As aircraft manufacturers race to increase production and work through record order backlogs, engineering expertise has become one of the aviation industry’s most valuable assets. Against that backdrop, French technology and consulting group Sopra Steria has moved to expand its footprint in aerospace manufacturing through exclusive negotiations to acquire the Manufacturing Engineering business of Daher Industrial Services.
The proposed transaction would add a specialised aerospace engineering operation with decades of experience supporting aircraft production programmes, strengthening Sopra Steria’s position in one of Europe’s most strategically important industries.
While financial terms have not been disclosed, the deal reflects growing demand for industrial engineering services as aircraft manufacturers seek ways to improve production efficiency, maintain quality standards and overcome ongoing supply chain challenges.
Building a Stronger Presence in Aerospace
For Sopra Steria, the acquisition is about far more than adding another business unit. It represents an opportunity to broaden its capabilities across the aerospace value chain and expand the services it can offer to major aviation customers.
The Manufacturing Engineering division of Daher Industrial Services specialises in supporting aircraft production from the earliest planning stages through to ongoing operational improvements. Its expertise spans both pre-production activities and industrial support services designed to help manufacturers increase output while maintaining operational performance.
These capabilities have become increasingly important as aerospace companies face mounting pressure to deliver aircraft faster while preserving the industry’s rigorous safety and quality standards.
By integrating the business into its existing operations, Sopra Steria would gain additional engineering resources and specialised manufacturing knowledge that complements its wider technology and consulting activities.
A Business Built Around Aerospace Production
The unit being acquired has established itself as a specialist provider of manufacturing engineering services within the aerospace sector.
Its work begins long before an aircraft reaches the production line. Teams support manufacturers during the preparation phase, helping design and optimise industrial processes, production workflows and manufacturing systems.
Once production is underway, the business provides operational support focused on improving efficiency, maintaining quality standards and helping customers achieve targeted production rates.
The division also delivers services related to industrial performance management, manufacturing continuity and quality assurance—areas that have become increasingly critical as aerospace programmes grow more complex and production schedules become more demanding.
With a workforce of more than 360 employees, primarily based in France, the business generated revenue of more than €42 million during 2025, highlighting its established role within the aerospace manufacturing ecosystem.
Airbus Relationship Adds Strategic Value
One of the most significant aspects of the proposed acquisition is the business’s longstanding relationship with Airbus.
The European aircraft manufacturer has been the division’s principal customer for nearly three decades, with cooperation dating back to 1995. During that time, the engineering teams have supported a variety of industrial activities linked to Airbus production programmes.
That experience provides deep familiarity with the operational requirements of one of the world’s largest aircraft manufacturers.
For Sopra Steria, the acquisition would not only add engineering expertise but also strengthen its position within the broader Airbus supply chain environment. As Airbus continues efforts to raise production rates across key aircraft families, demand for specialist engineering and industrial support services is expected to remain strong.
The relationship also demonstrates the level of trust and technical competence developed by the business over many years of collaboration with a leading aerospace customer.
Industry Faces Production Pressures
The timing of the transaction is closely linked to wider developments across the global aviation sector.
Aircraft manufacturers are currently balancing strong demand from airlines against a range of operational challenges. Airlines continue to place large orders for new aircraft as passenger traffic grows and fleets undergo renewal programmes aimed at improving fuel efficiency and reducing emissions.
At the same time, manufacturers are contending with labour shortages, supply chain bottlenecks and increasing pressure to accelerate deliveries.
For companies such as Airbus, meeting production targets requires not only parts and materials but also highly specialised engineering expertise capable of improving factory performance and supporting industrial scalability.
Manufacturing engineering has therefore become a critical area of investment throughout the aerospace industry. Businesses that can streamline production processes, improve workflow efficiency and enhance quality control are playing an increasingly important role in helping manufacturers achieve ambitious output goals.
Supporting Long-Term Aerospace Ambitions
The acquisition aligns with Sopra Steria’s broader strategy of expanding its presence in sectors where digital expertise and industrial know-how increasingly overlap.
Modern aircraft manufacturing relies heavily on data, automation and advanced engineering tools. As aerospace companies modernise production systems and embrace digital transformation initiatives, service providers capable of combining technological expertise with industrial knowledge are becoming more valuable.
Sopra Steria believes the addition of Daher Industrial Services’ Manufacturing Engineering activities will strengthen its ability to support customers throughout the lifecycle of major aerospace programmes.
The company has increasingly positioned itself as a partner capable of delivering both digital and operational transformation, and the acquisition would further reinforce that approach.
Beyond immediate business opportunities, the move also reflects confidence in the long-term outlook for European aerospace manufacturing. Industry forecasts continue to point toward sustained growth in air travel and ongoing demand for new commercial aircraft, creating opportunities for companies that support production and industrial performance.
Completion Expected Later This Year
The proposed acquisition remains subject to consultations with employee representative bodies and customary regulatory approvals before it can be finalised.
If those processes proceed as expected, the transaction is anticipated to close during the second half of the year.
For Sopra Steria, the deal would mark another step in its expansion within aerospace engineering. For the wider industry, it highlights the growing importance of manufacturing expertise as aircraft producers work to increase output, improve efficiency and navigate one of the most demanding production environments the sector has faced in years.
For more on Daher, see: Daher Expands Safran Logistics Across Europe
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