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Stelia Aerospace
Stelia Aerospace
from Wikipedia

Stelia Aerospace (stylized STELIA Aerospace) is an aerospace company headquartered in Toulouse, France.[3] It specializes in designing and manufacture of aerostructures, pilot seats and premium class passenger seats, mainly for the commercial aviation sector.

Key Information

Stelia Aerospace was created on 1 January 2015 by the merger of two Airbus business units: Aerolia and SOGERMA. The company is a wholly owned subsidiary of Airbus.

History

[edit]

Stelia Aerospace traces its origins to the merger of two companies, SOGERMA and Aerolia. SOGERMA (Société girondine d’entretien et de réparation de matériel aéronautique) was a French company founded in 1924 amid the early days of aviation.[4]

Prior to its restructuring in 2006, the company largely focused on maintenance, repair and overhaul (MRO),[5][6] but subsequently directed its resources to its specialist aerostructures and seating activities.[7]

Aerolia SA was founded on 1 January 2009 as a spin-off of Airbus France's aerostructures activities.[8][9] This involved the Méaulte and Saint-Nazaire industrial plants, along with a design office in Toulouse.[10]

In 2007, EADS' management decided to respond to the weakening US dollar and large investments required for the Airbus A380 and A350 XWB programs by restructuring in order to streamline, divest several non-core activities, and cut costs.[11][12] Aerospace periodical Flight International compared the move to Boeing's then-recent spin-off of Spirit AeroSystems.[13]

On 1 January 2015, Stelia Aerospace was created via the merger of Aerolia and Sogerma.[14] At the time, Stelia Aerospace employed roughly 6,100 staff across 11 different locations, and the two merged businesses were considered "complementary".[15] Contracts previously undertaken by the two firms carried over to the new entity, including those for fitting-out work on Airbus airliners.[16]

In March 2017, Stelia Aerospace inaugurated a new aeronautics factory in Méaulte, Northern France; this facility, which handles production of the forward fuselages of Airbus airliners and central fuselage of Bombardier Aerospace’s Global 7500 series of business jets, had required a €70 million investment.[17] In February 2018, Stelia Aerospace demonstrated a metallic fuselage panel manufactured using 3D printing techniques.[18][19] The same year, the firm acquired a majority share of Toulouse-based digital modelling specialist Portalliance Engineering.[20]

In October 2019, Stelia Aerospace announced plans to build a new assembly plant in Portugal at a cost of €40 million.[21] In February 2020, the company started a three-year partnership with Bombardier for the AILE (Aile Intelligente et Légère pour l’Environnement, or Intelligent and Light Wing for Environment) research programme.[22]

Starting on 1 January 2022, Stelia Aerospace sites worldwide were grouped with other Airbus sites in Nantes and Montoir-de-Bretagne under the newly formed Airbus subsidiary Airbus Atlantic.[23]

Business activities

[edit]

Stelia Aerospace has three main business segments:

  • Aerostructures
  • Premium class airline seats (First, Business, Premium Economy)
  • Pilot seats

Stelia Aerospace also manufactures aircraft interiors. [24]

Aerostructures

[edit]
Wings of an ATR being delivered to the final assembly line in Toulouse.

Stelia Aerospace designs and manufactures fully equipped aircraft fuselage sections from the nose to the rear, wings and special Work Packages such as the main landing gear bay, A400M ramp door, and helicopter tail boom. [citation needed]

A major portion of the company's business is the design and manufacturing of aerostructures, including complex detailed parts comprising both composite and metallic materials. Stelia Aerospace claims that it is one of a small number of companies able to provide a fully equipped section (metallic and/or composite fuselage section, with all the tubes and wiring systems integrated), developing the "plug and fly" concept.[citation needed]

Aircraft components manufactured by Stelia Aerospace include:

  • Wings of the ATR family, which are fully equipped and tested up to the final test benches.[25]
  • Central section of the Bombardier large business jet Global 7000/8000.[26]
  • Various sections of the Airbus A220, such as the cockpit and aft fuselage.[27]
  • Elements of the Airbus BelugaXL, including the nose section, cargo door, and upper fuselage with pre-integrated systems (electrical, hydraulic, air conditioning, oxygen, etc.)[28]

