Attending the 2025 Paris Airshow was a great opportunity to connect with industry leaders and get a firsthand look at changes in the sector. The event highlighted some fascinating trends shaping the future of the industry, and there’s a palpable sense of optimism in the air. However, even with this optimism, some challenges and exciting opportunities continue to emerge.
Optimism Meets Restraint: Production Constraints
The most striking takeaway from the show was the high level of optimism among the CEOs I spoke with. While business is booming, companies are feeling constrained by maxed-out production capacity. This is a common issue as companies have little room left to expand their output, yet there is no shortage of demand. The industry is at a crossroads, struggling to meet demand while trying to maintain high levels of quality and efficiency.
Boeing and Shifting Industry Dynamics
The ongoing challenges at Boeing continue to impact businesses that rely heavily on their production. However, many companies are finding ways to mitigate this challenge by shifting their focus to Airbus, expanding in the defense market, or capitalizing on growth opportunities in the space sector. This shift is leading to a more diverse landscape where businesses are spreading their risk and tapping into new revenue streams.
M&A Activity Driving Leadership Movement
As the aerospace industry continues to evolve, significant M&A activity is taking place. This trend is expected to bring a solid uptick in talent movement as companies reposition and realign their leadership to meet new strategic objectives.
As we continue to see these trends unfold, McDermott + Bull is here to support companies navigating these shifts by providing leadership solutions tailored to the unique needs of the aerospace industry. To discuss these insights further or explore how we can help you meet your leadership needs, don’t hesitate to reach out.
About the Author
Aaron Griffin
Managing Director
agriffin@mbexec.com
310.560.9774
Aaron Griffin serves as a Managing Director at McDermott + Bull and is part of the firm’s Aviation, Aerospace, + Defense Practice, based in Los Angeles. He has over 10 years of experience in executive search, supporting clients in aviation, aerospace, and transportation with their most critical hires.
Aaron brings strong expertise leading searches on a global scale. His executive network encompasses the aerospace manufacturing supply chain, aviation airport services, and the wider transportation landscape, enabling him to provide world-class talent to his clients.
Originally from the U.K., Aaron currently resides in Los Angeles and is fluent in German. He holds a Bachelor of Laws from the University of Sheffield and a Master of Arts in medical law and ethics from King’s College London. In his free time, Aaron can be found skiing, hiking, and enjoying the outdoors.