive position to secure lucrative aerostructures contracts in the coming decade.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)

What is Daher’s “Take Off 2027” plan?

Launched in 2023, “Take Off 2027” is Daher’s five-year strategic plan focused on international expansion, sovereign defense innovation, and decarbonization. The plan aims to solidify the company’s position as a large, profitable international aerospace player.

When will the new Daher assembly line in Florida open?

Daher is currently constructing a third Final Assembly Line (FAL) at Witham Field in Stuart, Florida. According to the company, the first aircraft built at this facility is expected to roll out in 2027.

What is the EyePulse drone?

The EyePulse is a Medium Altitude Long Endurance (MALE) military drone demonstrator co-developed by Daher. Based on the TBM 900 series airframe, it was developed and flown in a record time of six months in 2025, highlighting Daher’s capabilities in defense and sovereign innovation.

Sources: Daher Press Release

This article is based on an official press release from TUSAŞ (Turkish Aerospace Industries).

On March 16, 2026, the Turkish aerospace sector reached a historic milestone as the domestically developed T625 GÖKBEY multi-role helicopter received its civil Type Certificate from the Turkish Directorate General of Civil Aviation (SHGM). Announced via an official statement by TUSAŞ CEO Dr. Mehmet Demiroğlu, the certification marks the first time Turkey has certified a domestically designed and manufactured rotary-wing aircraft for civilian passenger transport using its own national aviation authority.

This transition from a strictly military and defense platform into a regulated civil aviation asset opens the door for domestic public service applications, such as air ambulances, and significantly boosts the aircraft’s international export potential. According to the company’s announcement, the achievement represents the culmination of years of successful engineering, production, and testing processes.

The T625 GÖKBEY’s Path to Civil Certification

A Decade-Long Digital Certification Process

The journey to civil certification was a rigorous 10-year process, with the initial application submitted on March 23, 2016, according to a comprehensive industry research report. The SHGM certificate officially confirms that the helicopter’s aerodynamic design, flight performance, engine architecture, and transmission systems meet international civil aviation standards, specifically aligning with EASA CS-29 standards.

The certification campaign involved extensive and meticulous testing. Industry data indicates the process required over 600 technical meetings, more than 180 certification tests, approximately 18,000 flight test points, and the submission of over 800 compliance documents. Notably, this complex process was managed entirely digitally using the KDM-ERP Certification Module, making Turkey one of the few countries globally capable of managing end-to-end aircraft certification on a national digital platform.

Leadership Perspectives

In his public statement, TUSAŞ CEO Dr. Mehmet Demiroğlu congratulated the engineering teams and highlighted the strategic importance of the achievement, noting that the helicopter was designed with civil applications in mind from its inception.

“Obtaining civil certification positions GÖKBEY as a critical asset in Turkey’s aviation portfolio,” stated Dr. Demiroğlu in the research report.

Minister of Transport and Infrastructure Abdulkadir Uraloğlu also emphasized the historical context during the certificate handover ceremony. According to the provided research, Uraloğlu noted that the milestone crowns TUSAŞ’s journey of independence.

“This certificate makes Turkey one of the few countries that can design, produce, and certify a civil rotary-wing aircraft… without foreign dependence,” Uraloğlu remarked.

Technical Specifications and Capabilities

Performance and Avionics

Developed by Turkish Aerospace Industries, the GÖKBEY is a 6-ton class, twin-engine multi-role utility helicopter. According to technical specifications provided in the research report, the aircraft measures 15.87 meters in length and has a maximum take-off weight (MTOW) of 6,050 kilograms. It is designed to accommodate two crew members and up to 12 passengers.

The aircraft boasts a maximum cruise speed of 306 km/h, a service ceiling of 6,096 meters (20,000 feet), and a standard range of over 740 kilometers, which can be extended to 948 kilometers with the use of auxiliary tanks. It features a full glass cockpit equipped with advanced ASELSAN avionics, including wide touchscreen displays and a four-axis dual redundant automatic flight control system.

Engine Development

Currently, the GÖKBEY is powered by two LHTEC CTS800-4A turboshaft engines, each providing 1,024 kW of power. However, the research report notes that future production units are slated to utilize the indigenous TEI TS1400 engine, which successfully completed its first test-flights on the GÖKBEY platform in April 2023.

Future Outlook: Air Ambulances and Firefighting

Expanding the Fleet

Following the baseline civil certification, TUSAŞ is moving rapidly to deploy the GÖKBEY in public service roles. The company plans to obtain a specific certification for an air ambulance configuration within the next three to four months. By the end of 2026, the first three GÖKBEY helicopters are scheduled to be delivered to the Turkish Ministry of Health for use as air ambulances, according to the research report.

Furthermore, TUSAŞ is leveraging the GÖKBEY’s technology to develop a larger, 10-ton firefighting helicopter capable of carrying four tons of water for the General Directorate of Forestry. First flights for this variant are expected by late 2026 or early 2027, with deliveries targeted to begin in 2028.

AirPro News analysis

The civil certification of the T625 GÖKBEY represents a highly successful pivot of military research and development into the commercial and civil sectors. Originally conceived in 2013 to replace aging military fleets for the Turkish Armed Forces and Gendarmerie, the platform’s approval by a civil aviation authority demonstrates that Turkey’s defense ecosystem can produce commercially viable, regulated civilian products.