Locations

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Stelia Aerospace is a global business with 11 worldwide industrial facilities and supporting offices.[citation needed]

Location Country / Region Facility type Notes
Toulouse France Industrial Headquarter functions and core-engineering
Méaulte France Industrial Nose assembly and large composite
Rochefort France Industrial Section assembly and seats
Saint-Nazaire France Industrial Detailed parts
Mérignac France Industrial Wings
Salaunes France Industrial Composite detailed parts
M Ghira Tunisia Industrial Detailed parts and assembly
Casablanca Morocco Industrial Composite detailed parts and assembly
Lunenburg, Nova Scotia Canada Industrial Composite detailed parts
Mirabel, Quebec Canada Industrial Section assembly
Hamburg Germany Support office Airbus Final Assembly Lines support
Bangkok Thailand Support office Commercial offices
Seattle USA Support office Commercial offices
Los Angeles USA Support office Commercial offices
Miami USA Support office Commercial offices, and airline support
United Arab Emirates United Arab Emirates Support office Airline support
Singapore Singapore Support office Airline support
Beijing China Support office Airline support

References

[edit]
[edit]
Revisions and contributorsEdit on WikipediaRead on Wikipedia
from Grokipedia
Stelia Aerospace is a prominent French aerospace company specializing in the , development, and of aerostructures, pilot seats, and premium passenger seats for commercial and business . Established on , 2015, through the merger of subsidiaries Aerolia and Sogerma, it serves as the dedicated cabin interiors brand of Airbus Atlantic, a global leader within the Airbus Group focused on innovative, sustainable solutions for interiors and structures. With roots tracing back to 1924 at its flagship Méaulte facility in northern —the oldest and largest production site—Stelia Aerospace has evolved from early aerostructures expertise into a multifaceted player in the industry. The 2015 merger consolidated operations across multiple sites, enabling expanded capabilities in composites and systems integration, while the 2022 integration into Atlantic unified it with additional factories in western , boosting efficiency and global reach. Today, it operates facilities in five countries across three continents, contributing to major programs for , , and other OEMs. Stelia Aerospace's product portfolio includes advanced aerostructures such as front fuselage sections for the Airbus A320 and A350 families, wings for ATR aircraft, and composite components for business jets like the Bombardier Global 7500. It holds the top global position for pilot seats, supplying them for all commercial aircraft, helicopters, and regional jets, with over 35 years of specialized experience in this domain. In premium passenger seating, ranked among the world's top three providers, the company offers innovative lines like the OPERA® and SOLSTYS® families for , emphasizing luxury, ergonomics, and sustainability—such as the eco-designed OPERA® ESSENTIAL seat, which earned Design Award in 2025 for sustainable . These products support over 50 airlines, including several in the Top 10, with an annual production capacity exceeding 5,000 seats. The company prioritizes customer support through 24/7 global services for product lifecycle management, alongside heavy investments in research and technology for greener aviation, including and reduced-carbon materials. As part of Atlantic, which forecasts a €5.6 billion business volume in 2025 and employs approximately 15,000 people, Stelia Aerospace continues to drive advancements in efficiency and passenger .

Company Overview

Founding and Corporate Structure

Stelia Aerospace was established on January 1, 2015, through the merger of Aerolia, an aerostructures specialist founded in 2009 as a spin-off of France's aerostructures activities, and Sogerma, a longstanding interiors provider originating in 1924. This consolidation created a unified entity focused on aerostructures and cabin interiors, operating as a wholly owned of with 11 sites and approximately 6,100 employees worldwide. Headquartered in Colomiers, near , , at 1 Boulevard de l'Europe, Stelia Aerospace served as Airbus's dedicated center for advanced aerostructures and premium seating solutions until a major restructuring in 2022. The company maintained its operational independence while aligning closely with Airbus's , emphasizing integrated design and production capabilities. In January 2022, Stelia Aerospace evolved into a brand under , a new wholly owned subsidiary established on the same date to consolidate aerostructures and activities across and international sites. This shift positioned Stelia as the dedicated arm for cabin , including premium passenger and pilot seats, while preserving its aerostructures expertise within the broader Atlantic framework, which as of its establishment in 2022 employed over 13,000 people globally. Following the merger, Cédric Gautier, previously CEO of Aerolia, was appointed as the inaugural CEO of Stelia Aerospace, leading the integration and strategic direction from 2015 onward. In 2022, he became CEO of Atlantic, overseeing key milestones in and market positioning.

