Aerospace

Space

FLB supports clients in strategy and performance improvement engagements across the value chain for launch systems, spacecraft, ground systems and space-based services.

The space sector is currently facing significant changes:

Growing number of countries and corporate players investing in space systems and their downstream applications, a trend that is expected to strengthen in the coming years
Stable institutional funding on a global scale, despite the economic crisis, with increased budgets in several European/OECD countries and emerging economies
Supply chains for the development and operation of space systems increasingly evolving at the international level, even if space remains heavily influenced and shaped by strategic and security considerations
Stronger competition for incumbent players on the commercial open markets for spacecraft, launcher systems and equipment/components, as more actors seek to enter global value chains
Increasingly use of some technological innovations: electric propulsion systems on-board large telecommunications satellites, 3-D printing used by industry, advances in miniaturisation making micro satellites even more affordable, robotic servicing technologies for space applications, …
Implementation of innovative industrial processes in manufacturing, e.g. adaptation of some automobile industry’s mass production techniques to selected space systems, …
In Europe, more specifically, consolidation of the European launch sector, challenged to become more cost-competitive, and likely reshaping of geographically dispersed vehicle production capacities
In Europe too, growth in national space initiatives among individual European countries generating a geographic proliferation of space activity at national and regional levels

In light of these observed trends, space prime and sub-contractors and value-based service providers need to engage in decisive actions to create shareholder value and generate sustainable growth:

Optimizing Products & Service Offerings
Optimizing related R&D programme & Technology Portfolios
Driving growth (identification of international or niche markets in which to extend capabilities, development of services in adjacent sectors, vertical integration, …)
Improving programme affordability
Enhancing operational performances (industrial capability performance, supplier coordination, ...)

Space - Selected references

FLB team has supported a wide range of engagements across the space sector (Primes, System/Equipment Suppliers, ESA, European Commission, national space agencies, governments), including:

For a spacecraft equipment supplier, assessment of the worldwide payload mass memory equipment market. Market entry strategy optimisation, including Go / No Go assessment (30 non-European countries analysed).
For a European space system manufacturer, worldwide assessment of 30 launch systems dedicated to microsatellites (50-250 kg). Technological performances. Stakeholders. Business models.
For a space large system integrator, strategic assessment of the European launcher manufacturing value chain. Worldwide benchmark (Europe, USA, Russia, China, Japan, India, Israel, Brazil …). European industry structure by products/systems/services developed and technological capabilities. Competitive repositioning of the launcher manufacturing activities.
For a European space system manufacturer, benchmark of “best practices” in terms of outsourcing policy and OEM-supplier relations in three sectors (Automobile, Aircraft industry, and Defence): product design, interfaces management, manufacturing processes, supply chain management, etc. Identification of the practices which could be adapted to the space domain. Recommendations and action plan.

Aeronautics

FLB supports clients in transactions, strategy and performance improvement engagements across the value chain for aircraft platforms (civil and military), maintenance, repair and overhaul, and services.

The commercial aircraft industry is undergoing a phase of historical growth, with order books reaching tremendous levels, the emergence of new players and the launch of numerous programmes designed to be more cost-effective and eco-friendly. Flagships and other airline companies’ requirements in terms of technological innovation, Total Cost of Ownership, CRM and MRO services are becoming higher than ever.

In a time of decreasing budgets and programme cuts, the defence aircraft prime and sub-contractors need to engage in decisive portfolio management (which product lines, technological and industrial capabilities to maintain or to develop) to serve properly their governments and remain competitive on export markets. Optimizing related R&D programme & Technology Portfolios. Improving programme affordability, enhancing operational performances and supply chain agility are also remaining key issues.

Aeronautics - Selected references

FLB team has supported a wide range of engagements across the aeronautics sector (OEMs, Tier 1-3, governments and institutional bodies), including:

For the European Defence Agency - EDA: Future Air Systems (FAS) roadmap identifying the key industrial capabilities (technologies, processes and skills) required to meet the future European aerospace military capability demands. Project management core team: Saab Aerosystems (prime), Alenia, Agusta Westland, BAE Systems, Dassault, EADS, Thales, etc.
F. Louisin, member of this management core team, contributed to the strategic assessment of the European military aerospace sector (Situation today and Challenges ahead; Supply chain SWOT; Industry mapping - 10 countries, Central and Eastern Europe -, …). He was also in charge of the data gathering/computing process related to any individual information provided by the industrial players and the participant Member States, assuring that all data/information were treated anonymously.
For a European Aerospace & Defence group, strategic assessment of its aviation MRO-Maintenance, Repair Overhaul business unit: activity/service portfolio analysis; worldwide market dynamics and profitability by segment; industry structure and competitive positioning of the key players. Recommendations and road-map validated by the Management Board.
For a European Aerospace & Defence system manufacturer considering partnerships, comprehensive overview of the worldwide aircraft engine market place, and of the key players’ R&D strategies/funding policies and business models. Validation of the key issues in terms of partnership opportunities.