Daher-Socata is still considering expanding its manufacturing presence in North America, after having been selected as the supplier of main landing gear doors on the recently announced Gulfstream G500 and G600. The French aerostructure specialist had been quietly working on the carbon-fiber doors for two years. Gulfstream “has been happy with our first deliveries,” Daher group marketing director Vincent Chanron told AIN.
The existing contracts can thus be seen as progress in a wider Daher Group strategy to expand in North America. The ultimate goal is to become a Tier 1 partner with Boeing and will likely involve building or acquiring a production facility in the U.S., Chanron confirmed. Another option could be expanding the company’s existing factory in Nogales, Mexico, he said.
Meanwhile, Daher-Socata plans to deliver 35 to 40 TBM900 turboprop singles this year in the U.S.