Financial Performance and Workforce

Stelia Aerospace reported a turnover of €2.2 billion in 2017, driven by its core activities in aerostructures and cabin interiors. By 2019, this figure remained stable at €2.2 billion, reflecting steady demand from key aerospace programs. Following its integration into Atlantic in 2022, the entity's business volume is forecasted to reach €5.6 billion in 2025, underscoring the scale achieved through consolidated operations and expanded contracts. The company's financial growth has been propelled by long-term agreements with major clients, including for fuselage sections and cockpits, as well as ATR and Bombardier for regional aircraft components. Mergers and strategic investments, such as the 2015 formation from Airbus subsidiaries, have enhanced profitability by optimizing supply chains and production efficiencies. In terms of workforce, Stelia Aerospace employed approximately 7,000 people worldwide in 2019, primarily in , , and . Under Airbus Atlantic, this has grown to around 15,000 employees by 2025, distributed across five countries and three continents to support global manufacturing and engineering needs. The workforce comprises skilled professionals in engineering, manufacturing, and , focusing on innovative aerostructure and seating solutions. Airbus Atlantic, encompassing Stelia Aerospace's cabin activities, emphasizes diversity through equal opportunity policies that combat discrimination and promote inclusive teams. Training programs align with standards, including partnerships with 15 local schools for blue-collar apprenticeships and the Henry Vocational School for operator qualifications, fostering talent development and gender-balanced recruitment.

History

Pre-Merger Entities

Aerolia was established on 1 January 2009 as a wholly owned subsidiary of EADS (now Airbus), formed from the spin-off of Airbus France's aerostructures activities at the Meaulte and Saint-Nazaire sites. The company specialized in the design, development, and production of advanced aerostructures, with a particular emphasis on carbon fibre reinforced plastics (CFRP) for fuselage sections and related components. Aerolia's expertise in composites enabled it to contribute significantly to major Airbus programs, including the delivery of the A350 XWB nose fuselage, where approximately one-third of the 3.1-tonne structure incorporated composite materials for enhanced fatigue resistance and damage tolerance. To address production challenges in composites, Aerolia invested €220 million across its French facilities, including a new 10,000 m² composites unit at Méaulte operational since 2010, aimed at improving cost efficiencies and meeting Airbus delivery timelines. Sogerma, based in Bordeaux, France, evolved from early 20th-century aircraft maintenance operations into a key provider of cabin interiors and seating solutions for commercial aviation. The company specialized in aerostructure assemblies for commercial and business aircraft, pilot and copilot seats for manufacturers, and premium cabin interiors for airlines, including first-class suites and business-class seating systems. Post-World War II, Sogerma expanded its role in French aviation through long-term contracts for maintenance and upgrades on early Airbus models like the A320 family, leveraging its legacy in aircraft repair to support the growing European aerospace sector. This historical focus on interiors positioned Sogerma as a vital supplier for premium passenger experiences in wide-body aircraft. Both Aerolia and Sogerma were wholly owned subsidiaries of EADS/, deriving the majority of their revenue from long-term contracts with for programs such as the A350, A380, and A320 families, which underscored the strategic rationale for their 2015 merger to enhance industrial synergies and global competitiveness. Pre-merger, Aerolia grappled with the high costs and production scalability of composite manufacturing, driving investments in and facilities to achieve greater efficiencies, while Sogerma navigated legacy demands amid evolving cabin customization needs in a consolidating market.

