EADS Socata (Booth No. 4484) and Daher Aerospace (Booth No. 4381) are developing joint projects in business aviation and aero structures that promise to significantly boost each company’s presence in these areas. As part of the partnership, Daher will take over an undisclosed majority stake in Socata from EADS, with the new company likely to seek a partner to launch a twin-engine business turboprop as soon as next year.
French business daily Les Echos reported that EADS would retain 30 to 40 percent of Socata, with operational control being handed over to Daher. Daher has interests in the automotive, defense and nuclear industries, but until now has been on the sidelines of major aerospace programs. The family-owned company’s aerospace activities include composite structures, fluid distribution and cabin insulation products for commercial and business airplanes and civil and military helicopters.
While Airbus and Eurocopter are major clients, Daher also produces components for other companies, including as a subcontractor to Stork-Fokker on Gulfstream’s new G650. It has opened a new facility in Mexico and another in Australia, in a joint venture with Eurocopter.
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