Frost & Sullivan Confers Prestigious Market Share Leadership Award on FACC AG

LONDON, March 29, 2012 /PRNewswire/ --

- FACC Lauded for Long-term Client Relations, Advanced Aircraft Cabin Integration Capabilities, Strong Supply Network and In-house Engineering Expertise

Based on its recent analysis of the main cabin segment for commercial aircraft interiors market, Frost & Sullivan recognises FACC AG with the 2012 Frost & Sullivan Global Market Share Leadership Award. Long-term client relationships, supported by aircraft cabin integration capabilities, a strong supply network and in-house engineering know-how underpin FACC AG's receipt of this award.

FACC AG's production volume of cabin interiors has experienced significant growth over 2011, with an overall increase of 22 per cent in global commercial aircraft interiors revenue. Its market share in the area of the global commercial aircraft main cabin production has increased by more than 20 per cent in the forward fit segment, which is FACC AG's main market focus.

"FACC AG's market share has grown on a year-on-year basis because of its product innovation and quality as well as close relationship with leading global commercial aircraft manufacturers," notes Frost & Sullivan Industry Analyst Monika Lawrzecka-Trappmann. "Its market share growth is fuelled by its capacity as a full cabin integrator, along with a strong supply chain, enabling FACC AG to offer its customers high quality products manufactured from innovative materials that make aircraft cabins lighter, quieter and more functional."

FACC AG has the necessary capabilities to fulfill all technical requirements for main cabin products, which vary with every aircraft manufacturer, in terms of airworthiness standards and tooling. This allows FACC AG an unparalleled time-to-market for new products and systems.

"In addition, FACC AG has developed a positive customer service reputation within a highly competitive market," remarks Lawrzecka-Trappmann. "Its excellent relationship with aircraft manufacturers and strong position in the cabin interiors supply chain is based on its international manufacturing and support capabilities and own supply network."

The company has the capability to provide full main cabin integration, from the first stage of design to the aftermarket support of its products. FACC AG is present across all stages of main cabin development, including design, selection and use of advanced materials, testing, tooling and finally, manufacturing.

The company's leading position as a main cabin integrator is further complemented by a robust financial base, with more than $350 million of turnover and an order backlog of nearly $3 billion. This enables FACC AG to invest in R&D and new product development.

"Furthermore, FACC AG has evolved to become an integrator of choice for the largest aircraft manufacturers globally, such as Airbus, Boeing, Bombardier, Embraer, COMAC and Sukhoi," adds Lawrzecka-Trappmann. "With its involvement in new aircraft projects, such as the A350 and C919 -for which it has developed new modern main cabins-the company is expected to reinforce its market position."

FACC AG has built an advanced supply network worldwide, with new joint-ventures in Russia and China, while screening new suppliers that have the potential to bring in new and innovative material in the cabin interior market.  The company has prepared its own material specifications, which are in full compliance with airworthiness guidelines and aim to reduce aircraft weight and fuel consumption.

"The stringent screening process for new suppliers helps identify partners that offer new innovative products that are lighter, have greater manufacturing flexibility, offer a longer life cycle and unique designs," states Lawrzecka-Trappmann. "This, in turn, translates to the manufacturing of lighter cabin products that feature better noise absorption, quality and are more durable, while offering customisation opportunities for airline end-users."

FACC AG's in-house engineering know-how has been instrumental in its dominant positioning within the cabin interior market. Its engineering team enables the company to offer innovative solutions, while contributing to the continuous improvement of its manufacturing processes, the competitiveness of its products and savings in terms of cost and time.

The Frost & Sullivan Award for Market Share Leadership is presented to the company that has demonstrated excellence in capturing the highest market share within its industry.  The Award recognises the company's leadership position within the industry in terms of revenues or units, as specified.

Frost & Sullivan Best Practices awards recognise companies in a variety of regional and global markets for demonstrating outstanding achievement and superior performance in areas such as leadership, technological innovation, customer service, and strategic product development. Industry analysts compare market participants and measure performance through in-depth interviews, analysis, and extensive secondary research to identify best practices in the industry.

About FACC AG

FACC AG is one of the world's leading companies in the development and production of advanced fiber reinforced composite components and systems for the aviation industry. Its range of products reaches from structural components for the fuselage, empennage and wings to engine components to complete passenger cabins for passenger planes and helicopters. The three divisions Aerostructures, Engines & Nacelles and Interiors occupy top positions in their respective markets. FACC is a supplier to all large aircraft manufacturers such as Airbus, Boeing, Bombardier, Embraer, Sukhoi, COMAC as well as for engine manufacturers and sub-suppliers of manufacturers.

FACC excels in its role as a systems integrator and covers the entire value added chain of modern supply production - from conception to design, including static engineering and qualification, to tool design and manufacturing and full serial production. Its strengths lie in its creativity and flexibility in undertaking new development projects together with its full and precise adherence to the high quality demands of its customers.

About Frost & Sullivan

Frost & Sullivan, the Growth Partnership Company, enables clients to accelerate growth and achieve best-in-class positions in growth, innovation and leadership. The company's Growth Partnership Service provides the CEO and the CEO's Growth Team with disciplined research and best-practice models to drive the generation, evaluation, and implementation of powerful growth strategies. Frost & Sullivan leverages 50 years of experience in partnering with Global 1000 companies, emerging businesses and the investment community from more than 40 offices on six continents. To join our Growth Partnership, please visit http://www.frost.com.

Contact:
Catherine Brassell
Best Practices
e: catherine.brassell@frost.com
t: +442079157867