We view this milestone as a critical enabler for international exports. In the global aviation market, civil authority approval is a strict prerequisite for sales. By targeting European Union Aviation Safety Agency (EASA) certification next, TUSAŞ is positioning the GÖKBEY to compete directly with established Western rotorcraft manufacturers. This aligns perfectly with Turkey’s broader “National Technology Initiative” (Milli Teknoloji Hamlesi), which aims to drastically reduce foreign dependency in critical aerospace sectors.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)

• What is the T625 GÖKBEY?
  The T625 GÖKBEY is a new-generation, twin-engine, 6-ton class multi-role utility helicopter developed by Turkish Aerospace Industries (TUSAŞ). It is designed to carry two crew members and up to 12 passengers.
• What does the civil certification mean?
  Issued by the Turkish Directorate General of Civil Aviation (SHGM), the Type Certificate confirms the helicopter meets international civil aviation standards (EASA CS-29), allowing it to be used for civilian passenger transport and public services.
• When will the GÖKBEY enter civilian service?
  According to industry reports, the first three GÖKBEY helicopters are scheduled to be delivered to the Turkish Ministry of Health for use as air ambulances by the end of 2026.

Sources

• TUSAŞ Official Statement (LinkedIn)
• Industry Research Report on T625 GÖKBEY Certification

This article summarizes reporting by Reuters. The original report is paywalled; this article summarizes publicly available elements and public remarks.

Aerospace manufacturing giants Honeywell and Howmet are actively scaling their operations to navigate a simultaneous surge in commercial aviation needs and military contracts. According to reporting by Reuters, executives from both companies confirmed on Tuesday that they are positioned to expand production capabilities.

The dual demand is being driven by a prolonged boom in commercial aircraft parts and a rapid acceleration in the defense sector, which is responding to ongoing geopolitical conflicts. As global supply chains remain under pressure, these manufacturers are working to ensure they can deliver on record backlogs without compromising either market segment.

Scaling Production Amid Global Tensions

The aerospace supply-chain has been stretched thin over the past few years, but top-tier suppliers are signaling confidence in their ability to meet the moment. Reuters reports that leadership at both Honeywell Aerospace and Howmet Aerospace believe they can successfully manage the influx of orders.

In their coverage, Reuters noted that the companies plan to:

“grow capacity to meet strong commercial demand for plane parts and munitions,”

as international defense spending ramps up due to geopolitical strife.

Honeywell’s Strategic Outlook

Honeywell’s confidence comes despite near-term logistical hurdles. Speaking at the BofA Securities’ Global Industrials Conference on Tuesday, Honeywell CEO Vimal Kapur addressed the current operating environment. According to industry reports, Kapur acknowledged that shipping disruptions in the Middle East could delay some first-quarter revenue into later months, such as April or May.

However, Kapur emphasized that overall demand remains fully intact. The company views the shipping delays as a transitory, tactical issue rather than a structural headwind. Based on public financial disclosures, Honeywell is maintaining its full-year 2026 sales guidance of between $38.8 billion and $39.8 billion, alongside an adjusted profit expectation of $10.35 to $10.65 per share.

Howmet Capitalizes on Defense Spending

Howmet Aerospace is similarly benefiting from the current macroeconomic environment, particularly within its defense portfolio. The company has seen sustained momentum driven by robust military budgets and the need to replenish stockpiles.

Engine Spares and Legacy Programs

Industry estimates indicate that Howmet’s defense aerospace revenue has seen significant double-digit growth in recent quarters. This surge is largely fueled by high demand for engine spares, notably for advanced platforms like the F-35 program, as well as replacement parts for legacy fighter jets. By growing capacity, Howmet aims to keep pace with these critical defense requirements while still servicing its commercial airline customers who are flying older jets longer due to new aircraft delivery delays.

AirPro News analysis

We observe that the simultaneous boom in commercial and defense aerospace presents a unique “high-class problem” for tier-one suppliers like Honeywell and Howmet. On one hand, long-cycle orders and double-digit backlogs provide unprecedented revenue visibility through the end of the decade. On the other hand, executing on these backlogs requires flawless supply chain management in an era of unpredictable geopolitical disruptions.

Honeywell’s ability to hold its 2026 financial guidance despite acknowledging Q1 shipping delays in the Middle East suggests that pricing power and aftermarket service margins are strong enough to absorb short-term logistical shocks. Meanwhile, Howmet’s heavy exposure to critical military engine programs insulates it from potential softening in other industrial sectors. Ultimately, the companies that can physically expand capacity and secure raw materials fastest will capture the lion’s share of this dual-market supercycle.

Frequently Asked Questions

Why are aerospace parts in such high demand?

Commercial airlines are facing delays in receiving new aircraft from major manufacturers, forcing them to fly older planes longer. This significantly increases the demand for aftermarket maintenance, repair, and replacement parts.

How is geopolitical strife affecting aerospace manufacturers?

Ongoing global conflicts have prompted governments worldwide to increase defense budgets and replenish munitions stockpiles. This has led to a surge in military contracts for aerospace and defense suppliers, requiring them to expand production capacity to meet the urgent needs of the defense sector.

Sources

• Reuters