About the book
The Business of Aerospace is a compilation of many of Antoine Gélain’s writings for Aviation Week & Space Technology published throughout the last decade. Organized by themes and complemented by brief commentaries introducing underlying business concepts or additional information, these reader-friendly columns are personal viewpoints that bring a fresh and insightful perspective on the aerospace industry. They draw on the author’s unique combination of functional expertise (studying and advising on corporate strategy) and industry expertise (working in and with the aerospace industry).
From the rise of Elon Musk to Dassault’s secret sauce, from the Airbus-Boeing rivalry to the new industry predators, from Western aerospace nations’ proud past to their uncertain future, and from the lost art of air travel to the purpose of space exploration, these short case studies offer a comprehensive, 360-degree view of the key themes relevant to the business of aerospace today, including some pointers to a post-Covid-19 industry revival.
The main purpose of this book is to help aerospace engineering students and young professionals better understand the business side of the industry while familiarizing themselves with generic business strategy and innovation concepts. Most books about the industry are either technical books or historical accounts of iconic companies or products. Yet, aerospace is not only about engineering and technology. It is a fully-fledged business with its own economics, competitive dynamics, key success factors and managerial challenges. And it is a complex business, not only because every airplane or rocket is made up of millions of parts produced by thousands of companies all over the world, but also because it is considered a “strategic” industry by many nations and therefore subject to the political powerplays that often interfere with rational business and managerial decision-making.
Contents
Download the table of contents HERE
Testimonials
"Consider Gélain's book not only a comprehensive review of what has been happening in the Aerospace and Defense sector, but even more importantly the readers should consider: what is applicable to my business? What assumptions have I made about the industry and trends that I need to question? Does my strategy that was previously developed, match the changes that the industry is undergoing? Just asking those questions after reading this book will bring valuable insights."
Barry A. Matsumori, CEO at BridgeComm, Inc., Former SVP of Sales and Business Development at SpaceX
“Antoine takes us on a breathtaking journey through the aerospace industry’s recent history, demonstrating how quickly it has changed, and that we are still just in the early stages of a new paradigm. His timely references to Clay Christensen’s disruptive innovation theory certainly emphasized for me its relevance in analyzing these industry’s dynamics."
Peter Platzer, CEO at Spire Global, Inc.
“A sharp, insightful analysis of the aerospace sector evolution over the last 15 years and some timely pointers for its future. A must-read for anyone who wants to understand this industry.”
Patrick Ky, Executive Director at European Aviation Safety Agency (EASA)
“Antoine is by far one of the most knowledgeable aerospace experts in the world, and his ability to draw holistic insights is unparalleled. The scope of the book truly encompasses the “bigger picture”, as it dives deep, wide, long and broad into this fascinating industry. This is a must-read for anyone interested in both the strategic aspects as well as the possible futures ahead for the aerospace sector.”
Roger Spitz, President at Techistential and Chairman at Disruptive Futures Institute
“Antoine Gélain’s book offers invaluable insights on the aerospace and defense industry through a collection of seemingly unassuming – but fun to read – snippets about aircraft, the companies that make them, the technologies they incorporate, the politics that surround them, and much more. Reading this book is like admiring an impressionist painting: as you step back, the big picture slowly emerges from all the dots.”
Pierre Dussauge, Professor of Business Strategy at HEC Paris Business School, author of several books in the field of strategic management (1995 McKinsey award for best management book published in France)