ALTEN - Aerospace - Aviation - Digital

Sectors

Aerospace

The aerospace industry is at the forefront of innovation, pushing the boundaries of what is possible in the realm of air travel. Driven by the need for faster, more efficient, and more comfortable flight, challenged by environmental constraints, aerospace engineers are continuously exploring new technologies and materials to create the best possible product. From advanced materials and engines to cutting-edge avionics and navigation systems, the aeronautics industry is constantly striving to make air travel safer, more convenient and enjoyable.

Decarbonizing the Future of Aviation

The aerospace industry has come under scrutiny in recent years for its CO2 emissions. Current projections estimate that demand for air transport in 2050 could exceed 10 billion passengers. To meet this demand in a sustainable fashion, the industry is making considerable efforts to move towards decarbonization, with a commitment to net-zero emissions by 2050. Hydrogen-powered aircraft, electrification and new fuels are just some of the innovative technologies that are expected to make this possible, together with design and engineering innovations and the improved industrial management of development cycles.

ALTEN, Catalyzing Transformation for Customers Worldwide

As a partner to most aerospace industry stakeholders, ALTEN is driving the major projects currently taking place and helping shape the digital transformation in this industry. ALTEN’s unique market position also gives the company insider insights into new market entrants, alliances, and other major shifts that are changing the business environment.  ALTEN supports the transformation of its customers in the aerosapce industry by participating in their innovation strategy. The Group supports manufacturers and equipment suppliers in the deployment of new technologies, from the factory to the supply chain, as well as in customer service and airlines. With its expertise in business processes and digital technologies, ALTEN offers innovative solutions to aerospace players, ranging from predictive maintenance to collaborative customer service platforms.

What Are the Market Trends in the Aerospace Industry?

Ramp up and Industry 4.0

Aircraft manufacturers and subcontractors must increase their pace of production to meet the rise in air traffic and the modernisation of existing fleets. Digital transformation requires the deployment of new technologies (Big Data, IoT, augmented reality, etc.) at factory and supply chain levels to improve product quality, all while optimizing production costs. Following a sharp drop in business in 2020, production is increasing again. Aircraft deliveries for Airbus and Boeing are reaching around 1,250 aircraft in 2023.

Challenges:

Increasing production rates

Controlling supply on all production lines

Ramping up Airbus suppliers

Deploying Industry 4.0 processes, tools, methods and technology

Acquiring and integrating new skills (digital, data science, networks, etc.)

Digital revolution

The aeronautics sector intends to take advantage of digital transformation to optimize its internal processes by adopting an end-to-end approach (engineering, manufacturing, maintenance, decision-making, etc.) and by creating new services, a source of additional revenue. Airbus believes that it will be able to develop an aircraft twice as quickly thanks to digital continuity (with a new PLM approach). Skywise, Airbus’s data platform, is already used by several airlines, with more than a thousand connected aircrafts and a declared objective of 0 AOG (Aircraft on Ground).

Challenges:

Combining business knowledge and digital skills

Structuring and interconnecting data sources to render them more useful

Succeeding in managing change within the company (scaled agile, end-to-end…)

Aircraft of the future: incremental development

Aircraft manufacturers are preparing the aircraft of the future -more fuel-efficient, quieter, less polluting and smart- rather than starting a new project from zero. As an example, the Falcon 10X, from Dassault Aviation, is powered by business aviation’s most advanced and efficient engine making it 5% more efficient than previous generations, with outstanding low-noise and emissions performance. Furthermore, to make the Falcon smarter, Dassault Aviation has also developed new military technology, named FalconEye® Combined Vision System. It provides flight crew unprecedented situational awareness in all weather conditions, day or night and guidance on approaches before the runway is sighted.

Challenges:

Reducing the “time to market” by optimizing development schedules

Integrating electric propulsion (hybrid propulsion, electric drive mode, etc.)

Ensuring the continuity of smart services for passengers (from the airport to the aircraft)

Introducing new materials and new manufacturing techniques (e.g.: 3D printing)

Functional Sectors Covered by ALTEN