The conference titled “Aeronautics and MRO: SAAB’s strategy & business development through innovation” was arranged by Saab group and Dr. Christophe Bénaroya (TBS) for both ExecutiveMBA and Aerospace MBA programs in the frame of the Career Booster and was attended by many Delegates from both cohorts and TBS faculty members.
The conference started with the introduction of the speakers from Saab group. Dr Franck Dupuy (delegate AeMBA, FT18) quickly introduced speakers to TBS delegates and gave the stage to Saab speakers.
Mr Claude Rodier (SAAB sales director, French market coordinator) started his speech by introducing Saab group and their foot in Aerospace and Defence sector. He confirmed that Saab group being engineering oriented Swedish company has been into many businesses; from cars to submarines to space. They have designed Next Generation submarine for Swedish Navy and they are mainly defence focused so far but now they are willing to spread their wings in different aerospace sectors.
Having said that Saab group is a major in car manufacturing and has manufactured dual tech remote controlled car but their decision of putting step into French market is nothing to do with car manufacturing. They want to enter Aerospace sector in France as Saab group finds the French market a most strategic market for aerospace business.
Saab group has opened their new office in Paris, France.
Mr Rodier also assured that Saab group is not entering French market for the competition but to form a synergy with Aerospace giants present in the country. Saab group being Swedish well known company for many years wants to straighten ties between Sweden and France.
Ms Anna Gandal (Business Devt & Strategy, SAAB Avionics Systems) took the stage in next half of the conference. She started saying “Together we can do something better”. Saab group is seeking for a robust platform to start their journey on French soil. As France being home for aerospace in EU, Saab group is willing to enter France.
Saab group is already a supplier of avionic systems for Airbus A400M and A330 programs and their expertise lie in military sector.
Saab group wants to come up with something new by combining military concepts in a commercial sector. She also explained few new ideas like Remote Towers for air traffic control on smaller airfields and “Clean Sky 2” concept which they are developing with collaboration with Thales group.
Talking about Saab and TBS connections, both speakers confirmed that they believe in TBS and want TBS to develop a Business model concept for them. Mr. Rodier said “we want to do better with the less” where as Ms Anna Gandal showcased their strategy as “”.
After the speech, both speakers took some time out to answer questions of Delegates and TBS faculties. At 7.15pm the conference concluded.
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