Formation and Early Expansion (2015-2021)

Stelia Aerospace was established on January 1, 2015, through the merger of subsidiaries Aerolia and Sogerma, integrating Aerolia's aerostructures capabilities—such as fuselage sections for the family—with Sogerma's expertise in aircraft seating and cabin interiors. This consolidation created a multi-specialist entity with approximately 6,100 employees and a turnover of €1.65 billion, positioning it as a key supplier in the aerospace sector. The company's initial headquarters were set up in , , to centralize operations and engineering functions. Key investments marked the early expansion phase, enhancing production capacity for aerostructures. In March 2017, Stelia Aerospace inaugurated a €70 million "factory of the future" at its Méaulte site in northern , following over a year of transformation to incorporate advanced and digital technologies for assembly. This facility focused on manufacturing forward sections for aircraft, improving efficiency through robotization and digitization. In October 2019, the company announced a €40 million to build a new assembly plant near in , , aimed at expanding manufacturing resources for aerostructures and creating around 240 jobs. Technological advancements highlighted Stelia's innovation drive during this period. In February 2018, the company unveiled a world-first demonstrator: a one-square-meter self-reinforced metallic panel produced via wire arc additive (WAAM), using robotic deposition of aluminum wire to integrate stiffeners directly into the structure, potentially reducing assembly time and . Production expansion included wings for the ATR family at the Méaulte facility, leveraging composite materials for equipped and tested wingsets. By 2020-2021, Stelia broadened its scope to components, acquiring work packages from Bombardier and delivering the first nose section from its Mirabel site in . The period from 2020 to 2021 brought significant challenges amid the global aviation downturn caused by the , which disrupted supply chains and reduced aircraft demand. As an subsidiary, Stelia faced operational adaptations, including workforce adjustments and supply continuity measures, in line with broader industry efforts to mitigate pandemic-related delays in production and deliveries.

Integration into Airbus Atlantic and Recent Developments

In January 2022, Stelia Aerospace's sites worldwide were integrated into the newly formed Atlantic, a wholly-owned dedicated to aerostructures production. This restructuring consolidated Stelia's operations with other facilities in , , , , and to create a streamlined entity focused on delivering "plug-and-play" aerostructures ready for final assembly. Under this structure, Stelia Aerospace retained its core role in aerostructures while evolving into the dedicated brand for premium cabin interiors within Atlantic. As part of ongoing organizational alignment, Stelia Aerospace Canada, a key subsidiary, was rebranded to in March 2023 to better reflect its integration into the parent entity and strengthen its position in North American aerostructures. In May 2025, acquired two factories in , enhancing production capacity for A320 family wing components and supporting . In April 2025, at the Aircraft Interiors Expo (AIX), Atlantic renewed its spares distribution agreement with Satair, 's aftermarket services arm, designating Satair as the exclusive distributor in the for parts related to pilot seats and Stelia Aerospace premium passenger seats. This partnership underscores Stelia's expanded service footprint, now supporting over 50 airlines worldwide with its seating solutions. Following the 2022 integration, Stelia Aerospace has emphasized enhanced efforts within Airbus Atlantic's innovation framework, contributing to the recovery from pandemic-related disruptions through securing new aerostructures and contracts. This strategic focus has driven production growth, with capacity reaching 5,000 seats annually by 2024.

