Liebherr Aerospace
| Company type | Société Anonyme |
|---|---|
| Industry | Aerospace and Transportation Systems |
| Founded | 1960 |
| Headquarters | Toulouse |
| Products | Flight control systems, landing gears, integrated air management systems, bleed air systems, wing anti-ice; air conditioning, actuation and power supply systems for rail cars |
| Revenue | €1.4 billion in 2019 (€1.3bn in 2016) |
Number of employees | 6,200 (2019) |
| Website | www |
Liebherr-Aerospace represents the aerospace equipment manufacturing arm within the Liebherr Group. Functioning as an original equipment manufacturer (OEM), it primarily operates in a B2B environment, resulting in minimal direct consumer exposure.
In 2016, this division achieved revenues of €1.3 billion ($1.5 billion), significantly bolstering the Liebherr Group’s overall sales of €9 billion and reflecting an approximate 5% growth in turnover. The workforce numbered around 5,400 employees worldwide, concentrated mainly at production and assembly sites located in Toulouse and Lindenberg.
Additional operational locations encompass Saline (Michigan, USA), Singapore, Dubai (UAE), Laval (Canada), Shanghai maintenance facility, Bangalore (India), Campsas (France), Guaratinguetá (Brazil), and Nizhny Novgorod (Russia).
The production plants in Lindenberg and Toulouse possess Design Organization Approval (DOA) certifications granted by the European Aviation Safety Agency (EASA), authorizing their work on landing gear, air management systems, and flight control actuation components.
Production and other activities
Liebherr-Aerospace delivers a range of aerospace products including aircraft flight control and actuation mechanisms, landing gear, air management solutions such as bleed air and wing anti-ice systems, onboard electronics, as well as gears and gearboxes. These offerings support various aircraft categories including wide-body jets, single-aisle planes, regional aircraft, business jets, combat aircraft, military transporters, training planes, along with both civil and military helicopters.
Situated in Toulouse, Liebherr-Aerospace benefits strategically from its closeness to Airbus, one of its principal clients.
Besides manufacturing operations, the company provides maintenance and overhaul services for components currently in service. It also conducts specialized training programs aimed at mechanics, engineers, and other professionals responsible for aircraft equipped with Liebherr technology.
USM – Used Serviceable Materials
In July 2018, Liebherr-Aerospace broadened its service portfolio by launching a global network for USM parts operated from Dubai. This initiative involves reclaiming components from decommissioned aircraft, refurbishing them to meet airworthiness standards under the "Repaired by Liebherr" certification label. Initially concentrating on Airbus fleets, this service caters to operators managing aging fleets who require OEM-grade parts while aiming to reduce operational expenses.
Research and development
In 2017, the company allocated nearly €70 million ($82 million) to R&D, accounting for more than 17% of its revenue.
B777X Wingtips
One notable recent development is the engineering of folding wingtips for the 777X. The increased wingspan of this model necessitated foldable wingtips to conform to the same wingspan classification as the Boeing 777. These wingtips unfold during takeoff to extend the wingspan, thereby improving fuel economy. This folding wingtip technology represents a pioneering advancement in commercial aviation.
3D Printing and Fuel Cells
Liebherr utilizes 3D printing methods to produce parts, enabling notable decreases in weight. The company also dedicates resources to developing titanium components that enhance performance, particularly for the Airbus A350 model. In collaboration with General Motors, Liebherr is advancing fuel cell technology designed to substitute traditional aircraft auxiliary power units (APUs), aiming to lower emissions. Meanwhile, GM is concentrating on employing fuel cells as the main power source for electric cars.
Hyperloop
Liebherr-Aerospace has teamed up with TransPod to conduct research, development, and manufacture new cabin and vehicle thermal systems specifically engineered for the TransPod hyperloop project, prioritizing safety, operational efficiency, and passenger comfort.
Presence at recent events
Liebherr-Aerospace consistently participates in leading industry exhibitions such as the ILA Berlin Air Show and the Farnborough Airshow, where it highlights its aerospace innovations and strengthens its market footprint.
Incidents
On 18 July 2018, an explosion took place at Liebherr-Aerospace's facility in Toulouse caused by a valve malfunction within a high-pressure air circulation system functioning at approximately 25 Bars—equivalent to 25 times atmospheric pressure. The resulting blast was audible several kilometers away. Emergency responders attended to 39 employees onsite; among them, 12 suffered respiratory and auditory complications, with three individuals requiring hospitalization at Toulouse Purpan Hospital.
Customers
The main clientele of Liebherr Aerospace consists of airframe manufacturers, while airlines also procure direct maintenance and troubleshooting support. Notable customers include: