The Aerospace Sector in Eastern France
Eastern France offers a unique opportunity to invest in a dynamic, innovation-driven aeronautics industry. With a strong industrial heritage and a forward-looking ecosystem, the region combines technical excellence, skilled talent, and a robust supply chain.
A Thriving Hub for the Aerospace Industry
A Booming Aeronautics Ecosystem
The aeronautics industry in Eastern France has been expanding particularly fast in the last decade. Major players such as SAFRAN, THALES, LISI, LEACH International, AMPHENOL, and Aresia have established strong operations in the region.
This ecosystem is specifically supported by:
- A network of SMEs and specialized subcontractors
- Expertise in aeronautical parts production, maintenance, R&D, and support services
- Innovative start-ups like LATITUDE in Reims, now industrializing next-gen aerospace technologies
Rely on a Long-Standing, Forward-Looking Industrial Base
Eastern France is also home to a powerful and diversified industrial base. The region boasts decades of experience in high-precision manufacturing and cutting-edge technologies for instance. This strong foundation is enhanced by a future-oriented mindset, encouraging innovation and sustainable growth.
Industrial and Human Expertise
The local workforce is highly qualified and experienced in key technologies. The region is recognized for its know-how in:
- Embedded electronics
- Connectivity
- Software and robotics
- Advanced non-metallic materials
In metalworking, Eastern France offers a full range of expertise—from forging and casting to precision machining, assembly, testing, and surface treatment.
A Dynamic Ecosystem of Industry Leaders and Innovators
Several major players in aerospace and defense have already chosen Eastern France to grow their operations. From established international groups to next-generation launch start-ups, they are shaping a dynamic, fast-moving ecosystem — and demonstrating the region’s readiness for global ambitions.
THALES
Thales, operating in Troyes, designs and manufactures communications equipment for aircraft—from PCB design to full assembly. Experiencing strong growth, the group remains in the Troyes area while relocating to a new purpose-built facility. A new 5,000 m² aerospace “centre of excellence” is scheduled for completion by 2027, and the integration of the Cobham Aerospace Communications teams acquired in 2024 will further strengthen its capabilities. With over 100 customers worldwide—including industry leaders like Airbus, Boeing, and Dassault Aviation—Thales has doubled its activity over the past three years).
ARESIA
Aresia manufactures and maintains fuel tanks for aerospace clients such as Dassault and Airbus. In response to a projected doubling of Dassault orders over the next two years, the company has invested €2.3 million to accelerate its production and maintenance capabilities. Aresia’s Witry site employs 65 people, 90 % of whom work in military aerospace, demonstrating the strategic role of the Grand Est region in sustaining defence-related manufacturing.
LATITUDE
Based near Reims, Latitude is a rising aerospace start-up developing the Zephyr, a small satellite launcher. The company has repurposed a former military site at Vatry into an R&D and engine test center, and plans to open a 25,000 m² factory by 2026. Backed by Bpifrance, ESA and CNES, Latitude aims to produce up to 50 rockets per year by 2030, supporting both civilian and defense markets. Its first institutional launch is scheduled for 2026 from Kourou, with the capacity for responsive launches within 72 hours.
Benefit from the aeronautical expertise in Eastern France
Investing in Eastern France means gaining access to a rich ecosystem of aeronautics and aerospace knowledge, training, and innovation. The region actively supports talent development and R&D collaboration.
Strong Aeronautics Training Pipeline
Eastern France offers a wide range of programs to train future aeronautics professionals — from technicians to engineers.
- 78 specialized training programs from vocational (CAP) to Master’s level
- 35 engineerings schools across the region
- Programs focused on both traditional roles and emerging technologies
FOCUS – THE INTERNATIONAL SPACE UNIVERSITY (ISU)
The region also hosts the International Space University (ISU) in Strasbourg — the only university in the world dedicated entirely to space education. Its global network includes hubs in the United States and the Asia-Pacific, and partnerships with leading international space agencies.
The ISU in few figures
A Dynamic Research & Innovation Ecosystem
Eastern France fosters innovation in aerospace through close collaboration between businesses, universities, and research institutions.
A leading example is the MOLIERE Laboratory, a partnership between Dassault Aviation and the Universities of Lorraine and Strasbourg. It focuses on next-generation materials for aeronautics, including acoustic performance, anti-icing solutions, and electromagnetic protection — critical components for the aircraft of tomorrow
FOCUS – AÉRIADES: AN AERONAUTICAL NETWORK AT THE HEART OF EUROPE
Aériades is a network of companies, technology transfer centers and educational and research establishments united by their desire to strengthen and develop the aeronautical industry in Eastern France. It is the official GIFAS representative in Eastern France
The cluster supports its members in their commercial development, in obtaining new certifications and, more generally, in improving their performance.
Aériades in few figures
Aériades Members include :
The European market within easy reach
Located in the heart of Europe, Eastern France borders key industrial nations like Germany, Switzerland, Belgium, and the Netherlands. It is also easily reachable from the Paris Region. Thanks to high-speed trains, travel times are short—just 45 minutes from Paris to Reims and 1 hour 45 minutes to Strasbourg via TGV.
This strategic location offers direct access to major aeronautic ecosystems across Europe. Moreover, the region benefits from a dense and efficient freight network. The Rhine River runs along its eastern border, while railways connect it to Paris and other European hubs.
As a result, transporting industrial goods is fast and reliable. Eastern France sits within the European backbone—the central economic zone of the EU—making it a prime location for international business and logistics.
THE EUROPEAN SPACE AGENCY (ESA)
With its central position in Europe, Eastern France is located next to all major ESA locations across the continent:
- ESA Headquarters are based in Paris, only 45 minutes away from Reims (Marne, Eastern France)
- EAC, the European Astronauts Centre located in Cologne, Germany – only 250 km away from Metz (Mosel, Eastern France)
- ESOC, the European Space Operations Centre in Darmstadt, Germany – less than 200 km (less than 2:30 hours by train) from Strasbourg (Bas-Rhin, Eastern France)
FOCUS – THE EUROPEAN SPACE AGENCY
ESA is Europe’s gateway to space. The core mission of this unique European Space Institution consists in shaping the development of Europe’s space capability and ensuring that investment in space continues to deliver benefits to the citizens of Europe and the world. The ESA currently has 23 Member States. By coordinating the financial and intellectual resources of its members, it can undertake programs and activities far beyond the scope of any single European country. Its budget makes it the world’s third-largest space agency: 7.63 billion dollars in 2025.
EASTERN FRANCE, A REGION AT THE HEART OF LOGISTICS EUROPE
Eastern Franceis situated at the intersection of major European roads, along the London-Milan axis, facilitating goods transportation and logistic activities from there to the rest of Europe. 3 key figures illustrate the strong geographic assets of the region:
- Eastern France is crossed by 4 European TENT corridors
- A zone representing 20% of Europe’s GDP can be reached within half a day’s road transport from Eastern France
- Only 24 to 72 hours are needed to connect Europe’s major harbors by scheduled river or rail shuttles from Eastern France’s harbors & train stations.