Business Activities

Aerostructures

Stelia Aerospace's aerostructures division specialized in the design, engineering, and manufacturing of major structural components, leveraging expertise inherited from its predecessor, Aerolia, in composite and metallic materials. The division focused on producing fully equipped sections and wing assemblies, emphasizing to achieve weight reduction, enhanced durability, and optimal performance in commercial, regional, and . This capability positioned Stelia as a key tier-one supplier, particularly to programs, where it delivered complex, large-scale assemblies ready for final integration. Core offerings included fuselage sections for a range of aircraft, such as the forward for the A320 family, A330, A380, and A400M, as well as sections 11 and 12 for the A350 XWB. For the BelugaXL freighter, Stelia manufactured the , upper panels (measuring 8 meters long, 9 meters wide, and 8 meters high, weighing 2.1 tonnes), and main cargo door, contributing to the aircraft's distinctive oversized structure. In , the Mirabel facility handled front and aft sections for the , along with central assemblies for the . By 2018, the division had delivered over 860 sections across various programs, including the A400M military transport, demonstrating its production scale and reliability. Wing components were another strength, with fully equipped wings produced for the ATR family, incorporating thermoset composites for regional aircraft efficiency. Manufacturing techniques combined advanced composites and metals, with a strong emphasis on automation and hybrid materials to meet demanding standards. Carbon fiber reinforced polymers (CFRP) were laid up using automated fiber placement (AFP) machines capable of high-speed deposition, followed by liquid resin infusion (LRI) or resin transfer molding (RTM) for curing. Thermoplastic composites were explored through projects like Arches Box TP, which demonstrated for faster assembly and recyclability, reducing production times and costs while improving fire resistance. Metallic components involved precision machining and large-scale assembly lines, often supported by digital tools such as for and cobots for ergonomic efficiency. These methods enabled weight savings of up to 20% in some structures, enhancing without compromising structural integrity. Primary clients included as the main partner, alongside ATR, Bombardier, and others in defense and business aviation sectors. Following 's 2022 restructuring, Stelia's aerostructures activities were integrated into the Airbus Atlantic subsidiary, which continues to produce these components globally while Stelia focuses on cabin interiors. This shift built on Stelia's legacy of in aerostructures, including R&T investments of €25 million annually through facilities like STELIALAB for developing low-cost, high-volume composite processes.

Seating Solutions

Stelia Aerospace specializes in the design and manufacture of premium passenger seats for , particularly long-haul configurations such as the WB and SOLSTYS families, which are deployed on like the , 787, , and A350. The company also leads in pilot seats, holding the world's number one market position and supplying them exclusively to across its entire family, as well as to select manufacturers. With an annual production capacity of 5,000 seats at its primary facility in , Stelia supports high-volume demands in the sector. The seating designs incorporate French-inspired aesthetics, utilizing high-grade materials like full-grain , , and brushed aluminum to enhance luxury and durability. Systems integration is a core focus, embedding features such as adjustable armrests, ambient lighting, and advanced comfort mechanisms to ensure passenger safety and well-being during flights. This heritage traces back to Sogerma's legacy in aircraft interiors, established through the 2015 merger of Sogerma and Aerolia to form Stelia Aerospace, bringing over 35 years of expertise in seating solutions. As one of the global top three providers of premium seats, Stelia serves more than 50 airlines worldwide, including major carriers like and SWISS, delivering tailored solutions that prioritize customization. These include weight-optimized designs, such as those achieving up to 30% reductions through advanced engineering and composite materials, which contribute to improved for operators. Seat mounting often integrates with aerostructures for seamless cabin installation.

Innovations and Sustainability Initiatives

Stelia Aerospace has advanced aerospace manufacturing through innovative techniques, notably demonstrating the use of wire-arc additive manufacturing (WAAM) for producing metallic self-reinforced panels in 2018. This demonstrator, a 1-square-meter aluminum panel with integrated stiffeners, showcased a disruptive derived from topological optimization studies, aiming to reduce production and weight in structures. In seating solutions, the company introduced the ESSENTIAL business-class in 2024, featuring a 30% weight reduction to 65 kg per through the elimination of electrical actuators and electronic control units, alongside 40% fewer mechanical parts and 96% fewer electronic components. This design achieves a 32% lower via eco-design principles, including the use of composite shells and bio-based leathers. Building on this, Stelia unveiled a reinvented RENDEZ-VOUS at the Aircraft Interiors Expo (AIX) in 2025, enhancing with increased space, superior comfort, expanded storage, and seamless access in a wide-body configuration, while incorporating lighter, eco-conscious materials to minimize fuel consumption. These innovations were highlighted at AIX 2024 and 2025, where Stelia presented its full family of s emphasizing luxury and environmental responsibility. Stelia's sustainability initiatives focus on reducing and environmental impact across its products, aligning with 's zero-emission goals through the adoption of recyclable and recycled materials in premium seats. The company collaborates on advanced composites , including projects with Bombardier on innovative integration for lighter structures and with for high-end business jet components, prioritizing thermoplastic and bio-sourced materials to enhance recyclability. Future efforts emphasize preparation for sustainable by developing lighter aerostructures and fully recyclable components, as evidenced by the OPERA ESSENTIAL's recognition with the Red Dot Award for in 2025.

