Center of excellence

Aeronautics

As the world capital of civil aviation, Toulouse's history is closely linked to that of the French aerospace industry. With its headquarters based in Toulouse, the AIRBUS group has structured and developed a unique ecosystem.

World capital
of aeronautics

Between AIRBUS long-haul aircraft and ATR regional aircraft, Toulouse manufactures and exports aircraft operated worldwide.

Among the most delivered aircraft are the A320, A330 and A350 families, as well as the ATR 42 and ATR 72.

65,000

jobs in the aeronautics sector are based in Toulouse

25%

of French aeronautics R&D is invested in Toulouse

In this context, several aircraft manufacturers have emerged locally or established themselves in the region:

Aura Aero is developing a family of two-seater aircraft designed for aerobatics, pilot training and leisure travel, as well as a hybrid-electric regional transport aircraft and a MALE drone.

Beyond Aero is building an electric business aircraft powered by hydrogen, capable of carrying six passengers over a distance of 800 NM (1,500 km).

Ascendance is building a hybrid electric VTOL aircraft, reducing the environmental impact of air transport, as well as noise pollution and costs.

Blue Spirit Aero is developing a range of innovative zero-emission aircraft characterised by low noise levels, unrivalled safety and reduced operating costs, thanks to the use of innovative technologies based on hydrogen energy and an electric powertrain.

Several drone manufacturers have also emerged: DELAIR, Donecle, H3 Dynamics, Diodon and TIDAV.

All key industrial stages of aircraft construction are present in Toulouse: design, certification, manufacturing, final assembly of aircraft (FAL) and flight testing. This industrial chain is supported by a cutting-edge ecosystem: the Safran group and its many divisions (Safran Nacelles, Safran Electrical and Power, Safran Cabin, Safran Power Unit), Collins RTX, Latecoere, Liebherr, Thalès Avionics and Services, Daher, etc.

In Toulouse, the entire ecosystem is focused on innovation: materials, air-ground connectivity, AI-driven decision-making, operational optimisation (flight paths, ground consumption, etc.).

An ecosystem conducive to R&D

Research centres

Toulouse brings together cutting-edge organisations that support the local aeronautics industry and are exclusively dedicated to the sector:

ONERA: the French National Aerospace Research Agency
IRT Saint-Exupéry: the Research and Technology Institute
DGA Techniques Aérospatiales: the French Ministry of the Armed Forces’ expert in aircraft safety, knowledge of the electromagnetic environment, air transport, materials expertise and the operational safety of critical on-board systems.

Other research centres also have technologies applied to the sector: CEA Tech, ANITI, CIRIMAT, Laplace and CRITT.

Internationally recognised engineering schools specialising in aeronautics

ENAC: École Nationale de l’Aviation Civile (civil aviation authority) (airline pilots and technicians, air traffic management)
ISAE – SUPAERO: Aeronautical engineering (design, construction, airworthiness)
ENSEEIHT: Electronic, mechanical and telecommunications sciences
INP-ENSIACET: Chemical and materials engineering
IPSA: School of aerospace and sustainable mobility engineering

Toulouse is buzzing with aeronautical innovation, driven by a collective dynamic that is unique in Europe. At the heart of this excitement, Aerospace Valley – from its headquarters at B612 – animates and unites an ecosystem of excellence bringing together institutions, manufacturers and research laboratories. The MAELE (Light and Environmentally Responsible Air Mobility) initiative is a concrete example of this: it structures and accelerates synergies between large groups, SMEs, start-ups and research centres to bring about the technologies of tomorrow. In Toulouse, the conditions are in place for every company in the sector to get a head start.

Aerospace Valley

#chooseToulouse

H3 Dynamics

Founded in 2021, H3 Dynamics aims to accelerate the aviation industry’s transition to cleaner and more autonomous solutions by leveraging hydrogen propulsion and robotics. Toulouse, with its strong ecosystem of innovation in the aerospace and hydrogen sectors, was a natural choice for H3 Dynamics, which wanted to expand its R&D efforts in Europe.

Are you looking to expand your business in the aerospace industry?

Toulouse has everything you need to accelerate your projects: a comprehensive industrial ecosystem, cutting-edge research centres, internationally renowned engineering schools and a network of public and private stakeholders committed to supporting innovation. Choose Toulouse to benefit from a unique environment that combines technological excellence, local synergies and international openness.