The 44th Paris Air Show took place at Le Bourget Airport from June 17 through June 24, 2001. French President Jacques Chirac and Prime Minister Lionel Jospin were both in attendance, as were more than 1,861 exhibitors from 42 countries around the world. Makino President Don Lane was one of those in attendance. “I think there’s a lot of excitement over in Europe about the advances being made in the aerospace industry, and that excitement was evident at the Paris Air Show,” Lane says. “You do come away with the realization that aerospace is still a very big business, and that the industry has a lot more going for it, even during our current economy, than many may realize.”

Lane notes that many of the suppliers he talked with were still very positive on the aerospace industry, and that demand for quality supplies and suppliers is still paramount. “There is a lot of pride out there on both sides. And that pride is generating new ideas, spurring on new investments, and stimulating new processes for manufacturers and suppliers. That is leading to the demand for new equipment to meet the ‘need for speed’ in the industry. Faster times to market and reduced cycle times for manufacturing makes modern technological innovations in manufacturing essential; we’re finding we just can’t go fast enough!”

Reduction in supply cost was a key issue discussed at the show. “There was a lot of talk about cost reduction,” Lane says, “and that reinforces Makino’s strategies for developing new processes and new machines.” Lane cites Makino’s MAG4 high-speed machining center as one example.

However, Lane adds that design work and process development is underway right now, which is good news for parts manufacturers. “New technology and processes should help create high quality and reduced cost parts for this growing marketplace,” says Lane. “More than any other industry, the plane and engine OEM’s in aerospace are seeking out and validating new approaches.”

Lane concludes that one thing is certain; aerospace manufacturing is booming around the world. “I was also impressed with how global the industry truly is in aerospace manufacturing. The Paris AirShow is a microcosm of what the word marketplace is really like. And, if a supplier anywhere is only dealing with the company down the street or in the neighboring area, opportunities for growth are being missed. Every supplier in the world, large or small, should be at Paris to really understand the potential which exists for new customers, new relationships and new business opportunities.”

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