Global Presence

Manufacturing Facilities

Stelia Aerospace operates a network of manufacturing facilities primarily focused on the production of aerostructures and seating components, with a strong emphasis on European operations complemented by North American capabilities. The company's primary production sites include several in , where it maintains specialized assembly lines for large-scale aerostructures, incorporating technologies such as robotic systems and tools to enhance precision and efficiency. In , the Méaulte facility, located in the region, serves as the largest production site, specializing in the assembly of sections with dedicated moving production lines inaugurated in 2017. The site handles the manufacturing and integration of wing components and sections, supporting assembly processes. functions as the headquarters with integrated engineering and manufacturing operations for structural elements. The Mérignac site near supports engineering, development, and manufacturing of aerostructures and cabin components. The Salaunes facility specializes in advanced composites production. Additionally, the Rochefort facility focuses on seating production with a capacity of up to 5,000 units annually across 18,000 square meters. In May 2025, Atlantic, of which Stelia Aerospace is the cabin interiors brand, acquired two factories from in Malville and Carquefou, enhancing capabilities in A320 wing manufacturing. Internationally, Stelia Aerospace's Canadian operations include the Mirabel facility in , which specializes in composite manufacturing for the program, producing front and aft fuselage sections since 2014. The Lunenburg site in , spanning 150,000 square feet, focuses on advanced composite and metallic structures for and defense applications. In , an assembly facility in near , announced in 2019 and operational since 2022, supports aerostructure assembly with a focus on cost-efficient production to bolster overall capacity. In , the Nouaceur facility near specializes in complex metallic and composite parts assembly for aerostructures. The M'Ghira site in focuses on detailed parts manufacturing and sub-assembly for fuselage and other components. Stelia Aerospace's facilities position as its core hub for high-volume production while leveraging North American sites for specialized composite work and regional support, with additional operations in . These sites integrate advanced to maintain precision in large-scale assembly, aligning with the company's role in supply chains.

Support Offices and Subsidiaries

Stelia Aerospace's North American subsidiary, Stelia North America, is headquartered in , , operating from a 150,000 facility dedicated to administration and operations, with a secondary site in . Established in 2015 following the of Composites Atlantic, it focuses on the , development, and production of advanced composite structures using techniques such as , automatic placement, and resin transfer molding, primarily for and defense applications. The subsidiary supports key clients including , Atlantic, Bombardier, , and , contributing to programs like the F-35 and Global 7500 through mission-critical components. In March 2023, the Mirabel facility, previously known as Stelia Aerospace , was to Airbus Atlantic to better integrate with the parent company's aerostructures strategy, emphasizing composites expertise and defense technologies while planning to hire nearly 200 additional staff that year. This North American presence facilitates customer support, contract management, and localized R&D coordination, particularly by providing proximity to major clients like Bombardier in the area, thereby enhancing supply chain responsiveness and collaboration on sustainable aviation innovations. In the United States, Stelia Aerospace maintains support through Stelia Aerospace USA Inc., registered in , which handles commercial functions including sales and . Repair centers in , , and , provide after-sales and lifecycle support for cabin interiors and aerostructures, ensuring rapid response to operators. Across , a repair center in , , supports market development, engineering liaison, and customer service for regional airlines and operators, aligning with Stelia's global 24/7 support network. A similar facility in , , extends these roles to the , focusing on contract management and R&D coordination to bolster proximity to international clients and streamline the .

References

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