Service 01 / 06
Entering the French Aerospace Market
France is one of the world's leading aerospace countries, with major OEMs, a dense network of subcontracting SMEs and industrial clusters in Occitanie, Nouvelle-Aquitaine and the Paris region. Entering it means knowing the players, the business customs and how decisions are made. For more than 40 years, M2I has helped North American companies establish themselves there.
The context
An open market, but not one to explore alone
The French aerospace market runs largely on networks, references and qualification. A technically strong offer is not enough: you need to reach the right people, at the right time, with a proposal that fits local expectations.
- 01
Finding the right buyers
Between OEMs, tier 1 and tier 2 suppliers, working out who buys what and who decides takes time.
- 02
Choosing the right structure
Agent, distributor, industrial partner or subsidiary: each option comes with different costs and timelines.
- 03
Understanding the customs
Language, decision pace, contractual formality: the differences with North America are real and often underestimated.
How we help
Contact us01
Targeted market analysis
We assess the potential for your product or service in France: market size, competitors already present, pricing, and the OEMs and suppliers to target first.
02
Entry strategy
We compare the options with you – direct sales, sales agent, industrial partnership, subsidiary or joint venture – and recommend the one that fits your goals and budget.
03
Risk assessment
Before you commit, we list the legal, regulatory, tax and cultural points to watch, and how to handle them.
04
First meetings
We set up meetings with the right people and accompany you on site, in English and in French.
05
Launch follow-up
During the first months, we stay with you to adjust the approach based on market feedback.
What you get
- A market and competition summary
- A prioritized list of target companies
- A costed recommendation for your entry model
- An action plan with steps and timeline
- Qualified first meetings
Who is it for?
North American equipment makers
Who want to sell their products to French aerospace manufacturers.
Subcontractors and material suppliers
Who are looking for new customers in Europe, starting from France.
Companies planning a presence in France
Who are considering an office, a production site or a subsidiary.
- Years of Experience
- 40+
- Successful Supply Chain Partnerships
- 11
- Candidates Placed
- 20+
- Countries Served
- 15+
Who you work with
A partner who knows both sides of the Atlantic
M2I was founded in 1983 by Jean-Jacques Monge. For more than 40 years, he has supported industrial companies between France and North America: market entry, partnerships, supply, hiring. Every project is followed at each step, in English and in French.
Jean-Jacques Monge
Founder and President of M2I
How we work
01
First call
A call to understand your project, your constraints and your timeline. No commitment.
02
Assessment
Review of your situation and target market, identification of the right contacts and the risks.
03
Action plan
A concrete roadmap: steps, contacts, budget and timeline.
04
On-the-ground support
We stay with you during execution, in France and in North America.
They Trusted Us
Frequently asked questions
How long does it take to enter the French market?+
It depends on the product and the model you choose. The assessment and roadmap usually take a few weeks; first contracts often take several months because of supplier qualification processes.
Do we need to set up a company in France?+
Not necessarily. Depending on your goals, a sales agent or a local industrial partner can be enough at first. We help you pick the right approach.
Do you work with companies of all sizes?+
Yes. We support SMEs approaching Europe for the first time as well as groups strengthening their presence in France.
What happens during the first call?+
A phone or video call to understand your project. Afterwards, we tell you how we can help and suggest a first step.
Our other services
- 02Finding an Industrial Partner in FranceReliable subcontractors and suppliers in France
- 03Aerospace Regulatory ComplianceCustomer requirements, files and qualification
- 04Aerospace Supply Chain OptimizationLead times, costs, quality and material supply
- 05Machining and Manufacturing in FrancePrecision machining, engineering, site setup
- 06France – North America IntegrationGetting French and US teams to work together
Contact Us
Have a question or project in mind? Let us know by filling out this form and we'll get back to you quickly.
Contact Us
Have a question or project in mind? Let us know by filling out this form and we'll get back to you quickly.