Daher, a leading player in industrial services for civil and defense aerospace, has announced the successful completion of its acquisition of France’s AAA (Assistance Aéronautique et Aérospatiale). This strategic merger brings together the strengths of both companies to establish a dominant presence in the aerospace marketplace.

The newly formed group will deliver a comprehensive range of industrial services worldwide, catering to a wide spectrum of needs.

With AAA’s 2,000 employees and an annual revenue of approximately €200 million, the company’s expertise in aerostructure assembly, systems and engine installation, flight line services, maintenance, industrialisation, and quality support perfectly complements Daher’s established position in cabin installation and outstanding work.

By capitaliding on AAA’s track record of success spanning over 30 years, Daher aims to continue and enhance its provision of highly qualified workforce training, both for its own operations and for customers. This focus on talent development is crucial for sustaining aircraft production amidst increasing rates of production and recruitment challenges in the aerospace industry.

With the acquisition of AAA, Daher solidifies its status as the leading provider of industrial services in France and establishes a prominent global leadership position. Leveraging its business model cantered around aircraft manufacturing, manufacturing services, logistics, and manufacturing, Daher can offer end-to-end capabilities to customers, expanding its presence in existing and new aerospace industry hubs both domestically and internationally.

Didier Kayat, chief executive of Daher, said: “The acquisition of AAA was obvious for us, as the DNA of these two family companies is so similar. We share values based on entrepreneurship, agility and the value of our employees, which are guarantees for the success of this merger.

“The development of industrial services is perfectly aligned with Daher’s desire to provide ever-better support to our customers in the complex context that industry faces today. This is a key step in enabling us to achieve the ambitious objectives of our ‘Take off 2027’ strategic plan, as it enables us to strengthen the presence with our customers, as well as internationally.”

Gilles Chauby, founding president at AAA, said: “This takeover offers tremendous development opportunities for AAA as a result of the new impetus that Daher will bring. This is the best step forward for our company’s managers, technicians and workers, as well as for our customers.”

The overall management of AAA is now entrusted to Daher’s Cédric Eloy as the chief executive and assisted by deputy general manager Sylvain Ruellé.

Eloy said: “My goal is to develop a robust operation by building on the foundation provided by AAA and the key attributes that have made it strong – namely its agility in responding to the challenges of customers and employees.

“We have big ambitions for this activity, particularly with the opportunity to significantly increase international revenue. I am convinced that our industrial services offer is one of the strengths that will enable our customers to meet their production commitments in the current context of limited resources and the restructuring of the global aerospace supply chain.”

Ruellé said: “With the resources of AAA, we will round out our international offer of industrial services – especially in defense as well as in the ‘manufacturing engineering’ sector.